Horse Playground

What is Horse Playground?

What is a Horse Playground?
Our basic horse playground consists of elements that simulate real experiences or create new challenges for horses.

The basic elements are:
Bridge
Balance Beam
See Saw
Horse Wash
Pedestal
Walkways

The elements can be used alone or in combination, and each element has multiple purposes. Initially, the challenge is in getting the horse to do the most obvious movements with regards to the element. But, every horse is different and therefore the definition of success with each horse will be different. Most horses have some apprehension when seeing the objects for the first time, and each horse will have a different level of tolerance for being on or near the element. . But regardless of where your horse starts out, there is a lot that can be done with each element. Can your horse go backwards up a ramp without you moving your feet? Can the horse put all four feet on the pedestal and stay there while you walk away? Can you ride your horse across the balance beam?

The playground elements are like puzzles for your horse. If the horse is allowed to be curious about the element and not be forced over, under or through it, the horse will try to think their way through it. By letting them get past any initial fear reaction and work through the puzzle, they will build confidence in their own ability and in your leadership, building a better relationship between you and your horse.

By developing your horse’s confidence in you as a leader, you will be able to get your horse to interact with the elements in every possible way. And every single time your horse does a little bit more than the time before, you will not only feel a sense of accomplishment but you will have gained a little bit more respect from your horse. Each of these little moments adds up to an improved understanding between you and your horse.

It’s impossible to know if a horse understands the concept of fun, but horses definitely play! Our horses will play with the equipment even when we aren’t around, playing King of the Hill on the pedestal or not letting other horses near a particular object. So by playing with them on the playground, you have the opportunity to gain their respect in a way that they understand.

TRY IT
Are you still not sure? Try it!
Put a piece of cardboard on the ground. Ask your horse to perform the following tasks while you are on the ground:
   Put his nose on it.
   Walk across it.
   Put his front feet on it and stand still.
   Trot across it.
   Walk across it and stop with it under his belly.
   Back up on to it.
Now have him side step over it.
Can you do the same things while riding?
Did you use a halter and rope while you were on the ground, and can you do it without them?

The challenges can go on and on even with one piece of cardboard.

Now imagine how much you can accomplish with a playground!

Your horse will thank you.