When people think of spending time with horses, their minds often jump straight to riding. But riding is just one of many ways to bond with, exercise, and work alongside your horse. Whether you’re taking a break from the saddle, rehabbing an injury (yours or your horse’s), or simply looking to mix things up, there’s a world of ground-based activities and we are going to be exploring alternatives to riding right here. Perfect for horse lovers who still want to build fitness, connection, and skills without climbing into the saddle.
Why Explore Alternatives to Riding?
Before we dive in, let’s quickly talk about why ground-based activities are such a valuable part of any horse-human partnership:
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Strengthen your bond: Horses often communicate better when we’re on the ground, free from all those extras like the saddle reins and us!
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Improve your horsemanship: Groundwork reveals a lot about your horse’s natural responses, confidence, and focus.
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Keep moving if you can’t ride: Illness, injury, or weather shouldn’t stop you from enjoying time with your horse if possible.
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Offer variety to your horse: Mixing up their routine helps prevent boredom and boosts their mental wellbeing.
7 Brilliant Alternatives to Horse Riding
1️⃣ Long-Lining
Long-lining involves working your horse from the ground using two long reins. It gives you more control than lunging and allows for a wide range of exercises: walking large figures, transitions, lateral movements, and even simulated schooling sessions without a rider. It’s brilliant for improving your horse’s balance and suppleness to name a few without rider impediment.
Bonus: It’s a fantastic way to introduce young or nervous horses to tack and movement without the added pressure of a rider.
2️⃣ Running or Walking with Your Horse
Pop your comfortable shoes on, grab a lead rope, and head out with your horse in hand. This simple yet underrated activity improves fitness for both of you, strengthens trust, and gives your horse a chance to explore new environments confidently alongside you, and you with them.
Top tip: Mix in some hill work and cross country exploring for an added challenges.
3️⃣ Horse Boarding
Ever tried horse boarding? It’s an adrenaline-filled sport where a rider on a mountain board (a type of off-road skateboard) is towed behind a horse. While not for the faint-hearted, it’s an exciting, high-speed way to engage your horse in something completely different.
4️⃣ Agility and Obstacle Courses
Set up a series of fun, varied obstacles — think cones, poles, tarps, hula hoops, and raised planks — and work through them in-hand with your horse. It challenges their confidence, coordination, and focus while giving you both a mental and physical workout.
5️⃣ Liberty Work
Liberty training means working with your horse freely, without ropes or reins, encouraging them to follow, respond and interact with your movements. It can help build incredible trust and connection.
6️⃣ Trick Training
Teaching your horse tricks isn’t just for movies! Simple behaviours like bowing, fetching, or touching a target can improve problem-solving skills and boost your horse’s confidence. Start small, be patient, and reward generously.
7️⃣ Just sitting with them
Just sit with each other soaking up their calming presence and centre yourself.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re stepping away from the saddle temporarily or simply seeking new adventures with your horse, these alternative activities are a brilliant way to stay connected, fit, and inspired.
Don’t forget — it’s not about doing it ‘right’, it’s about being present, engaged, and building a relationship based on trust and fun.