The horse was domesticated thousands of years ago. Due to its high strength and speed of movement, this animal is still in great sympathy and demand among humans to this day, even though mechanization has replaced it in many works. Horses are now mainly used in hippotherapy, which helps in many human conditions. This is an intelligent animal, full of goodwill for humans, well trained and able to train. Communication with them has a very beneficial effect on children who participate in horse clubs. Riding on a long term helps to restore affection. It develops balance, helps to overcome fear, and has a beneficial effect on the child’s psyche.
Does a horse know to swim or do I have to teach it?
If a horse can see when a herd of horses swim over a river and can easily swim with them. They are animals that belong to herds, and if the horse sees the relatives swimming from one shore to another, it will follow them. Even the small foals are not afraid to swim along with adults.
Interestingly enough, horses can swim amazingly in deep waters, but not as well when the water is small.
When the pet horse trusts the owner, and the owner uses this trust for the pet’s health, well-being, and convenience, it will gladly follow him and follow all his commandments.
Many horses can swim. They can swim in a shallow body of water. There is no need to specifically teach these animals to swim, this is one of the instincts inherent in nature. However, they should not be forced to bathe, as horses may feel fear if it is their first time. In the future, they may not like the water. Some horses accept this procedure without enthusiasm. They can swim even over long distances, but since water is not their native element, it is not worth exhausting them with frequent swims.
How to swim with a horse
The love for horses can motivate a person to swim with them. You have to be particularly careful here. First, you need to explore the swimming site. It must not be far from where the animals are kept, and the water must not be too deep. The place for swimming should have a light, sandy shore with a flat bottom, not a strong stream of water. It is necessary to make sure that the pet is not afraid of water and that there are no unexpected situations that can lead to the injury of the rider. Only a calm and caring attitude toward the animal will create a favorable atmosphere for common bathing. First, you need to take all precautions. It will not be superfluous to put on strong gloves and do not forget the harness for controlling the horse if the horse suddenly starts to rise like a candle.
When the horse is worried about going deep, it may not want to go forward and can express stubbornness. Experienced breeders use signals to determine the mood of the animal. They know how to predict the actions of the pet. When the horse stops and raises its head, these are precursors to rising like a candle or intending to turn back. When this happens, the attempts to carry on the journey together must be stopped.
If you get into the water with a horse, sitting on the saddle, then you should not forget that after losing the support from its legs, it will find it difficult to swim with a load, therefore it is necessary to get down from the saddle. This will prevent unnecessary overload and anxiety in the animal. You can swim side by side, holding its mane, harness, or linger. The breeder should monitor his movements in the water because if the horse does not feel well in an unknown environment it can accidentally hit and injure.
Swimming with the horse enchants people who truly are friends with these graceful animals, really love them, and take care of them.
What if the horse is afraid of water and bathing?
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To wash the dust and remove dirt, especially in the summer, it is advisable not to limit yourself to washing with a hose, but to bathe it in a pond. This helps to strengthen and improve the horse’s well-being. Protect them from colds.
Cold water causes deep and rapid breathing and increased tonus, which helps to increase its metabolism.
Hygiene and bathing conditions must be observed:
- You cannot bathe it immediately after feeding;
- The water shouldn’t be at temperatures below +18 degrees;
- The body of the horse must be wiped after the procedure;
- Swim for no more than 20 minutes.
- Slowly accompany the horse to and from the bathing;
- Before swimming, it will be better to have a watering hole, for accommodation.
It is advisable to cross with the horse to the other side if it is a shallow river and then turn back.
This will help the animal move straight rather than trying to turn back. For the same reason, horses should not be allowed to swim and bathe along the shore.
After you have taught a horse to swim during the day, you must continue to teach him to swim at night.
The main thing is not to get the horse into the water by force. If the breeder and the animal have established a trusting relationship, then there should be no problems with swimming. The fear of swimming can occur if a horse sees water for the first time, or large amounts of it, for example, the sea.
It is advisable to drive it through the shallow water so it can get used to it. You can encourage the horse with a treat when going deeper, encouraging with kind words, and caressing.
If the horse is still afraid, it is necessary to get out of the water immediately. You can’t shout at or beat a horse. It is important to patiently prepare your friend for the wonderful swimming activity and it will learn to enjoy this procedure.
Listening to an animal depends on establishing good contact with it. This is expressed by understanding voice commands, specific signals, or personal examples.
Important! The fact that the horse is a terrestrial animal explains its fear of the water.
Final words!
In order not to discourage the horse from swimming the first time, you need to act with caution and emphasis. The nobility and charm of these animals delight and inspire kindness. Their beauty and grace are combined with strength and devotion.
Even a short communication with these animals will bring a positive and wonderful mood, as a horse ride will load you with joy and positive energy. Adults understand it with their minds and feel it from their hearts, children understand intuitively what kind of wonder it is, and are attracted to horses.
