Picture this: It’s a scorching mid-July afternoon. You’ve just finished a long, dusty trail ride, and you spot a shimmering pond in the distance. Cool water can provide much-needed relief and comfort for horses on hot days, offering a refreshing break that helps keep them comfortable and reduces stress during or after exercise. You wipe the sweat from your forehead and wonder, “Can I take my horse for a dip?”

The short answer is yes, horses can swim! In fact, most horses instinctively know exactly what to do the moment their hooves leave the riverbed. However, while most horses can swim, not all of them enjoy it—some may be hesitant due to fear or poor depth perception.

But before you go charging into the nearest lake like a scene from a movie, there are some crucial things every new rider needs to know. While horses are natural swimmers, they aren’t built like dolphins. There are safety risks, stamina limits, and specific ways to introduce your equine friend to the water to ensure everyone comes home safe and happy.

In this guide, we’re going to dive deep (pun intended) into the world of equine swimming. We’ll cover why they swim, the incredible health benefits, the serious risks you need to avoid, and a step-by-step guide on how to get started. So, grab a cool drink, and let’s get into it.

One of the most common questions I hear from new riders is, “Do I need to teach my horse to swim, or will they just know?”

Here is the cool part: Swimming is an instinct.

Unlike humans, who usually need lessons to keep from sinking, horses are born with the ability to swim. They don’t need water wings or a kickboard. When a horse enters water deep enough that they can no longer touch the bottom, their brain automatically switches into “paddle mode.” Horses, like other large mammals such as dogs, are not naturally aquatic, but both can swim surprisingly well when needed.

They begin to trot in the water. It’s a movement very similar to their trotting gait on land—a diagonal movement where the front left leg and back right leg move together, followed by the other pair. This generates forward momentum and keeps them afloat.

This instinct is likely a survival mechanism. In the wild, horses often had to cross rivers to find fresh grazing or escape predators. While horses are most comfortable on dry land, entering water presents a new challenge that requires them to adapt their behavior and physical abilities. So, even if your horse has spent their entire life in a dry, dusty paddock, it likely has the software pre-installed to handle a swim.

A horse’s large lungs help keep its body buoyant, making it easier for them to stay afloat while swimming.

However, just because they can swim doesn’t mean they are mentally prepared for it. Panic is a real factor, which is why introduction matters more than ability. Using encouragement and positive reinforcement can help your horse overcome their fear of water and build confidence when learning to swim.

So, we know they can swim, but are they any good at it?

Horses are surprisingly buoyant. Their massive lungs act like built-in flotation devices, helping keep their body afloat. As long as they keep moving their legs and keep their head elevated, they will float. The higher density of saltwater compared to freshwater can make it even easier for horses to stay afloat, as increased buoyancy supports their body more effectively.

However, they aren’t exactly efficient. Here is the reality check on their swimming skills:

Because swimming is so physically demanding, you should never overestimate how far a horse can swim. In a survival situation, they might manage a longer distance, but for a fun afternoon swim, short bursts are best to avoid exhaustion.

You might have heard the term “hydrotherapy” tossed around at the barn. That’s just a fancy way of saying “water healing,” and it is popular in the equestrian world (especially the performance equestrian world). Swimming isn’t just fun; it’s an incredible workout. As a low-impact exercise, swimming is gentle on the joints while still providing effective conditioning for horses.

Here is why veterinarians and trainers love it:

When a horse is swimming, buoyancy reduces the weight bearing on their legs by a massive amount. According to research from UC Davis, water at the hip level reduces weight bearing by 75%. This allows the horse to get a high-intensity cardio workout without the pounding concussion of running on hard ground. It’s perfect for conditioning without risking joint wear and tear.

Because water is much denser than air, every kick is a resistance exercise. Swimming forces the horse to engage their core, back, and neck muscles in a way that land exercise doesn't. It helps build a "topline" (the muscles along the spine), which is excellent for carrying a rider.

If a horse has a tendon or ligament injury, they often can't be ridden for months. Swimming or using an underwater treadmill allows them to maintain muscle tone and lung capacity while their injury heals.

Let's not forget the obvious one—it feels great! In the heat of summer, a quick dip lowers the horse's body temperature faster than a hose bath. Plus, it gives them a break from biting flies, which is a win in everyone's book.

I want to keep things optimistic because swimming is a blast, but safety has to come first. One of the most important things you should do before starting a swimming routine with your horse is to consult a veterinarian. Veterinary guidance is crucial for assessing your horse’s suitability for swimming and preventing injuries.

I’ve seen scary situations happen because riders didn’t respect the water. Here are the significant risks you need to watch out for:

This is the number one risk. Because swimming is so hard for them, horses can succumb to fatigue drowning. If they run out of energy in deep water, they stop paddling. Unlike us, they can't just float on their back to rest. If they stop moving, they begin to sink. Never push a horse to swim long distances.

The entry and exit points are where most accidents happen. A muddy, boggy bottom can act like quicksand. If a horse sinks into mud up to their knees, they may panic and thrash, leading to tendon injuries. Always check the footing yourself before riding a horse in.

Reins, martingales, and lead ropes are drowning hazards. A loose rein can easily get wrapped around a horse’s leg while they are paddling. If their leg gets tied up, they can't swim.

Just like humans, horses can suffer from cold water shock. Sudden immersion in freezing water can cause muscle cramping or a heart attack. If the water is too cold for you to swim in, it’s probably too cold for your horse.

As mentioned earlier, water in the ears is bad news. It affects their vestibular system (balance). Protecting your horse's ears from water is essential to prevent discomfort or imbalance during swimming. If a horse splashes violently and gets water deep into the ear canal, they might feel the world spinning, causing them to roll over in the water.

We’ve all seen those dreamy photos on Instagram of people riding bareback through the surf. It looks magical. Swimming on horseback offers a unique experience, allowing ridden horses to build fitness and confidence in the water while strengthening the bond between horse and rider. And yes, you can ride a horse while it swims, but you need to be extremely careful.

Why it’s risky: When you sit on a horse’s back in the water, you are pushing them down. This makes it harder for them to stay buoyant. Additionally, your weight can throw off their balance.

The Golden Rules of Riding in Water:

Facilities designed for swimming horses or those used in hydrotherapy often install rubber matting to provide safe, non-slip footing during and after swimming sessions, reducing the risk of injury for both horses and handlers.

Ready to get your feet wet? Don’t just gallop into the waves. Slow and steady wins the race here. Encouragement and positive reinforcement are key when introducing your horse to water, helping them build confidence and trust throughout the process. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a positive experience.

Horses are herd animals. If they see another horse calmly walking into the water, they are 100 times more likely to follow. If you have a friend with an experienced "water horse," invite them along.

Find a spot with a gentle, gradual slope and firm footing. Let your horse sniff the water. They might paw at it—that’s okay! They are testing the depth and saying hello to the strange wet stuff.

When they take a step in, praise them! Give them a scratch. If they back up, don't get angry. Just wait and try again. We want them to think the water is a happy place, not a scary one.

Once you are knee-deep, walk in circles. Let them get used to the drag of the water against their legs.

As you go deeper, you will feel a distinct moment where the horse loses contact with the ground and lifts into the swimming motion. It can feel a bit like a lurch. Stay calm, grab a handful of mane, and enjoy the ride! Keep the session very short—just a minute or two of swimming is plenty for the first time.

Not all water is created equal. Before you load up the trailer, run through this checklist to ensure your swimming hole is horse-friendly.

When introducing your horse to open water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers, start gradually and prioritize safety. Open water can be intimidating for horses, so take time to let them adjust and monitor their reactions.

After swimming, ensure your horse has access to comfortable stables for rest and recovery.

To wrap up our safety briefing, here is your “Do Not Do” list. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your equine partner safe.

Can horses swim in the ocean?

Yes, horses can swim in the ocean! However, saltwater can be drying to their skin (rinse them off afterwards), and waves can be intimidating. Be very wary of riptides and currents.

Can horses drown?

Sadly, yes. Fatigue is the leading cause. If a horse swims too far and gets exhausted, they cannot stay afloat. Always keep swim sessions short and stay close to the shore.

Do horses enjoy swimming?

Many do! Some horses love splashing and cooling off. Others might tolerate it but prefer to keep their hooves dry. It depends on the individual horse’s personality.

How far can a horse swim?

While they can swim longer distances in emergencies, for exercise, you should limit continuous swimming to short intervals (1-5 minutes) depending on their fitness levels. A horse’s endurance and how far it can swim safely will vary based on its physical condition and how quickly it fatigues.

Can horses swim underwater?

No, horses should not swim underwater. Swimming underwater poses safety concerns, as it can allow water to enter their ears and airway, increasing the risk of respiratory issues or ear infections.

Can miniature horses swim?

Yes, minis can swim too! But because they are smaller, they can get cold faster and struggle more with currents. Use extra caution.

Is swimming good exercise for older horses?

Absolutely. It is fantastic for senior horses with arthritic joints because it allows them to move without the impact shock of walking on hard ground. Just be mindful of the entry/exit footing so they don’t slip.

Swimming with your horse can be one of the most bonding, magical experiences you’ll ever have as a rider. Feeling the power of your horse paddling beneath you while you both cool off on a summer day is something every equestrian should try at least once.

Yes, horses are natural swimmers, but they rely on you to keep them safe. By choosing the correct location, skipping the heavy tack, and respecting their physical limits, you can turn a hot day into a cool adventure.

So, take it slow, stay safe, and have fun splashing around!