365 Days in Horse Country – Grazing In-Hand
We are often so busy riding and training our horses, we forget to just spend quality time with them. One way to do this is to let them graze in-hand.
Grazing in-hand simply means that you let your horse eat as he would if he were wild but that he is wearing a halter and you are at the other end of the lead rope.
Nature designed horses to graze for many hours a day. It’s not something most horses get to do in captivity, so when they have moments where they can do it, it’s a real treat for them. As you observe, you’ll discover the true nature of your horse, the herbivore.
Find a good spot for your horse to munch on plants that are growing out of the ground. This can be lawn, an overgrown field, or a pasture. Make sure you know what kind of plants your horse will eat, and verify they are not poisonous before you let him eat. Be sure they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides either.
Lead your horse out to the designated are and stop. It won’t be long before he puts his head down to check out what’s beneath his feet. He’ll soon start to nibble; getting lost in the act of grazing.
Observe your horse as he’s eating. You’ll see how his sensitive and dexterous muzzle selects the leaves he wants to eat and directs them into his mouth. He’s selective and won’t eat everything he comes across. His sensitive nose helps him discern what seems tasty and what doesn’t.
As your horse grazes, you’ll notice that he takes small steps. Move with him as he does, taking note of how this slow but steady movement provides lubrication for his joints and muscles; helping to keep his circulation going.
Don’t let your horse graze for more than an hour if he hasn’t been doing it before. Over –loading his digestive system with foods he’s not normally used to can cause colic.
Michael