What to do when you can’t ride
Ugh, another rainy day! But wait – before you get disappointed about missing your ride, did you know that some of the best memories with your pony happen when you’re NOT in the saddle? Here are loads of fun activities that will strengthen your bond and maybe even teach you something new!
Pampering session extraordinaire
Turn grooming into a spa day! Give your pony the full treatment – a thorough brush, mane and tail conditioning, hoof picking and oiling, maybe even a gentle bath if it’s warm enough. Take your time and really focus on making them feel special. Many horses love the extra attention!
Trick training time
Teaching tricks is incredibly fun and builds trust between you and your pony. Start simple with things like:
- Targeting (touching a specific object with their nose)
- Bowing (lowering their head on command)
- Smiling (lifting their top lip)
- Backing up with just a hand signal
Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes) and always end on a positive note with lots of praise and maybe a treat!
Tack care day
This might sound boring, but it’s actually quite satisfying! Clean and organise your tack, check for any wear or damage, and oil leather that needs it. Your pony will appreciate well-maintained equipment, and you’ll learn more about how everything works.
Photo shoot fun
Get creative with photos! Try different angles, use props like flowers or colourful lead ropes, or capture your pony’s personality through close-ups of their eyes or expressions. You could even create a themed photo series – maybe ‘seasons’ or ’emotions’.
Educational games
Turn learning into play:
- Quiz yourself on horse body parts
- Learn to identify different horse breeds
- Practice tying different knots
- Study horse colours and markings
Plaiting practice
Perfect your plaiting skills! Try different styles – regular plaits, French braids, or even just practice making them neat and even. Your pony gets a lovely hairdo, and you improve a really useful skill.
Story time
Bring a book to the barn and read aloud to your pony! It sounds silly, but many horses enjoy the sound of your voice, and it’s a lovely way to spend quiet time together. Choose horse stories for extra fun!
Stable organisation
Make your pony’s environment even better by organising their stable, checking water buckets, arranging hay nets, or adding enrichment like hanging treat balls or stable toys.
The silver lining
Remember, some of the strongest bonds between horses and humans are built during these quiet moments together. Your pony will appreciate the attention, and you’ll often discover new things about their personality when you’re not focused on riding.
So next time it’s raining, don’t be disappointed – see it as an opportunity for a different kind of horse adventure!
