Both in polo and in any equestrian sport, the horse is an athlete like the human who rides it. Both rider and horse have their own very different minds, types of intelligence, personality, character and abilities. This combination of horse and rider is key to the success or failure in the practice of the specific discipline in which they participate, they are two living beings that have to work together. Therefore, caring for the horse in all its aspects is a key activity that must be carried out by those who do this sport. In today’s post we are going to talk about the importance of recreation in horses.
The polo horse is a horse with a high demand in terms of training and feeding. In order to perform in a match, many previous steps are needed that require time and dedication. All this can lead to the boredom of the animal, which generates alterations in its humor and personality. The horse is not satisfied and begins to have attitudes that threaten its good development such as biting wood, swallowing air, being irritable. In these cases, it is very important to generate external stimuli that help keep the horse entertained.
Recreation is the best tool if we detect that our horse is grumbling. It is important to carry out activities that generate visual, sound and even olfactory stimuli. It is also important to include other horses in recreation activities; among them they know how to help themselves. Going out into the field improves the horse’s mental health. A simple walk at the end of the training will make the animal receive several positive stimuli and entertain itself. Another alternative for recreation is for the horse to practice a complementary discipline to the one in which it competes.
Polo or any equestrian sport requires a perfect job to balance a horse in his training and sports life with his daily life and leisure.
