From time immemorial, a horse has accompanied a person everywhere – in the field, in battle, on a walk. Today, with the help of these animals, some diseases are treated using the method of hippotherapy. Having such a friend, many horse owners are not averse to swimming with him in the pond. Can horses swim, and what dangers and difficulties may lie in wait in the water – questions that need to be sorted out before deciding to bathe with a pet together.
horse in water
Do horses swim?
According to experienced breeders, horses feel comfortable in the water. The ability to swim is given to them by nature. Animals move in the reservoir with the help of limbs, turning them over in turn, it seems as if they are trotting under water.
However, not all horses love to swim. There are individuals who experience fear during entry into the water. Some pets panic when they do not feel the bottom under their feet. Others swim with great pleasure.
Bathing with a horse
When planning a bath with your pet, it is important to make sure that he is not afraid of water. Panic can lead to serious consequences, such as injury. When going to a lake or a pond with a horse, the breeder must be sure that the place chosen for swimming is ideal in every respect. By what criteria is this determined?
- lack of strong current;
- flat sandy bottom;
- gently sloping coast;
- shallow depth.
The first acquaintance with the reservoir
Before bathing, it is advisable to let the pet get comfortable in a new place. Once near the sea or a huge lake, the horse may be frightened, so you can not force him to enter the water. The breeder will have to be patient and gentle. At first, the horse will need a little time to get used to unfamiliar smells and sounds, to calm down.
Horse’s first bath
If the animal is afraid, as evidenced by rapid breathing, you should not force him to enter the reservoir. Experienced breeders do the right thing when they show their pet a personal example by plunging into the water. You can invite the horse by gently guiding it in the right direction. Let him take a walk along the shore and wet his feet. Perhaps, feeling the coolness of the water, he himself will want to go deeper into it.
Attention! It is forbidden to shout and beat the horse. Such actions will exacerbate the situation.
Behavior in water
Although horses are natural swimmers, being with them in the water, certain rules must be followed. This will help to avoid injury and other troubles. Veterinarians warn – while swimming with a horse, its owner is better to be next to him, but not from above.
You can enter the water while sitting on horseback, but as soon as the horse stops reaching the bottom with his feet, you will have to leave the saddle. According to veterinarians, the animal is not able to swim with a rider – a large load is created on the spinal column.
It is easy to control a horse while swimming with a bit. If the horse perceives the owner’s voice commands, it is recommended to let go of the reins. You need to be careful, keeping to the side of the animal, because there is always a risk of getting an involuntary blow to the body with a hoof.
Attention! Do not dive under a horse while swimming.
How can you help your pet overcome fear?
If efforts to lure a four-legged friend into the water were unsuccessful, the horse is afraid to swim, you need to be patient. You can help him overcome this feeling if you bring several horses from the herd that can swim to the pond. They will set an example for their relatives to follow.
Horses in the sea
The fear of a horse will gradually go away if you come to swim every day and spend a lot of time in shallow water. Getting used to the refreshing coolness, the pet will love the water. The main thing is not to force him to go into depth until he wants to. When accustoming a horse to swimming, you need to speak with him in an affectionate voice, praise, stroke and treat him with a treat so that bathing is associated with pleasant sensations.
Horses can swim and do it well, but some individuals experience fear when their feet do not touch the bottom for the first time. Noticing that the pet is panicking, it is better to immediately take him aground. Over time, the fear will disappear, then you can enjoy a joint bath with your friend.
