Horse Swimming: Tips for Safety + Fun

By Ryan Pfouts 4 Star Senior Parelli Professional and Horse Development Specialist — Ocala, FL — rdpfouts@gmail.com www.ryanpfouts.com

Swimming with horses can be an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience, offering both you and your horse a chance to bond while getting great exercise. However, ensuring that this activity is safe and fun requires careful planning and understanding of your horse's needs. Here are some essential tips for making the most out of your horse swimming adventures while prioritizing safety.

Understanding the Benefits

Before diving into the tips, let’s highlight why swimming can be beneficial for your horse:

• Low-Impact Exercise: Swimming provides a full-body workout without the strain on joints that comes with other forms of exercise.
• Muscle Strengthening: The resistance of water helps build muscle strength and endurance.
• Mental Stimulation: A change of environment and activity can be mentally stimulating and refreshing for your horse.
• Cooling Off: On hot days, swimming is a great way to cool down and prevent overheating.
• Fun: Plus, it is a ton of fun to swim your horse OnLine or even riding!

Preparing for the Swim

1. Prior and Proper Preparation: Swimming your horse can be an exercise that takes a certain level of skill and horsemanship. Please consult one of our Parelli Professionals around the world to be sure you’re set up for success. 
2. Know Your Horse's Swimming Ability: Not all horses are natural swimmers. Introduce your horse to water gradually. Start with shallow water and observe their reaction. Some horses may take to water immediately, while others may need more time to adjust. Use the Squeeze Game, to teach your horse to send away from you and go through the body of water, then reconnect with you. 
3. Choose the Right Location: Select a safe, calm body of water with a gentle slope for easy entry and exit. Avoid areas with strong currents, deep mud, or steep drop-offs. Clear water where you can see the bottom is ideal.
4. Check Local Regulations: Ensure that the location you choose allows horses and swimming. Some areas may have restrictions or require permits such as beaches or state parks. 
5. Inspect Your Horse’s Health: Ensure your horse is in good health before swimming. Swimming can be strenuous, so your horse should be fit enough to handle the activity. Swimming is an activity that “less is more.” Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure. 

Entering the Water

• Stay Calm and Confident: Horses are sensitive to their rider’s emotions. Approach the water confidently and calmly.
• Gradual Introduction: Walk your horse into the water slowly. When building a horse’s confidence, or introducing something new, Pat Parelli often says, “retreat and re-approach.” Take the time it takes, use retreat and re-approach. When you notice your horse’s threshold, retreat and re-approach when they seem uneasy. 
• Monitor Breathing and Heart Rate: Keep an eye on your horse’s breathing and heart rate. If they seem overly anxious or fatigued, take a break.
• Short Sessions: Keep swimming sessions short. Gradually increase the duration as your horse becomes more comfortable and accustomed to the activity.

During the Swim

• The nose knows: Send the horse’s nose out and around as you would for a Circling Game, Squeeze Game, or even a Touch It. Walk along the shoreline, keeping pace with your horse. Drive the nose to keep them in a straight line. 
• Manage the rope: Keep the rope away from your horse’s legs. When your horse is swimming, their legs move in big motions, be sure to keep the rope away from your horse’s legs. Getting the rope tangled around your horse’s legs while they’re swimming could have serious consequences.
• Manage the Reins: If you’re riding your horse through the water, it’s a good idea to use a Parelli Bareback Pad that offers the right amount of “stick” to your jeans. The loop handle can also give you the security you need to stay balanced. It is imperative that you feel secure while swimming and are not using the reins for balance. If the reins become uneven and tangled around the horse’s legs, this could become very serious. Riding with one rein as the Parelli Program teaches could be a safer alternative to reduce the potential for accidents. 
• Avoid Overexertion: Limit swimming to a few minutes at a time, especially in the beginning. Horses can quickly become exhausted in the water.
• Encourage Natural Movement: Allow your horse to move naturally in the water. Avoid forcing them to swim in a specific way. Let them find their comfort zone.

Post-Swim Care

• Check for Injuries: Inspect your horse for any cuts, scrapes, or other injuries that may have occurred during swimming.
• Hydration: Ensure your horse has access to fresh water. Swimming, especially in saltwater, can be dehydrating.

Swimming with your horse can be a delightful and beneficial activity when done safely and thoughtfully. By understanding your horse’s needs, preparing adequately, and following these tips, you can ensure that both you and your horse enjoy a fun and safe swimming experience. Remember, the key is to take it slow, stay observant, and always prioritize safety. Happy swimming!