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Alternatives for the Non Ridden Equine

ListenWithYourHeart Did you know that thousands of people worldwide now gather online to share their experiences with their Non-Ridden Equines? That’s right! People who own horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules that can’t be ridden or driven for various reasons, such as injury, old age, ill-health, past training issues, or general unsuitability, are now able to connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion. Gone are the days when people had to justify why they have ‘pasture pets’ or ‘paddock ornaments’. Nowadays, non-ridden equines are just as valued as their ridden or driven counterparts. After all, horses are not born with tack or asking to be ridden, and some people choose not to ride for various reasons. Unfortunately, non-ridden horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys are often overlooked and undervalued. But thankfully, many people now recognize the benefits of simply having these beautiful animals in their lives and enjoying them for who they are, rather than what they can do. So, whether you ride or not, remember that your equine companion is special and deserves to be loved and appreciated for who they are!

Suggested Reading

On this website, you’ll find loads of information to help you care for and interact with your non-ridden equine – here are some topics to start with:
  • Communication with Horses – The best relationships come from when we truly listen to our horses and give them a choice, and a chance to tell us how they feel.
  • The Education of Horse and Rider – The education of horses and riders can be as varied as the horsemen and women who publish and preach their own particular methods.
  • Horse Behavior – Horse behavior is something many of us strive to understand but often fail at!
  • Horse Care Articles – hover over the Horse Care menu at the top of this page to see the large range of topics covered.
  • Ideas For Fun – Inspiration to help you use your imagination to find all sorts of ground-based games.

Global Groups and Resources

Vicki,Kez,SteveYates
Vicki and Steve Yates with Kez, the horse who inspired the Non-Ridden Equine UK organization.
Vicki and Steve Yates set up the original Non-Ridden Equine Facebook group on the 4th of May 2017. It has become a large global group with more than 20,000 members. The group is very inspirational and has many sub-groups associated with local areas worldwide. Vicki says… ‘As we are the only non-ridden equine collective platform we welcome all, no matter where you live. From novices to professionals, non-riders, and riders, people who own or care for non-ridden equines, and those seeking a better way. I make all of these resources available FREE for ALL to enjoy. ” The huge list of resources includes:
  • Hiking and walking with your equines.
  • Social Media. We have a network of affiliated Non-Ridden Equine Facebook Groups.
  • Getting started with Clicker (Positive reinforcement) training.
  • Re-Homing. If you have a non-ridden equine you need to re-home, we have FREE information and advice.
  • Equine obstacle challenges and much more.
Vicki also invites you to join Kez’s Club. There’s no fee, only a lovely list of curated content to guide you on your non-ridden journey. Why not try something different with your non-ridden equines this weekend? If you’re inclined to share what you do, join the Non-Ridden Facebook group and engage with like-minded people worldwide or in your region.

Many Paths to the Heart & Autonomous HorsemanshipAutonomous Horsemanship

Remember Stormy May? She produced the hugely popular movie ‘The Path of the Horse’ which led many of us to question what we do with horses and how we do it. Stormy now leads a group of people exploring alternatives around being with horses by Creating a Sanctuary with MANY PATHS TO THE HEART. This group of people are developing physical sanctuaries and online educational spaces where individuals are encouraged to create together in a community with animals and plants, to cultivate a harmonious inner and outer world. Stormy has defined the term AUTONOMOUS HORSEMANSHIP as an autonomous relationship where each being has the right to make their own decisions. There must be no fear of pain or punishment for making a decision, otherwise, we cannot feel safe in the relationship. Her easily read 24-page booklet explains how Autonomous Horsemanship differs from other forms of horsemanship and has many guiding principles that will resonate with those wanting a truly two-way respectful relationship with their equine friends.