I want to go jogging with my horse... on the ground?

Question

I'm starting to appreciate jogging in the morning as a good way to start my day. I usually take my one year old pitbull puppy. But I recently got the idea that my horse would probably be a better running partner than my dog (who demands that we stop and sniff every blade of grass and chase every squirrel). My gelding is reallllly reallly laid back; no one believes me when I tell them that he's only six. So no problem of him being a spaz when we jog. So what do you guys think, should I take my big boy running with me? Or am I slightly insane?

My only problem is I don't know where to go. My barn is kind of in an urban area. I'm pretty sure that the bike trails are off-limits to horses because we aren't allowed to RIDE on them... Are there any laws about jogging with a horse alongside a road?

Answer 1

I jog with my horses! =D

If it's a country road (outside city-limits) that you can ride on...then you can jog with your horse on it too.

:-)

Answer 2

Like everyone else said, check with local authorities and such. You don't want to get in trouble..

At first, I wouldn't take him too far to go jogging. Start off with short distances, just in case it doesn't work out. Each day, add a little bit more distance. Oh, and of course, make sure to walk him a little bit before you starting jogging, to warm him up. (:

Answer 3

you probably hould not take him jogging on the side of the road since that could potentially be a hazard, unless it is a country road that not many cars pass (even then, it should be done with caution). your horse may be very docile and laid-back, but no horse is bombproof, and it's easier to control an animal that is not as strong as you when something happens. it's a good idea though, to take the horse jogging with you. if you can think of a place where there are no cars, you and your horse could actually really benefit from that, both physically and in relationship. :)

Answer 4

now along side the road, isnt the best/safest idea, i'd go on the trails that are for horses or not marked for no horses.

jogging with youre horse : there's even a sport where they do it.

two people one horse, they take turns riding and jogging ect. i read bout it once a while ago.

also in endurance riding they do the same thing from time to time.

Answer 5

There is no way you are insane. I have an unrideable horse and sometimes when we take the horses out for a ride I just jog beside them with my gelding. It is a great way to keep him working while your exercising, and it's a great bond. I had an arab mare that I use to follow the back roads with jogging and if I got tired then I'd jump on her and ride her back haha. It's a great way to keep a strong bond with your horse.

Good luck

Answer 6

Haha sounds like fun! I'll tell you what, when I was 21 I had a terrible horse accident where one of my fathers race horses reared up in the starting gate, flipped over backwards and pinned me and my leg underneath him, needless to say, about everything was broken!!! Any how, I recovered 100% because I pushed myself but one of the great things I did was go jogging with actually that colt, and it was fantastic, we even went down the neighborhood! I got yelled at for that because it was a clients horse but heck if hes yours, go for it, just make sure you put a chain on JUST IN CASE  or at least take one with a chain with you so if you get far from home and he does act silly, you have some leverage so you won't get hurt. No there is no law, my daughter works at a mounted unit and hand walks/jogs those horses up and down the city streets when its to hot to ride or the officers are off duty. Go for it but be safe :)

Answer 7

Contact your local council and ask what areas you're allowed horses. Around our area we're allowed horse on the road and there's a huge grass area near the beach (we've just been banned from the beach) where horses are allowed. There's not many horses in our area (it's suburban).

Answer 8

Haha, you're nuts!!! Jogging, jogging, jogging, why would you want to jog...ever. I am 36 years old, and throughout my ENTIRE life I have NEVER EVER EVER seen a happy jogger!!!

Good luck though!

Answer 9

I would just hit up the road... if you go early morning before there are alot of cars and you wear a reflective vest that would be best... i spent ages jogging one of my gelding along the road after and injury to help reduce swelling and it was great... i and he loved it... i'd recommend it... and it so good for finding your rythm listening to the shoes on the road... good luck and have fun :)

Answer 10

i use to ride along the side roads in ohio.  crossed over a freeway once and quite a few times on the overpass.  just remember to do like with the dogs, clean up after him.

they have competitions that one rides to a spot and then partner runs with the horse.  forget what's it's called.

Answer 11

in your area I am not sure. only rule I can think of that would come up is they may say no if you cant control him and hes a danger to others and yourself and himself. Seeing as hes laid back and you can, your all set. Just check with your local police.