Can Horses Swim? (Revealed!)

The answer is yes, horses can swim. In fact, many horses enjoy it and will splash playfully before kneeling and rolling even where the water is not deep enough to swim. While some horses have a fear of water, many can overcome their uncertainty to enjoy walking and swimming in water.

This prompts many more questions about horses and water, from the technical questions of how they swim to the psychological and logistical of how horses can get over their fears if they hesitate to walk through water.

We will answer all these and more below.

How do horses swim?

Functionally, the way a horse swims is not unlike a dog who doggy paddles around, if you have ever witnessed that.

Horses are mammals, breathing air through their mouth and nose, so when horses do swim they must keep their heads above water.

Once they are deep enough to begin to float a horse will pick up their feet and begin to paddle.

Horses have large lungs which also help them float.

How long can horses swim?

Swimming is intense exercise, even though it is not high impact.

It is important to pay attention to your horse and not ask them to go further than their stamina will safely allow.

Your horse will move much more slowly in water, even if they are technically walking through shallower water instead of swimming.

When you are out for a swim or wading together remember that some experts have said a 10-minute swim could require as much exertion as cantering for several miles.

Pay attention to signs of fatigue and guide your horse back to land for a break before they are completely exhausted.

Do horses like water?

Many horses do like the water!

Owners love to share videos of their horses pawing and splashing in everything from a kiddie pool to a stream to the ocean.

If you are working with a horse who likes the water it could be tough to tear them away from the novelty.

And if they begin to drop to their front knees, make sure to get off their back and jump clear – they like the water so much they have decided to roll in it!

The water doesn’t even have to be very deep for this thought to enter your horse’s mind, so keep a watchful eye on their feet and body language.

Even horses who seem to initially not like the water may feel a lot better about it if they can follow behind a horse who knows the ropes and can display how fun it can be to splash around and cool off.

Why are some horses afraid of water?

Generally, horses are suspicious or afraid of anything they have not seen before.

Some very brave horses may charge right through a body of water they have never encountered, but remember horses are prey animals and instinctively avoid situations they may not be able to escape quickly.

One problem horses can have with water, even just a puddle, is they can not see the bottom of the water.

How deep is it? What could be hiding in that puddle?

What is that dark splotch of a puddle even made of?

When you start to think like a horse, their hesitation can make a lot more sense.

Sometimes horses who previously had no problem with puddles, streams or other bodies of water do start to hesitate.

In this case, they probably recently had a bad experience in or around that sort of water.

If you can work with them to overcome this experience and resulting fear you will likely be able to go back to all your old habits!

Do horses like swimming?

Many horses do really like swimming!

The water provides resistance which makes it harder to go long distances or move quickly, but like many varieties of water therapy, the same can be true for horses.

Once they are floating and buoyant it can relieve a lot of pressure their weight can put on their joints. In this sense, swimming can be more comfortable!

Playing in the water is also a good form of enrichment for your horse.

Animals generally need to be mentally stimulated, and for a confident horse riding into new terrain or playing with new surroundings can be the perfect antidote to boredom.

You can tell if your horse likes swimming, particularly the second or third time you try it, with how they approach the water.

Do they walk in confidently?

Do they paw at the water to splash and play?

Do they dip their head to the water to test for a drink?

These are all signs your horse is enjoying himself, too!

Is it safe to swim with your horse?

Swimming is a big physical challenge for horses, much like humans, because of water resistance.

That said, if your horse is in good physical shape and is accustomed to the water it is safe to go swimming with them, riding them into the water.

One important thing to remember is that your horse will move differently in water and you should let them move instinctually, without holding them back or creating a lot of restriction.

When you are able, removing a saddle before swimming reduces the weight they are carrying and frees up some of their movement, too.

Additionally, if you float off of your horse or get separated, remember that they are paddling strongly beneath themselves.

You will need to stay clear of their hooves to avoid getting hurt.