Fun stuff with horses....?

Question

I just found out that the horse I was leasing has arthritis is his hocks and is no longer able to do any strenuous work. He can only walk trot. Fortunatley the owner is letting me come to ride him every once in a while. What are some fun things I could do with him on the ground and mounted.

He does not trail ride by himself.

Thanks!

Answer 1

At riding for the disabled association, the riders play games like egg and spoon race (only trotting, and you have to get off to get the egg if it falls and get back on), musical cones (place cones in the middle of the field/arena and when the music stops you trot to a cone), musical statues (stop your horse when the music stops, dont harm the horses mouth when stopping though! im sure you responsible though :P)

and they do things like 'around the world', half scissors,full scissors, slowly you could learn these while the horse is being lunged in walk. then maybe in trot!

EDIT: around the world is where you put one leg over to oneside so you are sat sideways in the saddle. then swing you leg over so you end up facing the horses back end, then swing your legs over again and again untill you are facing the front. you can repeat this in the other direction.

If you horse is ok with this, you could learn how to do gymnastics on horse back. (theres a special name but I cant think of it right now!)

Answer 2

This horse could offer you great opportunities in setting goals and learning patience.

If you were to begin learning the natural way of working with horses - the join up or Parelli first steps, he'd be great for you to practice on.

If he can walk and trot  you can do most anything on him.

Besides just pleasurable things like calm walks to graze and read a book together, you can teach him to step in a hula hoop on the ground and pivot on the front all around.  Set some goals about controlling where he places his feet - set up some objects like pylons and logs and walk him around them with the goal of putting his feet "This far" from the pylon or log - or stepping over it without knocking his feet.

You SHOULD be able to get the horse to do anything on the ground that you'd ask from aboard him - set that as a goal.  Practice pressure points - when you place your leg against his side behind the girth, will he move his hind quarters while keeping his front feet in place?  If you place your leg directly against the girth or slightly in front of it, will he move his fore without moving his hind feet?

These are little things that teach you how to control the horse and expand your abilities - really only walking and trotting without cantering is not much of a limitation.....

Answer 3

walk around with and on him in the pastures. (trot some if you'd like)

groom and pet him

talk to him

he will love the attention and a bond will grow between you two.

Answer 4

going on nice lead walks in the pasture, brushing him and talking to him, taking him for a swim in the pond or lake close by, and just being around him. He will love the attention and will bond happily with you.

Answer 5

Go out with another horse then he will enjoy that, riding with someone else they enjoy the company with other horses. Bath him they enjoy that and it gives you chance to bond with your horse.

Answer 6

Teach him tricks like bowing. Groom him and braid his mane and tail. If he likes water walk and trot through sprinklers. Ride walk trot patterns. Take him over logs. Most retired horses love any kind of attention.

Answer 7

How about trying some dressage!