It is that time of year when you see and hear about new year's resolutions everywhere.
You may have made personal goals or resolutions about eating, fitness or other life goals. Have you ever stopped to think about making resolutions for you and your horse?
Of course, it is easy to say you want to ride more, show more or win more. How will you get there?
Here are a few suggestions that will help you gain laser focus with your resolutions for you and your horse.
#1 - Get Fit
When you and your horse are fit, you both have better balance, improved endurance and are less likely to sustain injuries. This starts with a consistent exercise routine that starts with stretching. A few weeks ago we posted a
blog article featuring three stretches that are sure to get your warmed up before mounting up.
In addition to your stretches, your horse needs the proper warm up, work out and cool down as well.
Winter workouts are essential to your horse’s overall condition. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and get out there and ride!
We would be keeping a secret to ourselves if we did not also mention the Benefab product line. During the winter months it takes longer for muscles to warm up. If you really want to be on your game for 2017, we encourage you to check out our
people products - from scarves, to braces, to fingerless gloves, body wraps and more.
Same goes for our
horse products. We have everything to make your horse feel and perform his best - from polo wraps,
hock boots, quick wraps,
sheets, saddles pads, poll pads and more.
When the Benefab products are added to a regular stretch and workout routine you and your horse will be in tip top shape in no time!
#2 - Try New Things With Your Horse in 2017
It is so easy in any area of our lives to fall into a rut. Although, you may be performing well in one discipline, it is important to get you and your horse into something different and fun to ensure a healthy mind.
When you try something new with your horse it forces you both to think creatively and gives you fresh perspective.
For example, if you and your horse are on the show circuit most of the year, the benefits of taking some time on the trails is huge.
A few weeks ago we posted a
blog article about how to safely transition your horse from the show ring to the trails; however, there are SO many disciplines in the horse industry.
Here is a small list to get the creative juices flowing: Barrel Racing, Reining, Trail Classes, Mounted Shooting, Driving, Dressage, Jumping, Halter, Showmanship, Cattle Roping, Cutting.
If you are not sure where to start, search for a local clinic in your area that showcases something other than what you normally do with your horse and go from there. We promise, your horse will thank you!
#3 - Time on The Ground
Again, as we mentioned, getting in a routine is not a bad thing; however, adding different elements can greatly benefit you and your horse. Ground work is very important, not only to have a more respectful horse, but that is where the teamwork truly grows.
Schedule time at the barn to work extensively on ground work. We recently came upon this article that showcases
5 basic groundwork ideas to get your started. These may seem basic, but when done consistently they build trust and communication.
Another fun ground exercise is working with your horse at liberty, which can provide to be beneficial on so many levels. Read more about bonding time using liberty training
HERE.
The moral of this blog post is really to just make the time to plan and select
the tools that will help you achieve your goals. Think ahead at where you want to be next year at this time. What do you want to accomplish with your horse?
Here's to your BEST YEAR EVER with your horse!
