How many of us have or ride horses?

I can say for sure regarding my Morgan mare, that she simply WON'T do anything unless she's pretty sure it's in her best interest. She is the kind of horse who could find herself in a very bad home due to her stubborness. She's a fighter, and would probably stand there and fight to her death in the wrong hands. For this reason, she needs a kind alpha human. It's imparative that I'm alpha with her, but it's also super important that she understand that I have her best interests in mind. Given that (very close) relationship, this mare would move heaven and earth for me. This is the kind of partnership you need to win at any competative equine sport. A 'beast' or a 'slave' won't give his/her best. The best horse trainers know this. Look at Hap Hansen and Suzie Hutchinson, they have had incredibly long careers in the show jumping world with a few remarkable horses and in Suzie's case, her horse Woodstock competed on the west coast show jumping circuit into his 20's. I personally saw him turn himself inside out to get out of a bad spot the two of them found themselves in. A coerced horse wouldn't do that for his rider. He would pull a stop and the rider would kiss the dirt. Certainly, you are welcome to your opinion that horses shouldn't be ridden. They are very happy being lawn ornaments, but many horse owners, and many competative riders and a close and caring relationship with their horses.:o

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Originally Posted by lph

I hope nobody minds the slight thread hijack, but this response had me intrigued. I love horses, owned one for years and have ridden for many years also semi-professionally, and I have never encountered this opinion. I'm not offended at all, just curious: do you feel the same way about all pets? Animals raised for food? Or is it the fact that horses are ridden that makes a difference to you?

If it helps, I can say that horses are extremely social animals who need a leader to follow and thrive around people and other horses. It's extremely hard to get a horse to do something it really doesn't want to, so for the most part I think horses ridden for pleasure are happy. I've ridden racehorses - think large, strong, high-strung and fast - and you definitely want to convince the horse that what you want it to do is what it wants to do... :D

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I don't feel this way about companion animals and if horses were kept as purely companion animals then i doubt i'd have this problem. But animals for food...well no frankly. I don't think animals should be food, nor do i think that people should use animals for our own gain/pleasure.

I have two failry close friends who keep horses and to be honest it really causes me some problems because when i've been up their farm to meet them i see them interacting with the horses. I like horses, they seem nice friendly animals (most of the ones i've met anyway) but i've seen my friends slap, kick and shout at the horses just to get them to move or go where they want them to. Now fair enough if you "want" an animal to do something and it won't do it there's not a lot you can do, but there's no real need to lay hands on the animal. Also i don't think you can invest in them human emotions and human ideals. My friend will often say "I took X horse out and she wouldn't jump she was being stupid all day long" a horse cannot be stupid by the same measures as a human can, nor can a dog or a hamster or a bird.

yep I ride every week!!:D

Take lessons weekly and just this past weekend, my trainer gave me permission to come and ride my sweet Saddlebred Lady one night during the week by myself.. without my trainer, yay!!

I take the big quarter horses on trail... but I ride the Saddlebred in the inside and outdoor arena. Hopefully one day I'll be skilled enough to handle her on trail. My trainer says I will be there soon!!

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Originally Posted by gnarwhal

I don't feel this way about companion animals and if horses were kept as purely companion animals then i doubt i'd have this problem. But animals for food...well no frankly. I don't think animals should be food, nor do i think that people should use animals for our own gain/pleasure.

I have two failry close friends who keep horses and to be honest it really causes me some problems because when i've been up their farm to meet them i see them interacting with the horses. I like horses, they seem nice friendly animals (most of the ones i've met anyway) but i've seen my friends slap, kick and shout at the horses just to get them to move or go where they want them to. Now fair enough if you "want" an animal to do something and it won't do it there's not a lot you can do, but there's no real need to lay hands on the animal. Also i don't think you can invest in them human emotions and human ideals. My friend will often say "I took X horse out and she wouldn't jump she was being stupid all day long" a horse cannot be stupid by the same measures as a human can, nor can a dog or a hamster or a bird.

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Sounds like you need new friends. Seriously, no one should be kicking animals. Nudging, moving, okay, but not kicking.

My Litespeed-I think you are my long lost twin. I too have had horses, two jumpers and competed for years. Still have friends that have made it their profession, one actually in the Olympics twice. I myself have been hurt badly by horses. First break at 17, three weeks before high school graduation, thrown off an ex-racehorse learning to be a hunter. He threw me into the railing made out of telephone poles. Broken hip, broken back and collapsed lung. The worst part was graduating high school in a wheel chair. Fast forward, a few minor spills, horse trips at take off at a jump, I fall, horse lands on my head, a few stitches. Took a long break, after selling my jumper to pay for school. Eight years ago, got the bug, started riding for free for a trainer and found a bargain. A ten year old warmblood, been there, done that, jumped anything. Was used at several lesson barns and the owner didn't want him to teach forever. Perfect fit, well let's say that horses are TRUE creatures of habit. He learned to take advantage of the kids and was having a bad day. Turned around on me, kicked me in the face and elbow. Four operations in two days, orbital bone fracture and major plastic surgery. Rods in elbow. Bought a road bike and never looked back. I look at any expense for cycling as cheaper that a horse anyday. Really miss it but, my karma is way off when I'm around them.

Ok, thanks for clarifiying, gnarwahl.

There are a few of us in our dressage group who are also avid cyclists (especially mountain biking). We have a blog that tries to present opinions from the equine point of view ([url]www.feathertouchranch.wordpress.com)./url] I think having a background in cycling also gives us more empathy towards our horses,and a greater appreciation of the need for an athletic frame, both rider and horse.
Can't say which is more fun, though. Asking for, and getting the correct move from my horse is as satisfying as making it through a tough technical section of singletrack on the bike! The biggest difference is the reward I get from interaction and communication with the horses. I do wish people treated their horses more gracefully and it would help if many of them would learn to ride better. At least the bikes don't have feelings (well, maybe sometimes), and I don't cringe when someone abuses their bike...unless it's a bike I covet.

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Originally Posted by gnarwhal

I just don't get why anyone would ride a horse at all. They're animals in their own right, don't they deserve not to be treated like slaves or beasts of burden simply placed here to do our bidding?

I really don't want to upset anyone or annoy anyone or have them think that i'm having a go about them being cruel or mean or anything like that, i just don't think people should ride horses and don't see why they do.

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When I got my mountain bike four score and seven years ago my friend Lance, who is the definition of a buckaroo, laughed and said, "You've got a horse with four good legs, why would you get off him and pedal a bike?"

So I guess I could see why someone wouldn't understand riding horses. First off, there are several countries that wouldn't be what they are if it weren't for horses. Heck, my home state of Oregon might not even exist yet! Mail system? Modern transportation? Horses have been integral to society and man has treated them accordingly. Had people not seen a use for them, horses quite likely would have died off. Oh and unless you don't eat beef you'd be going without steaks were it not for horses. From feed lots to large ranches, horses can do things no 4-wheeler can.

I ride because nothing can compare to that bond, to progress and grow together. My first horse was a rescue and had been severely abused for years. Every "trainer" we worked with deemed him a lost case but I persisted. I "listened" to him and figured out how he wanted things explained to him. After months of work I polished him up and took him to a show. By that time I control his speed and direction with the slightest squeeze of my legs, or shift of my weight and on a bad day a tip of the reins. In fact, I could stop him by shifting more weight onto my butt. He moved out in a gorgeously collected frame with smooth, flowing gaits. His mane and tail were both gleaming long. He looked, amazing.

So the day before the show I was in the arena half doing a test run, half screwing around with other 13 year old girls. As I walked him to a stall someone who hadn't seen us in years approached us. Apparently she'd since us riding and looked shocked. "Is THAT Buddy?" She asked. Yep, captain crazy useless horse, in the flesh.

My current horse, PJ, has been with me since he was a wee lad. I can't say who is more amazing between the two because they've both been such a pleasure. Training PJ from the ground up is like nothing I've ever done. He is such a character! And he's packed with the two most important things can have, try and "want to." Oh and curious? He wants to check out and be into everything. I've been running barrels on him and he's so amazing. My trainer used to laugh at me when I'd get nervous. "That horse wouldn't let a thing happen to you! He's going to take care of you, and you're not going to get hurt so let him goooo!"

When he was a fidgety little baby I wanted to do something with him other than feed him and watch him grow, so I trained him for longe line, in hand trail, showmanship, and halter. He was so amazing at showmanship! It took just the slightest bit of body language from me to get him to walk, trot, stop, back, and pivot on his hind end. He was so good that even when we blew part of our pattern at a show I just kept smiling and made sure the finish was flawless and we placed VERY well.

He's been out sorting cattle on the ranch we lived on and an ex boyfriend's. Talk about a cow killin' beast. Sometimes he gets a little too into it. They say for horses that it's a chance to be on top of the food chain and for some that goes to their head. He's a mighty fine little roping horse too. The squirrelly cows that he really has to track seem to be his favorite, likes the challenge.

I dunno, I can get faster and stronger on my bike, but it's nothing like having a true partnership with an animal. Knowing that at a moments notice he toss my on my butt or take off with me, but he chooses to do what I ask is pretty special. I can upgrade old Candy all day long, bling her out in Dura-Ace but she's still going to be an old, heavy, steel bike. On the other hand I can take a horse that might not be going so well, and so long as they have the heart I can achieve some pretty impressive things.

My horse would go nuts if I wasn't out there doing stuff with him all the time. I'm sure there are those that could stand around forever, but we've been breeding for intelligence for generations, so most need to do stuff. PJ and Buddy both required constant challenges and new things. Once they "got it" it was time to try something else. Thus why both horses were started to drive and PJ will likely be finished in driving this summer.

I don't think riding a handful of times really qualifies one to assess what the whole horse thing is about. That's like me buying a department store "mountain bike" and riding it down a dirt road and deciding mountain biking sucks and trails should be for hikers only.

Anyway, my rant/ramble is over. Here are some fine examples of horses that are definitely partners, not slaves or beasts of burden. Warning that both of these make me cry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7v8Ck1crg

I'd marry this guy for his beautiful seat and hands:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQgTiqhPbw

He could ride my horses any day, swoon, swoon, swoon.

That Stacy Westfall video has been a favorite of mine for awhile. I could watch over and over and still be amazed at the things that pair can do!

I have a 12 year old Arabian gelding that I ride dressage. His name is Iceberg and he is awesome.

I became a vegan for health reasons over a year ago and joined a live journal community where I discovered that it was not vegan from an animal rights perspective to ride a horse. During this time I discovered cycling and my horse is enjoying more free time. I will admit that it is something I struggle with. Even though I am extreme about my eating habits (healthy vegan here) I try to be well rounded in my outlook on the world. The reason I say that is because if riding is cruel then even owning a pet could be considered a form of abuse if taken to the extreme. I dont know where the line is but I believe the fact that I do not eat animals and no animals suffer for me that I am making a small difference that may or may not offset the riding of my horse.

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Originally Posted by smurfalicious

When I got my mountain bike four score and seven years ago my friend Lance, who is the definition of a buckaroo, laughed and said, "You've got a horse with four good legs, why would you get off him and pedal a bike?"

So I guess I could see why someone wouldn't understand riding horses. First off, there are several countries that wouldn't be what they are if it weren't for horses. Heck, my home state of Oregon might not even exist yet! Mail system? Modern transportation? Horses have been integral to society and man has treated them accordingly. Had people not seen a use for them, horses quite likely would have died off. Oh and unless you don't eat beef you'd be going without steaks were it not for horses. From feed lots to large ranches, horses can do things no 4-wheeler can.

I ride because nothing can compare to that bond, to progress and grow together. My first horse was a rescue and had been severely abused for years. Every "trainer" we worked with deemed him a lost case but I persisted. I "listened" to him and figured out how he wanted things explained to him. After months of work I polished him up and took him to a show. By that time I control his speed and direction with the slightest squeeze of my legs, or shift of my weight and on a bad day a tip of the reins. In fact, I could stop him by shifting more weight onto my butt. He moved out in a gorgeously collected frame with smooth, flowing gaits. His mane and tail were both gleaming long. He looked, amazing.

So the day before the show I was in the arena half doing a test run, half screwing around with other 13 year old girls. As I walked him to a stall someone who hadn't seen us in years approached us. Apparently she'd since us riding and looked shocked. "Is THAT Buddy?" She asked. Yep, captain crazy useless horse, in the flesh.

My current horse, PJ, has been with me since he was a wee lad. I can't say who is more amazing between the two because they've both been such a pleasure. Training PJ from the ground up is like nothing I've ever done. He is such a character! And he's packed with the two most important things can have, try and "want to." Oh and curious? He wants to check out and be into everything. I've been running barrels on him and he's so amazing. My trainer used to laugh at me when I'd get nervous. "That horse wouldn't let a thing happen to you! He's going to take care of you, and you're not going to get hurt so let him goooo!"

When he was a fidgety little baby I wanted to do something with him other than feed him and watch him grow, so I trained him for longe line, in hand trail, showmanship, and halter. He was so amazing at showmanship! It took just the slightest bit of body language from me to get him to walk, trot, stop, back, and pivot on his hind end. He was so good that even when we blew part of our pattern at a show I just kept smiling and made sure the finish was flawless and we placed VERY well.

He's been out sorting cattle on the ranch we lived on and an ex boyfriend's. Talk about a cow killin' beast. Sometimes he gets a little too into it. They say for horses that it's a chance to be on top of the food chain and for some that goes to their head. He's a mighty fine little roping horse too. The squirrelly cows that he really has to track seem to be his favorite, likes the challenge.

I dunno, I can get faster and stronger on my bike, but it's nothing like having a true partnership with an animal. Knowing that at a moments notice he toss my on my butt or take off with me, but he chooses to do what I ask is pretty special. I can upgrade old Candy all day long, bling her out in Dura-Ace but she's still going to be an old, heavy, steel bike. On the other hand I can take a horse that might not be going so well, and so long as they have the heart I can achieve some pretty impressive things.

My horse would go nuts if I wasn't out there doing stuff with him all the time. I'm sure there are those that could stand around forever, but we've been breeding for intelligence for generations, so most need to do stuff. PJ and Buddy both required constant challenges and new things. Once they "got it" it was time to try something else. Thus why both horses were started to drive and PJ will likely be finished in driving this summer.

I don't think riding a handful of times really qualifies one to assess what the whole horse thing is about. That's like me buying a department store "mountain bike" and riding it down a dirt road and deciding mountain biking sucks and trails should be for hikers only.

Anyway, my rant/ramble is over. Here are some fine examples of horses that are definitely partners, not slaves or beasts of burden. Warning that both of these make me cry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7v8Ck1crg

I'd marry this guy for his beautiful seat and hands:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQgTiqhPbw

He could ride my horses any day, swoon, swoon, swoon.

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love your post!:)

I rode this cow yesterday, LOL. His name is Charlie... we call him Chuckie:D.. he's about 1,800-2,000lbs. ... and he is sooo sweet. I rode him bareback, LOL... it was great

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/IMG_1243.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/IMG_1249.jpg

My hubby and I both go horse riding occasionally. Since we moved up here we've not managed as often. There doesn't seem to be a lot of hacking stables in this area. We mostly go when we're on holiday these days.

Smurf, that post you wrote made me tear up, but then that video made me cry. What those 2 have together is something sooooo special. Don't bother trying to explain in words......it comes from the heart.
I have ridden my whole life and have seen that trust grow, there is nothing like it in the world.:D

Chicago,
that's not a cow, that's a draft horse. Looks like he's got fine belgian blood in his veins.

I am a trainer...I train event horses and riders. I also am the instructor for our mounted patrol unit for our police department. I used to train full time (coached three young riders to gold medals at NAYRC) but it just wore me out. Now I have several students who are happy doing lower levels, which is fine with me...sending those kids out around the prelim or intermediate was a lot of stress!!
RIding for me is a job...I keep the horses tuned up. I seldom get the zen satisfaction from riding the horses...I am generally riding work, concentrating and getting the job done. Occasionally I will relax and go for a stroll, but the event horses are generally pretty fit and spooky...they tend to jump out from under you if you aren't paying attention. Riding the bike is much more relaxing!

I hit submit too soon...
I meant to add that I read all the stories of everyone who rides for fun (as opposed to work these days) and I can remember riding for the joy of it. I rode through Grand Prix dressage, trained under the old school discipline of the BHS, and it squeezed a lot of the true meaning of riding out of it for me over time. I have been very lucky to have had a number of truly great equine athletes to work with...I still have my old dressage horse...he is 36! He did piaffe and passage until he was 25 and looked like he was 10 doing it. But working with such terrific horses has made other horses .... I don't know...just horses. I can't tell you how many people have told me that they wanted to ride like me, and I wish I could ride like them! Just enjoying the ride! You guys enjoy your rides....

Oh Chicago that hug, that says it all right there! I love the drafties! We had 5 at the guest ranch and they were my babies. One summer the barn gals we had were scared of them and they'd enter the pasture whip in hand afraid they'd come near them. Whut!?!?!?!

I rode ones that were solely broke to drive and they could care less. Oh how I loved hugging them, and their big, broad comfy backs. We had a draft cross named Junior who for the longest time didn't realize he was big. His best buddy was a little white pony and he'd pack around kids no problem.

I have zero use for one but I've always wanted a draft. Maybe some day, for grins and giggles.

If I had to venture a guess I'd say Chuckie was perhaps a Breton? http://www.worldofhorses.co.uk/horse...eton_horse.jpg Or some sort of Belgian cross.

Here's an old photo of me and my horse, Sebastian. This was 42 years ago (yikes!) :eek: in 1967 when I was 13. I had to give him up two years later due to events beyond my control. I never got another horse, but I always remember how big and how sweet he was, and he gave me some of my happiest memories. He did have some draft blood in him and was heavy boned, but that made him a good hunter in rough terrain. (The photo was damaged in a house fire in the upper left corner)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/...50f0757174.jpg

I loooove the curve of Charlies neck. What a sweetheart! :)