Should I play tag with my horse?

Question

She's a 3 year old Arab and loves to chase and be chased. Will this harm our training relationship or give her bad manners? She is kept in a pipe stall surrounded by other horses, but she never gets to play freely with them. When we play she's very careful and never really gets close to me until I invite her in.

Answer 1

It depends on what you mean by "tag". I personally play with my horses on the ground, I don't play "tag" but we play follow the leader type games, we do stretches, etc, all of which she enjoys. On the other hand, I have watched people play at liberty with their horses and felt very concerned for their safety because the horse was not respectful of their boundries and space. If you are able to maintain a respectful relationship with her where she responds the same to body cues on and off lead, I would say it is safe and can do nothing but strengthen your relationship. When I work with my mare we start off on lead doing a basic series of ground work exercises - disengaging, turn on the fore, turn on the haunches, I send her around me both directions asking for changes of speed and gait, I ask her to back away and move towards me, etc. If she does not show any hesitation or issue during those exercises for that day, I will let her off lead to follow me around. If she show any hesitation, we work on it and go from there. You need to check in with her daily to make sure she is still with you and you are still the leader. Practice safe methods to catch her up so if anything happens you don't have an issue trying to catch her later. Again, it is imperative that you maintain your safety and if you sense she is getting byond your control, you need to stop the game, catch her up and get her back "with" you. Have fun, but be careful, careful, careful...

Answer 2

Playing with your horse, especially an arab is a great way to bond. I have a 5 year old arab that plays tag with my boyfriend all the time, and she's great to train. The only thing you have to watch out for is that you are always in control, don't let your horse run you over or get aggressive. Have a command that ends the game, or sends your horse away from you to keep things safe. Arabs are the best horses ever, very smart and friendly so have fun playing!!

Answer 3

I don't see how it can cause problems. Our 6-year-old mare loves playing tag, but is careful and respectful. As long as your horse keeps being respectful, there should be no problem. It's not like you're chasing her and she's scared; she's actually playing with you, but make sure she doesn't get close enough to playfully kick. The only problem we've ever had with our mare is getting her to give us our space- she never considered my husband (her owner) a superior, but an equal. She's been trained now to respect and give space, but as far as playing tag, she still enjoys it. She also chases the truck and plays chase in the pasture when we drag the pasture - and will try to stomp the drag. It is hilarious!

Answer 4

That is a very good question. You have to be the judge of your mare. I would not encourage it though. Is there time to turn her out to be in the pasture? I would think this is safer for you.
You just don't want anything to go wrong and you get trampled. It would not be a good thing. Safety first. Also, Arabians can be really highstrung and I would think you are encouraging her to be that way if you run around and chase each other. It will be interesting to see what others say.

Answer 5

I would not suggest playing tag, no matter how many people are saying "it will strengthen your bond". I'm sorry, but no, it doesn't.

To start off, you are putting yourself in serious danger. Horses are unpredictable animals, and a freak thing could happen like she gets spooked and jumps on you, or she decides she wants to test your authority. Not only is it putting you in danger of injury or death, it's putting other people who visit her in danger. I think someone did say this before...If someone is with her and accidentally gives off a message to invite her to play, they won't expect it and could get hurt.

Furthermore, this play actually damages your relationship. If you continue to play with her, eventually she'll see you as her "buddy". Every time she sees you, she'll expect to play. When you introduce work, she'll still want to play. You want to establish yourself as leader, not her best pal. You can still be friends, but there has to be dominance involved.

Also, the chasing aspect of it is bad. In herds, alpha horses kick, bite, and CHASE other horses to keep them in their place. Though you may not know it, this "game" is strengthening her confidence to challenge you for leadership. All in all, I would seriously suggest not playing tag with your horse. You want your hose to look up to you as a teacher and leader, not another foal just playing around.

Answer 6

This is the cutest thing I have ever heard. The fact that your horse wants to play with you is awesome.Just be careful not to get her so excited that she tramples you. I would play with her everyday! You will make a bond with her that is ever-lasting! She will probably train better too because she trust you. Horses are like big dogs. She obviously has a play-ful spirit, so take advantage of it. You could also video tape her playing with you and send it off. How fun!!!

Answer 7

The biggest problem with "playing tag" with a horse, or any animal that can harness as much raw power as a horse is the reaction of the animal to others. Yes it may be ok for your horse to play with you, but while you are playing you may be initiating a behavioral pattern that could have dire consequences later on. What I am thinking of here is if the horse decides to "play tag" with someone else, or if someone else accidentally initiates a game of tag by making certain movements or saying a particular phrase resulting in possible injury or death.

Answer 8

I don't know about this one. If she likes to be chased and she chases you, then I don't see why not. But, this might harm your training relationship if you do it frequently because she might be afraid of you and not listen or do anything that you say when you are training her. Also, you need to be careful to make sure that you don't get seriously hurt if she gets a little rambuncious and plows into you or tramples you. That would not be a good thing. I am glad to see that you are being playful and social with her, instead of just training her and then putting her in her stall. Good work and good luck with everything!

Answer 9

Don't teach a horse to play "tag" Great way to get trampled or get a kick in the face.

Answer 10

If you both enjoy it, go ahead! It sounds like she respects you because she only gets close when invited. I agree with another poster...be sure she only does this with you and not others who are not aware of her behavior. Unless she starts becoming aggressive, I don't see how having a little fun could hurt. It's nice to be around horses for fun and bonding instead of just work and riding.