Hand Grazing

Xena and I are doing a lot of hand grazing these days, partly because she lost over 40 pounds in the first month at our new barn, and partly because the herd is still dictating when she can approach the round bale. It may seem odd, but I’d rather not hand graze her and in the past I’ve always avoided it.

Xena is an extremely polite mare; she’s not grabby or pushy, respects my space and gives easily to pressure — our Parelli™ training has taught her well. However, I’ve ridden and walked enough horses to know what it’s like to be yanked around in the dive for a mouthful of grass. And to be honest, I find it extremely annoying, and at times unsafe.

Someday when we’re finally horse and rider, I don’t want Xena yanking at the reins whenever she’s distracted by thoughts of grazing. I need a training plan, so I’ve come up with a hand grazing rule, because rules help me be consistent and Xena appreciates consistency.

My Hand Grazing Rule:  Graze only with permission, and never when moving.

In the herd, access to the round bale or a patch of grass is determined by the dominate horse. This is the natural order of Xena’s world, so it’s only natual that I (as her alpha) decide when and where she’ll graze.

I Decide When — Whenever she attempts to graze without permission (or when we’re walking), I just ask her to step forward by lightly tapping her side (zone 3) with my carrot stick. The rule applies, no matter if I’m on the ground or in the saddle.

I Decide Where — I choose a grazing spot by coming to a deliberate stop, focusing on the patch of clover or grass I’ve chosen, and more often than not she chooses my spot. If not, I softly wiggle the rope until she moves her nose. I’m not fussy about it, just deliberate.

I realize it’s asking a lot for a horse not to be tempted, but I think Xena can grasp the concept that sometimes grass is just footing, not food. Within a week we had a clear understanding and now I actually enjoy hand grazing.