in

Can Horses Swim?

Swimming with a horse is an unforgettable pleasure! These strong and large animals for the most part love water and swim in it with pleasure. However, you should be careful, since the large size of the beast can play a cruel joke on you. In this element, he does not feel a person so well, and can accidentally hook him with his feet. And this is fraught with injury.

Do I Have to Teach the Horses to Swim?

Not really.

Horses know how to swim from birth, as it is inherent in them at the level of instincts.

However, for the first time, horses enter the water cautiously, however, like a man who first descends to the depth. At this moment, in no case should you force the pet, since a strong fright is possible, and then you will not entice him to swim with anything.

Horses can also swim at different distances and at different speeds, but you need to remember that this is not their native element, and you should not overload them with swimming.

Horses swim in the same way as dogs. In other words, while swimming, their movements resemble such a gait as a trot, in which the legs move alternately as if walking in an unfamiliar element.

How to Swim Properly with a Horse?

In fact, riding while sitting in the saddle is not allowed. This is due to the fact that at depth, the legs lose support, and the weight of the rider greatly complicates the movement.

Therefore, as soon as the rider feels that his companion has lost the bottom and began to swim, you must immediately get off the saddle and start swimming next to him, holding on to the mane or neck.

In this case, you can control with the help of the reins, directing to move in the desired direction. In addition, commands can be given by voice if your friend has trained in it. Be careful! Your friend may involuntarily hit you with his foot, so carefully monitor your body position and try not to lower your legs under your pet’s belly.

What if your pet is afraid?

Like people, these animals also have hydrophobia.

This is especially true for those pets who see a large amount of natural fluid for the first time.

The main thing here is personal example and patience.

Walk with your faithful companion in shallow water, leading him by the bridle. Let him get used to the fact that there is nothing wrong with this, and in the heat, it is very refreshing. In addition, your peace of mind when entering a strange element will instill additional confidence.

Gradually go deeper and deeper, while encouraging the animal in a quiet, calm voice. You can reward your pet with a treat. When your friend loses support at depth, he may panic for the first time. You should calm him down with gentle stroking and kind words, swimming next to him. If the panic is too strong, run aground immediately.

You should not force him to swim, since this process begins to be perceived as a kind of punishment, and which can lead to a categorical refusal of subsequent bathing. She will float by herself. This is inherent in it by nature, and at a depth the animal begins to “run” at a trot, thereby moving forward.

If you have established good contact with your faithful companion, you can not pull him into the depths, but go there yourself and call for him. A faithful friend will follow you and float instinctively.

Herd instinct also helps. It is enough to let the experienced horse – “swimmer” forward – and all the other members of the herd will follow him without hesitation.

Alice White

Written by Alice White

Alice White, a devoted pet lover and writer, has turned her boundless affection for animals into a fulfilling career. Originally dreaming of wildlife, her limited scientific background led her to specialize in animal literature. Now she happily spends her days researching and writing about various creatures, living her dream.

One Comment

Leave a Reply
  1. Great information. Never knew. My horse decided to swim a little while I was on her back so with both of us wet we headed for shore.

Leave a Reply

Avatar

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *