By the time this column reaches you it will be spring. Spring is also the beginning of the riding season, at least for those that don’t have an indoor arena at their disposal. However, there are always those days when the footing is too muddy or the time is too short for a ride. And while grooming is always a nice alternative to riding, why not change it up a bit and play with your horse in more unusual ways.

If you board at a barn, consider taking your horse with you into the parking area -- and grab a jacket from your car. This will expose your horse to different vehicles, will require maneuvering in tight spaces, and it will give your horse an opportunity to deal with the noise of doors opening and closing. Oh, and don’t forget to use the remote locking device…nothing like an unexpected BEEP. While walking back to the barn, move your jacket from one hand to the other, and lead your horse from the right side (off side). See if you can possibly open and close a gate along the way to add in some lateral movements.

If you care for your horse at home, it might be fun to let her/him be part of your chores. I have taken mine up to the back door to grab a jacket or an apple from the mudroom. My horses have also helped me clean the arena…while I drag poles and cones and buckets around they walk alongside of me. How about garbage day? Many times I have dragged the trash barrel to the road, horse in tow.

If you need to water your arena…take your horse along while you roll out the hose. Bathing season is right around the corner; why not get your horse used to the sputtering hose early in the year.

Let your horse be part of the spring-cleaning. Clean your saddle in your horses stall or in the aisle in front of the stall. On a sunny day put the saddle on the fence and clean it right there in your horse’s paddock. When you wash the grooming tools…do so in a place where your horse can hang out with you.

If you approach these more unusual activities with gentle patience and care, they become great opportunities to deepen your relationship. The horse gets to explore new things, and with your support, becomes more confident. You, in return, might be required to step up your calm leadership skills if your horse becomes nervous. Then again, if you let him/her explore the groom box or stirrup irons, you might discover a goofy side of your horse that has never surfaced before.

I am looking forward to my next chore…our apple trees have recently been pruned and the branches need to be piled up for burning. I need to drag the branches out of the pasture to the fire pit for which I could use the tractor. I will, however, take our 3 year old and move at least some of them by hand. That way she can walk along with me and learn how to handle "cumbersome objects in motion."

Turn those muddy days into an adventure; it might just lead you to a Mindful Connection.

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