Can horses swim or not ?
Swimming refreshes the horse, and gives it energy and vitality, especially in summer days when the temperature is high. The appropriate water temperature is between 20 and 22.
So can horse swim ? Of cours yes, yes !
The horse should swim in a quiet place, away from noises, to avoid any startle it might strike it. And it is better if you get used to where he swims every time. The pond land in which a horse swims also affects its comfort while swimming. It should be sandy. Land in which mud is deposited, or that may contain large pebbles and stones, is not suitable for a horse to swim. It is more appropriate that the water is not very high.
Swimming is prohibited for horses that sweat them. It is not permissible to let them jump into the water immediately after performing their work, as they are tired and have a high temperature, and this may lead to exposure to chest flu and health problems, as the swimming of horses directly after eating feed leads to digestive confusion.
Each horse swims on its own for a period not exceeding 15 minutes, because staying in the water for a long time exposes it to disease, and it is not permissible for two horses to swim with each other at the same time.
After swimming, the horse gives room for simple movement to dry its body, and get rid of the effect of the water. Sometimes, after swimming, the horse appears dirtier than before, and the reason for this is the appearance of hidden dirt between the lint and on the skin, so we usually clean the horse after swimming.
Can a horse swim with a rider ?
If you bathe in the sea: It is advisable to find out about the times of access authorized to the horses but also about the tide times.
Prefer a swim at low tide to take advantage of a soft and shallow ground, less tiring for the horse. At high tide, you risk falling into the trap of baïnes: small basins of water that appear calm and attract bathers. Under the surface, there is a particularly strong current that can take you offshore very quickly!
Once you have found a peaceful corner of water, start by making sure that the bottom is practicable, that there are no stones or waste that could cause a fall or a hit.
Similarly, choose quiet, uncrowded areas that are more pleasant for you and your mount. You will have more fun if you do not have to deal with the fear of your horse, caused by the cheers of children on the beach, or with people around.
Can Horses Swim in the Ocean ?
Of course, horses can swim in the ocean and swimming with your horse there is one of those necessary things that you must consider for your experience to be amazing, but a big mistake can happen quickly. Here are some things to keep in mind before getting into the water with your horse :
How deep is the water ? Is there an equal angle or is there a drop ?
What is the state of the sea floor ?
Keep in mind that hard and uneven surfaces may injure a horse's legs while swimming.
Are there waves ? Remember that horses cannot hold their breath, so do not swim in the sea if the waves are large enough to cover their heads.
Is the current strong ? If so, stay on the floor or only tilt feet.
Check out your surroundings. Are you annoying others at the beach or in the area? Do people bathe there ? Be considerate of others.
Remove the saddle and consider a slightly lower bridle. Be sure to remove any equipment that restricts upward movement of the head because the horse needs freedom to get to the surface to breathe.
Rules and regulations : Are horses allowed and allowed in the water ? Many public beaches will have restrictions, so be sure to pay attention to relevant signage.
We do not recommend swimming with your horse alone. Firstly, it is better to be two or three peoples in case anything happens.
Horses are afraid of water ?
Horses are not really afraid of water : they are afraid of getting stuck.
Indeed, the horse's feet are very small compared to its body mass. His ancestors often perished stuck in peat bogs. The horse, for its survival, has learned to beware of wet or unstable terrain, which it detects very well. His feet are extraordinarily very sensitive; he has a sixth sense at the level of the hoof, as many anecdotes attest, especially those of war horses instinctively avoiding mines ... as long as their rider leaves them long reins.
Why do horses need to swim ?
The horse who bathes - if he likes it - benefits as much as his rider from this moment which takes him out of his habits. Perfect for oxygenating it!
As part of his training, swimming is a complete exercise for your horse :
• Blood stimulation, which favors the recovery of the limbs after a great physical effort for example
• Strength training, with the strengthening of the back and shoulder muscles
• Endurance and cardio, the physical effort is more intense because the water forces the horse to accentuate your movements and amplitude
We also use the benefits of water for rehabilitation or recovery after great efforts: this is balneotherapy. There are sedentary centers while others are itinerant and move in your structure.
The benefits of swimming for the horse rider :
What to say ? Bathing with a horse is simply a magical, funny and rewarding experience !
Be careful, however, as we have said, swimming is physical for your mount, so it will be easier for him to swim if you are next to him or while holding on to his horsehair.
That said, when you know that you are going to swim, you prefer to ride bareback: you then experience a completely different way of riding, closer to your horse, you feel its muscles and its movements under your buttocks.
It is a perfect moment of complicity and refreshing what is more. In short, happiness! Discover our swimming stays !
How do Horses Swim ?
When swimming, the horse mainly uses the mechanism of the trot to move in a straight line, it can also use the gallop when it needs to turn or to perform an action requiring more force.
Horse washing :
The most important thing a horse needs to wash is its hooves and legs. Custom, and guilt. For this purpose, we use water of a temperature between 30 and 35 and a soap that does not cause allergies. After washing the horses, they should be dried with clean towels. Horses are usually washed outside the barn if the weather is appropriate. And inside it in a private room if the weather is not appropriate. After washing the horses, we keep them from cold and airways, so that they are not exposed to disease. After washing, we must replace the bedding, which is the dry straw that we put under the horses in the paddle, with a clean one so that it does not get dirty again.
Pile cutting :
It is necessary that the pile be permanent growth, especially, mane and tail, because it plays an important role in expelling the annoying insects that attack horses, in addition to that it prevents cold from some parts of the body.
Usually lack of horse hair used in agricultural work, while racehorses cut their hair only to give them a beautiful glow. It becomes necessary to trim the very long hair, as it causes the horse to sweat. And we use hand scissors to cut the hair, with the possibility of using other equipment. The lack of lint is often appropriate in the weather so as not to expose the horse to cold and flu.
Transporting the horse :
Horses are usually transported on trains, and sometimes, by ship or aircraft. Before transferring, we must verify the validity of the means used for this. We make sure that they are clean and we remove all things that may injure the horse during the trip, and we roll the legs to protect from injury. And the means of transport are usually equipped with everything that guarantees the safety of the horse.
If the number of horses transported is small, we should tie them so that their heads are facing the line of traffic. But if the number is large, and it is not possible to link them all, as previously mentioned. It is okay to stand perpendicular to the direction of flight. On the trains the horses stand facing: some heads facing each other in the center of the carriage.
During the trip, it is worth being constantly watched. It is necessary for the horses to be accompanied on their journey by someone who cares for them, who provides them with fodder and water in special pails, changes the mattress, and covers them with majesty in the event of the cold. Before setting off, we must ensure that everything is safe, so that we protect it from all harm.
Do horses like to swim ?
Like many animals, horses can swim instinctively, but swimming is not natural for them. In the wild, we have observed that horses avoid entering the water and crossing streams, except when they have to.
As we will have understood, swimming is not the favorite sport of equines.
However, this practice presents in certain cases real advantages, such as the physical training of the horse where it is an excellent exercise of breath-taking and musculation; swimming in a pool to avoid a complete stoppage of work in horses recovering from a locomotor problem, in particular in high performance horses; therapeutic virtues, in the rehabilitation phase for example, after a tendon or joint problem.
Swimming is in such cases a good complement in terms of health or training for running, hence the presence of swimming pools suitable for horses in large training centers.
In general, the horse practices two types of swimming. In a straight line, he performs the movements of the trot, which has the effect of developing the muscles of the back. When it turns, it gallops. It is then recommended to make him perform the exercise with both hands - start at a gallop to the right and to the left - so that he develops his muscles in a harmonious and balanced way.
Thus, if swimming has in some cases benefits, the fact remains that it is an exhausting exercise and a real source of anxiety, especially during the first experiences.
Evolving slowly in water, it gets tired very quickly and risks sinking suddenly. You can help him with the lead that guides the horse, doubling it with a pole that keeps his head above the water.
In any case, never force a horse because fatigue sets in quickly; a bad aquatic experience can quickly discourage or even traumatize him. Your faithful companion is the only one who knows his limits, just be in harmony with him and everything will be fine.
Finally, any rider can ride a horse while swimming. However, it is advisable not to exceed a few minutes, and to distribute your weight on the back of the frame, backing up on the rump, then lying down on the back and the neckline. You will thus facilitate its evolution in the water and contribute to its well-being.
Also, if at the end of a beautiful walk by the sea, you have to bathe there, remember to rinse your faithful companion well. Of course, salt water brings benefits both in trace elements and relaxation, but it should not be left on the skin too long.
Summary
The Straight Answer for this question : Can horse swim ? Is yes and you must take your horse to the beach or any other place to practice that amazing activity ! Enjoy with your horse and tell me in comment how many time you take your horse for swimming.
