We just moved to a house where I finally have my own land so my horses can be with me and I can finally start on my dream:) now I have a horse walker or hot walker I'm not sure what they are called but I have never used one or been around one can y'all give me tips on what I can do with it? Like do I need to do any thing for my horses since I they have never been on one? Are they good to use? Just any information you can think of let me know I have no clue how to work them I know its a silly question but o we'll:) thank y'all in advance:)
If horse has never been on one-put him on by himself-first time don't tie him to it but walk with him with it running a few times before tying him to it. Make sure it is geared slow enough to walk comfortably-not having to trot to keep up. Some horses will set back when the walker first starts-they will get used to it, but need to learn by themselves. After horse is comfortable on walker by himself you can start putting others on with him. i had one mare that would not walk with other horses, but she was the only one I've ever had like that. The belts on some walkers slip easier than others and horses learn to hold them-burning the belt up so you have to watch them. If walker has long arms you can jog them on it,j ust remember trotting circles are hard on the joints. Walkers are great to cool off a horse or let them soak for a while before riding, but don't take the place of riding. I have always had my ties long enough to let the horse walk with his head at a comfortable level. At the track they have their heads tied high-the thought being they don't want them to rear up and get a leg over the lead. I've never had one get a leg over a lead and have had some cut up a bunch on the walker.
Posted 2014-03-20 8:15 AM Subject: RE: Horse walker question
I Need a Xanax!
Posts: 2774
I agree with everything posted above but I never turn my walker on with horses already on it. I turn it on then go get the horses and tie them as they're walking and tie loose enough to let them have their head level. I don't tie to chains either....I've always worried about it hitting them in the eye. I tie to soft rope. Also, before I tie them to it the first few times I shake the arms really hard as they are walking to let them hear it rattle so if they set back and it rattles they will be used to that noise.
Posts: 5318 Location: where ever my L/Q trl is parked
I use mine to dry my horse out after bathing or to cool down after excercise. I will put them on itjust for the heck,especially if they just need to hang out while I'm cleaning pens. I use soft rope that is attached to the arms with bull snaps on the end and panic snaps on the other thqt I clip to the left side of their halters.
Horse walker question
