Spending Time Out of the Ring

Happy Daylight Savings Time! The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and many young equestrians are feeling a bit of spring fever as they gear up for IEA post season competitions or regular horse shows in the summertime.

If this change in the weather inspires you to get out to the barn more often, I challenge you to spend some time outside the ring.

Many serious competitors thrive on working hard and may even feel a little guilty about missing out on a training day to just spend some down time with their horse. But taking a moment to rest and spend some quality time with your equine partner outside the ring is healthy and in the long run will help your riding as you develop a stronger bond with your horse.

I encourage you to take a trail ride, or ride in the pastures if you don't have trails nearby. Just walking and feeling the rhythm of your horse's steps can get the two of you in tune with one another. Allow him to mosey along as you look around and remember why you started riding horses in the first place.

And what about all those rainy days?

For those of us without an indoor place to ride, the spring rains can present challenges for riding. But just because its raining doesn't mean you can't go out to the barn. Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to give your horse a "spa day." He will love the extra attention you bestow on him as you spend the afternoon grooming, pulling the mane, trimming whiskers, and bathing if its warm enough. If its not raining too hard or storming, you can take him out for a quick hand graze when you're done.

When you look back on your experience with horses, I'm sure you will remember the ribbons you've won and the awards you've received, but hopefully you will also treasure the time you've spent with your equine partner outside the ring.

For example, I love the picture I chose for the blog today. It's UNG rider Kristin Cisewski and team horse Dax. We were at an IHSA show and I looked over my shoulder and the two of them were snuggling together. Dax pulled away right as I snapped the photo as if he was embarrassed to be caught, lol. Those who are familar with Dax know we call him the "aggressive cuddler" because he's always nosing the person holding him. He craves human interaction.

I know I spend a lot of time on this blog discussing horse shows and training tips, but it is in those moments between all the training and competing that I remember why I got into horses in the first place. Now off to the barn I go on this rainy Tuesday. I think a few of the ponies could use a good grooming...

Amanda Garner is an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), and Georgia Hunter Jumper Association (GHJA) steward, schooling show judge, head coach of the University of North Georgia IHSA Equestrian Team, and owner of Epiphany Farm, LLC in Dahlonega, Georgia. She is also a member of the IEA Board of Directors and the author of "A Parent's Guide to the Interscholastic Equestrian Association."

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Thanks!  --Amanda

UNG rider Kristin Cisewski and Dax caught cuddling outside the arena, lol