The excitement of the Summer Olympics is in the air, and for horse enthusiasts, this is a time to revel in the equestrian events that showcase the incredible bond between horse and rider. While watching these awe-inspiring performances, you might find yourself inspired to get active with your own horse. Here are some Olympic-inspired activities you can enjoy with your horse, along with tips for keeping them healthy, cool, and hydrated during the hot summer months.
Mimic the elegance and precision of Olympic dressage by practicing patterns and movements with your horse. Focus on transitions, extensions, and collection to improve your horse’s responsiveness and agility.
Set up a mini show jumping course in your arena or field. Use poles, cones, and other obstacles to create a challenging yet fun course that you and your horse can navigate together.
Plan a cross-country ride through trails, fields, and varied terrain. Ensure the route is safe and manageable and enjoy the thrill of exploring new paths with your equine friend.
Try your hand at basic vaulting moves. Start with simple maneuvers like standing or kneeling on your horse while it's stationary. This can be a fun way to build trust and improve balance.
Emulate the stamina of Olympic endurance riders by planning longer, leisurely rides. Ensure you take plenty of breaks and keep an eye on your horse’s condition throughout the ride.
Always provide fresh, clean water for your horse. During hot weather, horses need more water, so ensure they have access to plenty of it. Electrolytes can be added to their water to help replace minerals lost through sweating.
Ensure your horse has access to shade, whether it’s from trees, a run-in shed, or a stable. This is crucial for protecting them from the sun’s harsh rays and preventing heat stress.
After exercise, cool your horse down gradually. Walk them slowly and offer water. Use a hose to spray their legs and body with cool water, focusing on large muscle groups.
Adjust your riding schedule to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or late evening rides are best. Pay attention to your horse’s behavior and energy levels to avoid overexertion.
Ensure your horse has access to a salt lick. Salt helps replace essential minerals lost through sweat and encourages drinking.
At Pet Perennials, we understand the special bond between horse and owner and the heartache that comes with losing such a magnificent companion. Our Gift Perks Service is designed for pet-centric businesses—tack shops, horse boarding facilities, horse trainers, doggy daycare, groomers, veterinarians, dog sitters and walkers, dog boarding, and pet retailers—to offer heartfelt sympathy gifts to clients after the loss of a beloved pet. This service is convenient, affordable, and deeply thoughtful.
Our Gift Perks clients benefit from all-inclusive pricing. Each gift includes the gift itself, gift wrap, a pet-themed sympathy card with a personalized message, and direct shipping to the client’s home. There are no membership fees or minimum orders, making it easy to offer this thoughtful service as needed.
Here are two of our favorite memorial gifts for the loss of a horse:
This beautiful suncatcher features angel wings, a cascade of crystals, and a teardrop-shaped prism. It’s a touching tribute to the light pets bring into our lives.
This edition includes a horse charm, reminding us that our cherished companion now rides free on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.
The vibrant colors represent the Chakra system, promoting healing and emotional balance. It’s perfect for hanging in a window, on a car rearview mirror, or anywhere it can catch the sunlight.
This kit allows you to create a blooming and lasting memorial wildflower garden in honor of a horse.
With water, sunshine, and love, you can grow beautiful flowers that bloom year after year, serving as a living tribute.
The DIY kit includes everything you need to create custom seed wafers in the shape of hearts and horse heads, which can include a small portion of your horse's cremated remains.
The kit contains 16 species of seeds, including the "Pollinator" wildflower mix, which attracts honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Crafting a memorial garden or displaying a beautiful suncatcher can be a comforting way to remember your beloved horse. These gifts also make wonderful sympathy gestures for friends and clients who have lost a cherished equine companion.
Here's to a summer filled with fun, laughter, and safe adventures with your pets!
At Pet Perennials, we believe that pets are family. Our sympathy gifts and Gift Perks service are designed to provide comfort, support, and a lasting tribute to the pets who have touched our lives. Together, let's honor their memory and celebrate the unconditional love they gave us.
For more information about our products and services, visit our website and discover how you can create a lasting tribute to your beloved pet.
Lori is co-founder of Pet Perennials and a lifelong animal lover. She currently resides in a small lake community with her two feline companions, Snookie and Pumpkin. Lori learned to ride a Western Saddle as a child and rode English as an adult. When her oldest daughter fell in love with horses as a young girl, they eventually rescued a horse named Sugar and enjoyed time on the trails of NW PA. Her daughter's passion for horses continues and as an adult, she rescued a horse and in turn is now passing on her love of everything horse to her own daughter.
Pet Perennials offers a Gift Perks Service with all-inclusive pricing for Pet-centric businesses to send thoughtful sympathy gifts to clients, family, and employees conveniently and affordably.
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