Keeping bum-high youngster entertained

[dapple_grey]

My Irish Draft mare was 4 in June and is rather bum-high. Since buying her a few months ago, she's done a lot of groundwork (long-reining, hand walks, walking over poles) and has been sat on twice. I mentioned this on another thread, and following that have decided I won't be getting back on her until she's evened up a bit.

I'd be more than happy to give her a total break in the field until this happens, however the yard she's on has rotated fields and she's now on a lot of grass. Being an ID, I'm wary of her piling on the pounds. She's also very forward thinking and loves learning. Is there anything I could do with her, possibly more mentally challenging than physically, that could keep her entertained whilst she's growing? She seems to really enjoy groundwork but I'm conscious of doing too much.

She lives out 24/7 and is now wearing a muzzle. She's only a small type at 15.2/3 so not going to be a giant ID.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I gave Orbi toys in his field, he has a massive yoga ball, various kong toys and cuddly toys and I know he plays with them as there are chew marks l
We just like kicking about together, sometimes just go for a walk and graze the verges and roughage

 

[LEC]

Look up doing liberty work. It’s quite fun and easy on horses.

Ben Atkinson covers how to start on this video.

 

[rhino]

You could look at online challenges like Top Barn or the Alternative Equine Club. I have a very friendly, very smart and very very trainable yearling and we’ve had great fun doing in hand training challenges, treasure hunts and a 3 phase Trec training challenge so far.

It’s brought together a mix of basic handling, groundwork and a touch of liberty work, all good fun and with a bit of ‘purpose’ without doing any repetitive stuff.

 

[dapple_grey]

This looks perfect, thank you!

 

[tda]

I'd carry on with in hand walks and or long reining, so useful for traffic training and getting out and seeing stuff.
My friend did the Top Barn challenge

 

[Ali27]

My 4 year old (ID x Welsh) loves going out on inhand walks! I gave her a month’s break but now lightly hacking a couple of times a week and I’m going to start doing some inhand work in arena with spooky stuff like plastic/ umbrellas etc!

 

[sbloom]

In hand Trec, horse agility. Have a look at Jec Balloon's book 55 exercises though I LOVE Annie Dillon Horsemanship and her course if you really want to get into posture, balance etc.

 

[dapple_grey]

In hand Trec, horse agility. Have a look at Jec Balloon's book 55 exercises though I LOVE Annie Dillon Horsemanship and her course if you really want to get into posture, balance etc.

I‘ve actually recently bought that book and it’s such an interesting read! I’ve been working my way through the exercises with her.