Intro
Thought I just add one more blog on how to deal withour Australian summer while it is hot and humid. My last blogs have introduced the ‘summer topic for horse and rider. This blog targets horse riders in particular that find themselves in a dilemma as they like to do more with their horses. On one hand, they want to continue improving their horsemanship skills, but on the other hand, they don’t want to overexert themselves or their horses in the sweltering heat. The good news is, there are ways to still progress in your riding without feeling guilty or risking exhaustion. By taking care of yourself and investing time in education, you can master your horsemanship skills without overdoing the physical demands of summer. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your game during the hot and humid days.
Embrace the Slow Pace of Summer
Our passion for the equestrian sport doesn’t have to come to a halt during the hot and humid summer months. As mentioned in my previous blogs we must be mindful on the physical demands that the heat can place on both horse and rider no doubt. However, this doesn’t mean that you must completely put your riding goals on hold as already mentioned in my previous blogs.
Instead of focusing on intense rides, consider dedicating some time to watching educational videos or reading a book about horsemanship. The weather is perfect to sit by the pool or go to the beach with a book in hand. Alternatively, find a shady spot in the paddock and indulge in some reading while keeping an eye on your horse. Spending time with horses can reduce stress and promote a sense of calmness. Earlier this year I explored Carolyn Resnick‘s Waterhole Rituals, a method that emphasizes developing a bond with your horse through non-riding activities. You might get some really good ideas to improve your practice and set some new goals for your horsemanship journey.
Take time to assess where you’re at and take stock of your progress. Consider what clinics or workshops you might want to attend in the future to further enhance your skills. Additionally, prioritize your own well-being by incorporating activities like having a massage, visiting a physiotherapist, or add some yoga to your routine to improve your flexibility and strength.
Lastly, embrace the opportunity to enjoy the slow pace of summer. Go for beach walks with your horse or simply spend some quality time together. Use this downtime to clean and organize your tack and tack room or sell any old equipment you no longer need. These activities can help clear your mind and create a fresh space for your horsemanship journey. Don’t forget to also take breaks from the horsey world and spend time with non-horsey friends, as balance is key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
So, even though the physical demands of summer may require lighter workouts, there are plenty of ways to continue developing your riding technique and maintaining your passion for horses. Embrace this season as an opportunity for growth and self-care, and you’ll come back stronger than ever for the next riding season.
Practice Groundwork Techniques
In my previous blog I suggested a stronger focus on practicing groundwork techniques with your horse. Groundwork is an essential aspect of horsemanship that can greatly improve your communication and connection with your equine partner. Take the opportunity and work on building a solid foundation with your horse that will serve you well once back in the saddle. You can train everything on the ground that you would require in the saddle.
Start by assessing where you’re at in your groundwork skills and identify any areas that need improvement. Watch some utube clips and videos on groundwork techniques to gain new insights and ideas. My website has plenty of footage and more to come on easy and simple foundation activities. Spend time with your horse in the paddock, practicing leading, backing up, and turning on the forehand and haunches. This is also a great opportunity to introduce your horse to obstacles or work on desensitization exercises.
- Reach out if you need additional information or like a personalised groundwork program designed by us (program includes two video reviews, cost of $50).
- FTP’s website has some videos with groundwork exercises that might help you out also.
Get Familiar with Equine Nutrition and Health Care
Equine Nutrition is a huge topic to cover. During the summer extra careful that our horses have a balanced diet. This is an area that can greatly impact on the overall well-being and performance of our beloved equine partners. Explore and educate yourself on the best practices for feeding and caring for your horse in the heat.
Start by assessing where you’re at in terms of your knowledge around equine nutrition and pasture management as both are closely related. Understand the type of grass your paddocks produce during summer and ensure your horse’s diet includes what your horse requires. Any change in behaviour like anxiety or change in bodily function like diarrhea or excessive urination can be a sign of an imbalance. You might need to investigate some supplements that counter act the summer grasses as horse health can be impacted and cause severe illnesses like laminitis and Cushing’s. I love Jane Myers books on the topic, a must for your horsey library.
In addition to nutrition, familiarize yourself with other aspects of equine health care. Learn about proper hoof care, dental care, and parasite control. Understand the signs of common health issues and know when it’s necessary to seek veterinary attention.
Mental Training: Equine Behaviour and Psychology
It is important to remember that horsemanship is not just about physical skill, but also about understanding the behaviour and psychology of our equine partners. Summer is the perfect time to delve into the world of mental training and gain a deeper understanding of the nature of the horse. Whether it’s an inspiring tale of horseback adventures or an instructional guide to expand your knowledge, immersing yourself in these stories will keep your passion alive while offering valuable insights.
Take this opportunity and educate yourself on equine behaviour. Read books on horse psychology and different animal training methods or explore online resources and forums to gain insights from experienced equestrians across the globe.
Assess where you’re at in your horsemanship journey and think about what areas you’d like to improve upon. Consider attending clinics or workshops in the future that focus on equine behaviour and different training techniques. These events can provide valuable knowledge and hands-on experience that will enhance your horsemanship skills and prepare you for the season to come.
Let’s get into goal setting and planning for 2024. Grow what matters one step at a time. Little by little, your steps will add up. I leave you with a quote from Tony Robbins ‘Setting goals is the 1st step in turning the invisible into the visible.
Happy trail
