Comments on: Pat Parelli: Crossing Water with Confidence

By: Kerry

Kerry — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 17:35:14 +0000

Hi, I’m doing research for a novel I’m writing. My protagonist drives a pair of horses & carriage across a river. How deep/far will most horses be able to manage towing a light carriage? Can you direct me to a more detailed description of the drivers technique & equestrian response? Thanks!

By: PKL

PKL — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:40:50 +0000

Now it is nearly winter, so my horse will have to walk “on” the water. 🙂
i know when leading the horses, sometimes they will walk around the mud puddles.

By: Sam

Sam — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:00:30 +0000

Hey Petra, I have to second your advice about sending a horse across water from the ground first. It really helps out! There’s a small, deep pond in my horses’ pasture that I like to play the circle game from the banks of. I think it’s funny to watch a horse swim, but maybe that’s just me! Cheers, Sam
I’d also like to remind everyone again about how dangerous it could be to cross water. The other day me and a friend were out on the trail and we decided to swim across another on of those deep ponds. It was going great, in fact the horses just had to wade across; but my mare got bogged in the bank we were exiting in. My colt and i made it out okay, but my friend fell off my mare and potentially could have gotten hurt. Everyone’s okay, and cross water is fine and dandy, but just be careful!

By: Petra Christensen - Parelli 1Star Instructor

Petra Christensen - Parelli 1Star Instructor — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:35:34 +0000

Hi Galadriel, We humans can logically explain the difference between a river, a creek and an irrigation ditch. Horses will see it differently – literally. They have poor depth perception… and are prey animals always on the lookout. One strategy could be to ask your horse to cross the irrigation ditch with you being on the ground and sending him across. You will need at least a 12′ line for this exercise. Once across you want him to turn and face and wait. Once he crosses the ditch willingly and confidently with you on the ground, then ride him across, using the strategies mentioned by Pat. To get your horse used to being hosed down, use approach and retreat. You want to stop when he is reacting positively, like lowering his head and relaxing. Start with his feet first. It will help if you don’t tie your horse. This way he will not feel trapped. Let him drift when he is worried and gently ask him to stop while still spraying his feet. Immediately stop the water when he stops. Cause your idea to be his idea… and think about building a relationship based on trust and respect. It’s NOT about the water… Hope this helps!
Petra Christensen
Parelli 1Star Junior Instructor

By: Galadriel

Galadriel — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:25:29 +0000

My horse hates being bathed but he has swum in the river and walked across a small creek. But he absolutely refuses to jump a small irrigation ditch. I don’t know what’s so different about it.

By: Gina

Gina — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:35:58 +0000

I think everything that Pat has said is correct. I have a horse that hates the water. I particularly
agree with the approach and retreat method. This only help build the horse’s confidence.