swimming horses

["Jonni" <jonnij@earthlink.net>]

Sharon has a GREAT point:

>>horses do not naturally swim............, some of them like it and some
just sink.......<<
Not ALL horses can swim! Some will panic..big time. I found that introducing
them in a pond, or such that has a "hole" that makes them swim, but not so
big that they can not gain footing shortly is one of the best ways to see if
they can swim. Also, horses swimming in a large body of water (the ocean)
can get confused. If they horse gets away from you, he may not head to
shore. Have heard of some heading away from shore. Also, grabbing on to the
tail, to be pulled through the water is asking to get smacked my a hind
foot. The horse uses a lot of power when swimming. A hind leg pushing back,
and connecting with your body would not be a pretty site.(Just my $.02
worth) Last point, bareback horses, in water become very, very slick. I
suggest a neck rope tied around the neck (old stirrup leathers work great)
to hang on to. And watch those feet! Didn't everybody read The Black
Stallion? <grin>

Jonni in hot, humid So. Calif. getting pre-Tevis jitters


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