Have you ever wondered if your horse can swim in the water? Many people wonder if these majestic creatures can swim. If they have been tiptoeing and looking disgruntled when first introduced to waters, then it’s a valid question. In this article, we will discuss if horses can swim and the tricks and safety issues you need to know.
As someone deeply immersed in equestrian sports and horse care, I often find myself marveling at the multifaceted abilities of these magnificent animals. One of the questions that frequently arises is whether horses can swim. So, can horses swim? Yes, horses can swim and float well without the need to be taught. They instinctively move their legs like they trot to advance in the water. However, it doesn’t mean that all horses are great swimmers, nor do they love being in the water. Here’s what you need to know about horses and water.
How Do Horses Swim?
Like other mammals, horses have an instinct to swim in deep water. They can swim in rivers, lakes, and even oceans. Since they are massive creatures, most body parts will always be submerged in the water. Their technique is quite like larger dogs that kick their way forward.
When submerged in the water, horses instinctively lift their head over the surface to breathe, and their body stays afloat if it keep forward momentum. Their legs typically move paddle-like to maintain their balance and stability in the water. Swimming is physically exhausting for horses due to the natural resistance water provides. But it is beneficial for them.
But the thing is, if horses can swim, can they breathe underwater as well? Let’s find out.
Can Horses Breathe Under Water?
Unlike humans, horses cannot hold their breath underwater. They can easily get stressed out if their head is under the water. So, if it’s windy in the ocean and there are big waves, it can be dangerous for your horse to swim, and the risk of getting drowned is relatively high.
Therefore, checking the ocean or any swimming area before taking your horse into it is critical. And if the horse gets the head underwater, water might run into the ears. Since the anatomy of the horse’s ears has no lower passage that will drain the water, it will build up inside them and cause discomfort and infection. So, it’s crucial to avoid water from getting into their cavity.
But even if horses have a natural swimming ability, it doesn’t mean they love water. Some have a phobia in it. Let’s see the reasons why.
Horse’s Fear of Water
Some domestic horses who have been surrounded by water since birth are comfortable in swimming. But those who are not familiar with water aren’t. Here are some reasons why they might be afraid of water:
- The eyes of the horse are located on two sides of the horse’s head, which is advantageous because it helps them to see a broad scope of their surroundings. However, its downside is it prevents them from perceiving details. Thus, they naturally feel scared and vulnerable when wading into the water because they are unaware of what’s beneath it.
- Horses with bad experiences or past traumas in water may associate it with something negative. So, bathing and swimming would be more difficult for them.
- Like other animals, such as cats and dogs, some horses just don’t like being wet.
Those are the reasons why you should not rush the process. But how can you convince your horse and help it to overcome their fears?
The first experience of a horse with water is essential because it’ll shape the horse’s feeling about water next time. So, if your horse had a bad experience in water in the past, it will be afraid and find it difficult to swim in the future. It would be best to slowly introduce your horse to water and let it have a good time.
But if it doesn’t work, you can persuade it that the water is safe and a fun environment. Horses are friendly animals, and if they see their fellow creatures enjoying the sea, their fear will gradually disappear.
Safety Tips in the Water
Swimming with your horse is fun, but it also poses several risks, especially if you’re in an ocean with big waves. So, here are some of the precautionary measures that you must take before taking your horse to the water:
- Use a bridle and lead rope, and make sure you can move your horse’s shoulder away on cue.
- Ensure no obstacles in the swimming area and no steep drop-offs underwater.
- Check if the seafloor has sand, stones, or coral when swimming. Hard, uneven surfaces may hurt and injure your horse’s leg while swimming.
- Horses can’t breathe underwater, so it would be best not to bring them to the sea if the waves are huge enough to wash over their heads because it can cause them to drown.
- Remove the saddle of your horse and other equipment that restricts the upward movement of their head because they need free reins to hold it a bit over the surface.
- Ask your horse to wade into the water slowly and to come out before it feels nervous.
- Let your horse lunge in a circle partly in the water and mostly on the shore.
- When swimming, stay forward of the horse’s wither to avoid getting accidental kicks with its legs.
- Don’t swim for too long. Ten minutes in the water is enough. Swimming is tiring for a horse because it takes more energy in the water than on the ground. So, don’t overdo it. Take your horse to the beach after 5 or 7 minutes to take a break and check if its breathing returns to normal quickly.
Benefits of Swimming for Horses
Swimming has various benefits to your horse, which is why it is used for the training and rehabilitation of horses. Here are the perks of bringing your horse to the water:
It’s a good aerobic exercise
Swimming allows horses to move their legs intensively and increase their limb’s range of motion, which helps to build their core muscles. Swimming is part of the physiotherapy regimes in equine pools. It’s a beneficial exercise that enhances muscle growth and heals horses’ serious injuries without having to carry their weight. It also helps to strengthen their heart, lungs, and stamina.
It can strengthen your bond with your pet
Swimming is a fun activity that can help you be closer to your horse. If you can help your horse overcome its fear of water, it will build unconditional trust in you, and your bond will grow stronger.
Horses can swim and often excel in aquatic environments due to their natural abilities and adaptations. Whether for exercise, therapy, or recreation, swimming can be a beneficial and enjoyable experience for horses when approached with proper care and consideration for their safety and well-being.
So, why not try to create new memories with your horse by swimming together? It’ll be challenging initially, but you’ll surely have a great time. Don’t go to any swimming area with your horse alone, though. Having an experienced companion who can assist you anytime would be best.
