What can you do with 15 retired horses?

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Ani.m.d

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About 2 years ago, I started a part time job as a groom for a private yard. Dont get me wrong, my boss is a lovely old lady but shes never really sure of much!- so when i arrived on my first day i asked 'what do you want me to do', hoping i would find out about the horses routines, she simply replied 'use your initiative.' 2 years later, i am still working at the very same yard as head groom, with 15 retired horses. These horses vary from 10 yr olds to 30 yr olds, and each day i will come in to check each of them over and groom them. (I also lunge the fatties!) As well as this I bath them when its warm enough and do any field work/ feeding/ care that needs doing. So basically (apologies for this massive intro!) i was wondering, is there anything else that i can do for these horses other than practically groom? It just feels like alot of the time many of these horses; especially the younger ones, are getting bored and would just love something a bit more exiting in thier lives! (YOLO and all ;)) So yeah any suggestions would be great! Thankyou for readifg this massive essay!!!
Ps none of the horses can be ridden due to problems or age

Thankyou ! xxx:D
 
What a task to take on, and very important that for the sake of the horses they have some one responsible to see that they are cared for.

It is hard to keep younger ones from getting bored, but giving them love and attention goes a long way to helping with this. My two youngsters really enjoy the time I spend with them grooming them and giving them attention.

What a shame they can not be ridden.

Do you know if plans are in place about what will happen to the horses if anything happens to the owner?

Hope others can make more suggestions.
 
Can you get to any in hand shows? Go for walks? Long lining around a course? Can any of them be trained to drive...not a car!!! :D
Could you offer stable management days where people go to learn stable skills, grooming tips etc?
 
As others have said try clicker training - they love it. You could also teach them some tricks like laughing when you tell a cheesy joke - honestly you can!!

You could also teach them some more useful things which might make your life easier, such as coming to you when you make a certain signal, or just standing - for ages if necessary - untied - or lifting their feet when you point at them. The options are endless.
 
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