Multitask Your Horse
Whenever I can, I like to multitask with my horse. One task is usually something like desensitizing and the other thing could anything else – taking out the garbage, moving a bucket, setting up an obstacle.
Doing Two Things at Once
One of my favorite things to do is clean my saddle after a ride. This is a great way to desensitize my horse to the spray bottle and a flag (towel) flying around her from all angles. Here’s what I do: We use a spray bottle with glycerin and water. After a ride, while my horse is tied to the trailer (I use a tie-ring), and before unsaddling, I clean my saddle. It’s good to get the dust off right away. I spray the seat and fenders. With a hand-sized towel, I wipe everything down.
My horse gets to feel the spray after a ride and she sees the towel waving all over her. Of course, the stirrups get flapped around, turned and twisted. She feels all this moving and practices being calm. I get to clean my saddle at eye-level instead of bending over a saddle stand.
She gets rinsed after each ride, so if she gets some over-spray, that is washed off. Although I doubt that would hurt her skin any.
Listen to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship
The Whoa Podcast about Horses is, well, all about horses. We talk training, horsemanship, horse health, travel and anything else to do with horses. We publish a new episode every Tuesday. You can listen right here through the website (just click the player at the top of the page) or you can hear us on your phone. I listen to podcasts while I’m riding alone, doing chores around the barn, or driving. It’s a great way to multitask, too!
iPhone users can use the podcast app and subscribe, Android users can use Google Play or Stitcher. And, the Whoa Podcast is on just about every available podcast directory. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.
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