Mary Allen
Riders often have a dog that they want to take with them on horseback rides occasionally or regularly. Good preparation and mutual understanding are important so that the joint excursions for people, horses, and dogs are relaxed and safe.
Where horses are kept, there is usually plenty of space, nature, and the opportunity to run around freely. These conditions are also ideal for dogs, which is why it is not surprising that many horse owners and riders also have a dog. Equally obvious is the desire to enjoy leisure time together and to take the dog on horseback rides. For a three-person trip to be safe and harmonious for everyone involved, both the dog and the horse must meet the basic educational requirements and the two animals must be familiar with each other.
Ideally, horses and dogs get to know each other as young animals. Both animal species go through a so-called socialization phase in their early youth: what they learn and get to know during this time has a significant impact on them throughout their lives. Foals and puppies should therefore not only be carefully accustomed to the important things of their later everyday life but should also be allowed to get to know each other. Later – and even in adulthood – horse and dog can still get used to each other and develop a bond, but you should proceed more cautiously and give both animals enough time. The result of this approach then depends heavily on the character of the horse or dog and its previous experiences with the other animal species.
Commands Have To Be Right
When riding a dog, the rider must have both animals under control to avoid unpleasant incidents. The horse and rider should be a well-rehearsed team, the horse should be calm and balanced, not shy, roadworthy, and solidly trained. This is the only way the rider can rely on his horse when he has to concentrate completely on the dog for a short time.
Before you can go on the first rides together, the dog must have learned how to behave properly in the horse’s home, the stable. Especially in a boarding stable where there are several horses, many people, and maybe other dogs going in and out, there are certain rules that also apply to the dog. In larger stables, dogs usually have to be on a leash. But even if they are allowed to run free, the rider should ensure that the dogs always stay with him or in an assigned waiting area, such as an old horse blanket or saddle pad.
An unsupervised dog has no place in other people’s horseboxes, in the riding hall, on the pasture, or in the outdoor riding arena. He must also have learned not to chase the stable cat, bark at strangers or horses, and not chew rubber currycombs. To do this, the dog should know and follow a clear stop command, the same applies to a safe call signal, such as “walk” or “here”.
If the basic commands are correct and the dog and horse have gotten used to each other, the rider can plan activities for three. We recommend going for a walk together at the beginning: the horse is led on the right side and the dog on the left. The horse gets to know the dog in motion – and vice versa. Under no circumstances should the dog jump up on the horse or bark at it. As soon as one or the other animal becomes nervous and shows signs of stress, the training should be continued on another day.
Not Every Dog Can Keep Up
If the walks are harmonious, the rider can climb into the saddle and get the dog used to receive his commands from above. Depending on the level of training and temperament of the dog and horse, these first steps can be practiced outdoors in a fenced riding arena. In the beginning, it can be useful to have an assistant who leads the dog on a loose leash and walks to the right of the horse. However, the commands for the dog are given exclusively by the rider, the assistant should only intervene to correct them. As soon as this works, the helper hands the leash over to the rider. The horse first has to get used to this flapping strap or rope, which leads from the rider on his back past his field of vision to the dog and learns that the leash does not pose a threat.
Most riders and dog owners would like to let their four-legged companion run freely alongside the horse on a trail ride, but this may not be possible depending on the region and applicable legal regulations. In some places you can let the dog run free in the fields, but not in the forest or you have to cross dangerous roads on the way. The rider must therefore be able to put the dog on and off the leash while on the go. With small dogs, there is nothing left but to dismount. Medium and large dogs can learn to step their front paws up the rider’s leg so that they can be conveniently put on and off the leash. The horse stands still until its rider has finished. It is also helpful when practicing this maneuver to have a helper hold the horse by the reins the first few times.
Once the horse and the dog walk confidently and confidently side by side, the external stimuli for both can gradually be increased. The horse has to learn that it is not in danger if the dog that its owner takes away approaches it from the front, side, or behind, or if it jumps back and forth excitedly and barks. The dog should not be distracted by other dogs, cats, or joggers, but should concentrate reliably on the rider and horse.
If these criteria are met, then nothing stands in the way of a three-person ride in initially familiar terrain. Duration and speed adapt to the dog. It’s important to remember that small dogs, except the agile Jack Russell Terrier, have trouble keeping up with the horse on fast rides because of their short legs and are at risk of overexertion. Even large and heavy breeds are quickly overwhelmed over long distances, and their musculoskeletal system is overburdened. The riding companion dog must not be too young either: it should have completed the growth phase and then be carefully accustomed to long distances.