Wild Games in AND focus on encouraging energetic, playful interactions between horses and humans. These games promote natural movement, engagement, and self-expression while reinforcing trust and communication.
Types of Wild Games
1. Run to Me – The handler moves in circles, rewarding the horse for showing interest, gradually encouraging trotting or galloping toward them.
2. Run with Me – The horse and handler run together, reinforcing connection and enthusiasm.
3. Run Away and Return – Encourages the horse to run away and return on cue, fostering independence and confidence.
Key Principles
• Mimicry: Horses naturally mirror human movements, making play a powerful training tool.
• Encouraging, not forcing: The goal is to inspire enthusiasm rather than demand performance.
• Balancing energy: Over-exciting a horse can lead to stress, so wild games should be kept short and balanced with calmer activities.
Considerations and Cautions
• Some horses may become overstimulated or aggressive; sessions should be brief and structured.
• Horses with a strong flight instinct may need careful introduction to avoid stress.
• Not all horses naturally enjoy wild play—adjust to the individual horse’s personality.
Insights from Participants
• Wild games are not essential for every horse—some prefer calmer interactions.
• Play can unlock hidden confidence, especially in previously shut-down or timid horses. • The method mimics how horses naturally play, reinforcing communication and body awareness.