In life there are very few things that are both New and Free

But Horse Watching is one of them.

There is Bird watching and Whale watching so why not put a name to something horse lovers have been doing for centuries – watching horses.

However its more than just spotting a horse grazing in a field – Horse watching is focused on watching with intent.

That intention is to gain a better understanding of how they behave and communicate with each other. And ultimately understand why horses do what they do.

Lets form a movement and claim it as our right as horse lovers, to also be known as “Horse Watchers”.

Its fun and free – you don’t even have to own your own horse its;

 The Only equine hobby that doesn’t require deep pockets and big bank balance.

You can watch horses at equine events, show jumping, dressage, eventing, barrel racing, horse racing, polo all of which are free to attend. Some equine events require a small cover charge like rodeo and chuck wagon racing.

There are still bands of wild horses, in various places around the World. Embark on an adventure and seek them out.

Linda Finstad is a self-confessed horse watcher.

She spent 2 years sitting in fields, with herds of horses as she gathered research for her book “The horse watcher  - answers to questions you never knew you had. Observing, documenting and photographing their natural behavior her field work answered some questions but forced Linda’s inquisitive mind to probe even further to discover the Why’s.

Eight Reasons Why "Horse watching" rocks

1) It sharpens your sight. Before you know it, you learn to spot the Alpha female in a herd, or the poor soul that is bottom horse in the pecking order

2) It encourages you to explore the world. Horses are everywhere and each continent has its own indigenous breeds, some even have herds of wild horses to discover.

3) It gives you something to write about. "Dear Mom, How are you? It snowed here the other day, but the horses don’t seem to feel the cold, the snow is piled up on their backs proving their thick winter coats are providing insulation.

4) It makes you an authority in the neighborhood. People you have never met will tell you about horses they have spotted in fields. That is “beautiful” you really must go check them out.

5) It helps you to treasure a moment - that June evening, for example, when you watch a mare and foal gently grooming each other. Or a horse rolling in the dirt with such abandonment, as he rolls and squirms to ditch the itch on his back.

6) It provides you with opportunities to enjoy the countryside, fresh air, gentle exercise all of which ultimately improve your health.

7) It makes you politically active. You will form an interest in not only spotting and watching wild horses but also fight to save them. Once you have observed wildies, its impossible not to be smitten. They are the epitamy of success – Wild, free successfully living on what nature provides.

8) Finally you have discovered something very special that is Free

Now that is news worth sharing.

@ Linda Finstad   

How do you get started as a Horse watcher?

Linda has created a couple of field guides 

“What to watch for when horse watching” 

FREE Fieldguides

You can download them from her web site;

www.thehorsewatcher.com

where you will find lots more information on horse watching.