You've heard the phrase, "A Change is as Good as a Holiday" ... (then I take a lot of 'holidays'!) ... it is healthy and natural to embrace change as part of life!
Horses of course, are creatures of habit, and get into their routines. Upsetting those routines too radically can result in them become a bit disorientated, or worried and confused. (Like us!)
However, if we always stay with the familiar, the comfortable and the 'safe', we will not take opportunities to grow and experience new things.
Another useful phrase to remember when considering change, is "if you keep on doing what you're doing, you'll keep on getting what you are getting!" - and "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result!" (I love that one!)
Including some variety in your relationship with your horse is a positive thing. You could change the place where you usually go to play with your horse, you could change the activities or games you play with your horse, you could change the toys you use!
I often liken horses to 2 or 3 year old children - they can get bored easily, they always willingly do what feels good, they let you know when they are not happy with something, they like cuddles, like to be the centre of attention, and are capable of temper tantrums!
Zorro, my arabian gelding, is the epitomy of a 3 year old child. He has taught me so much - and is still teaching me today! (I'm not anthropomorphising, just drawing a light-hearted comparison!) A playful, spirited, intelligent and social horse like Zorro practically 'demands' to be stimulated, mentally, emotionally and physically. If you are lucky enough to have a horse like this, delight in the opportunity to learn and enhance your horsemanship skills!
Adding variety to your horse's life will keep them interested, keep you inspired and will create more joyful, heart-happy moments!
Above, you can see my brumby, Spirit, play the ball herding game! Yay, a win for the WJ Ranch Team!