Running with the horse

Lynds

Lynds

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I have recently taken up running and am aiming to be running 5k in the next couple of weeks.

I was wondering if anyone on here 'ran' with their horse?

Trying to combine my fitness with his too?!

Any tips for not getting trodden on? I'm no inhand showing expert!
 
I don't "run" unless being chased by something life threatening

However if I were to, I would use a 3m lead rope and keep the horse at a safe distance so they didn't accidently trample me!
 
I don't think you'd be running in a terribly effective way if you had a horse with you. Unless your horse is already trained to heel like a dog!

I'd suggest your fears of what might go wrong are probably justified ;)
 
ummmmmmm, not terribly encouraging! I might have a go and see how I get on. Pony is pretty laid back/lazy - I think more likely problem will be him dragging behind and rolling eyes at another stupid 'lyndsay idea' whilst I try to jolly him along! :-)

How do people 'train' horses for inhand showing?
 
I have done and it's quite good fun, but then all my hacking is competely offroad, so I just avoid the narrow tracks and run at the horses shoulder, as I do when I am leading him. He follows me around anyway though, so it didn't take much to have him 'get' the idea. It's quite exciting for the first few 100 meters though. He's also only just a horse - not sure i'd like to try it with my sisters 17.2hh TB!

I got my friend to ride him when I was running once. He really does stay in perfect timing with me at whatever pace I am running at, he completely ignored her all together for the entire route. Thankfully it appears to just be me that he follows, not random joggers. :D

I don't do it all that often though, and weather has put paid to it since the end of last summer. :(
 
I've actually just started doing this with my 13hh pony. We both probably look totally mental but we both need to drop some weight
To be fair though we're not that good pony tends to want to gallop off/ plant itself at some grass luckily I'm rubbish at running so not too bad but if your a serious runner is probably not the best
 
If I went running with my horse it'd be for one reason only... so that after 100 yards I could get on its back and go for a ride instead!
 
I was hacking out a lovely wee highland for a lady and persuaded OH to come to. He entained himself by running off closely followed by pony who thought this was a great game. I was giggling to much to have much say :rolleyes::o

ergo I think it would be quite easy for the horse to 'get it' however I don't think y shoulders would like being restricted by having to hold onto something.
 
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Endurance people do it!

I'd say if you train a bit and get the right equipment, plus have the right places to run, it would be doable.

Personally, I'd use a pressure halter, rather than a bridle or head collar and practice in an enclosed area. The first few times I might longe first, too.
 
I do it, it's very enjoyable :) He matches pace with me and clearly enjoys it. I had put in a lot of training on leading though, so he can already be safely led in pretty much any situation, and will always maintain a comfortable distance away, not pull, crowd me or speed up unasked.

In fact, yes, he leads like a very well trained dog :D

It gets both of us fit. Sometimes I just take him out for a run, sometimes he's tacked up and I alternate running and riding (wear Mark Todd Mountain boots which are comfortable for running short distances).

We have safe traffic free but tarmac routes that make it safe and comfortable too (and we slow to a walk to pass other track users).

ETA - he's 17hh - size isn't an issue, it's more to do with being confident your horse understands the "rules".
 
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excellent, I might give it a whirl then! My OH quiet often runs with us when I ride anyway so pony is used to jogging along behind!

I am all off road too, so no worries re cars (which wierdly give you loads of room when on top try to drive as close as they can to a horse and leader?!)
 
which wierdly give you loads of room when on top try to drive as close as they can to a horse and leader?!)
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I'm glad it's not just me that's noticed this! Drives me mad :rolleyes: I have actually done a little enraged dance on the road one day when leading horse the short distance back to field and a bus practically ran over my big toe... I think I may have jumped up and down and shouted "What exactly about WIDE and SLOW was not clear?" :D
 
I do it too, either in the school or out on 'hacks'... Pony used to be a bit of a planter when being led, but he is now clicker trained to focus on a target and is much more forward on the ground as a result.
 
I do this quite a bit with Spud. He's a pain to get fit at home as he switches off if you try and do the same thing too often with him, so running just gives an additional thing I can do with him and keep him motivated. He's quite a good running partner as he's learnt to match my pace now.
 
I do this with my welshie - though it's me who needs the 'conditioning' these days to be able to run her up properly in a showring.

The tips above are good - use a longish lead, do some practice (you'll find that the horse will keep pace with you really well). Also if at all possible change sides so you are leading from both left and right - for the same reasons as changing diagonals at trot.

It can be really good fun.
 
Brightbay said:
I do it, it's very enjoyable :) He matches pace with me and clearly enjoys it. I had put in a lot of training on leading though, so he can already be safely led in pretty much any situation, and will always maintain a comfortable distance away, not pull, crowd me or speed up unasked.

In fact, yes, he leads like a very well trained dog :D

It gets both of us fit. Sometimes I just take him out for a run, sometimes he's tacked up and I alternate running and riding (wear Mark Todd Mountain boots which are comfortable for running short distances).

We have safe traffic free but tarmac routes that make it safe and comfortable too (and we slow to a walk to pass other track users).

ETA - he's 17hh - size isn't an issue, it's more to do with being confident your horse understands the "rules".
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This.

In fact all my youngster go out like well trained dogs before I ride them .... Establish the rules and your required personal space in walk ... Then do bits of trot then back to walk (trot can be exciting... ) then just work on trotting for longer and longer :) I use a NH style halter and long lead rope.
 
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