More Fun! And Why it's Important

how a change of pace can keep a horse balanced and positive. Hal has travelled thousands of miles in a horse trailer all over North America. Like all of my horses he gets off the trailer in a new place without a problem.  He eats and drinks along the way. To anyone who sees him Hal would seem just fine. Like most people and their horses I know Hal like I know myself and I can see that all the travelling takes its toll on him. With the hours in the trailer and the artificial environment of the stalls noise and crowds Hal can become a bit sullen and more tired than the other horses. If I dont give him a change and look for some fun he can become resentful and tense. For me travelling and performing are not more important than Hal. I try to create balance by going out of my way to find enjoyable things for him to do while we are on the road sometimes this is finding a nice quiet place to graze or taking him on long walks in the evening when everyone has gone home. I try to balance the time on the road with the best quality of life I can provide.
I encourage you to try one new thing a month with your horse or your education. These new activities are not meant to take you off your path but to indirectly help you to reach your goal. Choose something you would like to do and would have fun doing but where you are not attached to the outcome so that you can have an attitude to freely play with something different.
Here are some more ideas that may kick start your imagination to come up with your own ideas. Always keep in mind your experience your horse and the environment or challenge as these three elements will determine your success and safety.