Go horseback riding with your dog
I am delighted to have you back for new Wouafement Bien adventures. Do you like horses? Do you like dogs? What if you go on a horseback ride with your dog? What a great experience to share a nice ride with your dog and horse without having to choose one or the other of your furry companions and having to leave one out!
I don't do horseback riding; I unfortunately never understood how a horse works and the communication not passing between us, I had only bad experiences! I can even tell you that today I'm totally terrified of horses. To my great dismay… So to tell you about “cani-equine” rides, I interviewed a Trop W'ouf duo who come straight from Dijon!
This is Julie and Lolli, her Australian Shepherd. These two riding lovers do not let go of a sole or rather a pad (ahah). They all share together: the bike, vacation by the sea, winter sports holiday and especially horseback riding! Julie has been a riding instructor for 4 years, in an equestrian center, and not a single day goes by without Lolli accompanying her to work. Today, they are going to tell us about their experiences as riders.
Julie, it's up to you 🙂
Dog and horse cohabitation
A dog and a horse: are they really two compatible animals? Yes of course ! Many riders own a dog. It is not uncommon to see dogs walking around in equestrian centers and even during competitions. Lolli, my Australian shepherd, is the star of the equestrian center. The horses love it! My dog loves them too, while remaining distant, because she's a little coward and I prefer that. Horses are still “big” beasts. We are not immune to a hoof kick! Once, moreover, she had the misfortune to pass suddenly behind a horse to play, and he didn't really appreciate it and made her understand… Since then, she's been rather wary and so much the better.
The cohabitation between my dog and the horses happened quite naturally. Since my dog and I are close, she trusts me. By accompanying me to the equestrian center, she gradually took her habits and her marks. I still recommend that you introduce your dog to your horse from an early age, but it is not impossible to have a dog and an adult horse live together. The proof, Lolli, my dog, has only been around horses since my spouse and I adopted her. Our friend Elinore, his breeder, took him to the club where I work from time to time, but my dog really met and learned to live with horses thanks to us.
Tips for going on a horseback ride with your dog
Once the dog and the horse are used to each other, it is possible to take your dog with you on a horseback ride. When I rode my horse to go to the quarry, the ground where riders train, my dog naturally followed me. So I said to myself that it could be nice to try to go for a walk together: my dog, my horse and me!
The first condition for everything to go well during your walk is the very good education of your dog. Indeed, it is impossible to keep your dog on a leash when you are on horseback. The difference in size and reaction between the two animals makes it far too dangerous... Your dog will have to be able to obey you in order to stay under voice control and will have to master the recall, the stop and all the other basic commands like sitting, lying, left, right…. Under no circumstances should he start barking excitedly at the horse, this could frighten him...
My dog knows commands like “wait” and “stop”, useful when we are approaching a road to avoid that it crosses before me; “files”, so that it moves faster if we are trotting or galloping; “on the heels or come back” when it begins to move away a little too much; the “sitting” to remain still when the situation requires it. We are teaching him the “left-right” but it is not yet fully acquired, haha.
The horse must also be well educated. Do not go on a horseback ride with your dog if the horse is a little too crazy. The commands of the horse are not similar to those of the dog. On horseback, you have to play a lot with the weight of the body, the legs and the voice to reassure and encourage him. But you must absolutely control your horse to go for a ride all three to ensure everyone's safety and not put anyone in danger. Because if one or other of your walking companions does not obey you, disaster is guaranteed.
Going on a horseback ride with your dog is accessible to everyone. It takes patience but anyone can do it. The codes are a bit long to learn but once learned it's only happiness! Trust your animals.
Running a horseback ride with your dog
When I prepare my horse, my dog always stays calmly lying down, she can't wait to go galloping too. Once on horseback, the ride can begin. Lolli does not wait a second and takes the lead. She manages to follow us well at the three gaits of the horses, she is even very often in front! Be careful with your dog all the same: our doggies do not know how to manage their efforts. It is up to you to be attentive to his state of form: if he is tired, injured or if it is a day when he is not motivated; adapt your pace or your outing to make it short!
I prefer white paths and paths in the woods, it's more pleasant. Doing only on the road would weaken the limbs of horses and dogs, the ground being too hard, and could be dangerous even if my dog is well educated. Fortunately, we have plenty to keep us busy with all the walking paths in the pretty region. Burgundy and Franche Comté.
Generally we do a walk of an hour and a half. Our equipment is simple, I'm in riding gear, equipped with my helmet and my boots. And my dog on his collar with my mobile number and that of my spouse, a fluorescent vest and luminous necklace, if the weather is overcast. Also consider taking a billy as well as a stock of water to refresh your dog and your horse. A first aid kit can also still be useful.
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And here we go the Wouafer's, at a gallop!! I hope this article will have made you want to go horseback riding with your dog, but you will have understood: be careful! Going for a walk with your dog is an activity that you have to be prepared for.
Thanks again to Julie and Lolli for sharing their Too W'ouf experience with us. Want to know more about their story? Discover their portrait Wow Good.
Pssssst: do you want to try new activities with your dog? Take a look at these articles: “The top 10 traction sports to share with your dog"; "Paddling with your dog" or "Start canicross with your dog”. Lots of other articles are waiting for you on the Mag' of EmmèneTonChien.com ! Stay connected and listen and listen!
In the meantime, for more info, holiday advice and dog-friendly tips, follow EmmèneTonChien.com on our facebook page et our instagram account : )