How many of us have or ride horses?

[gnarwhal]

I must be in some kind of minority here not getting horse riding at all.
I have been on a horse, a couple of times many years ago and once about 2 years ago so it's not that i don't understand it from lack of exposure.

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.

[ginny]

How have I missed this thread for so long? I have a nearly 7yo Morgan mare. I also have a nearly 3yo miniature burro. My mom tried to squelch the horse lover in me and wouldn't pay for riding lessons, but every time I have $5, I would go to the El Toro Marine Base and ride for an hour on one of their rental horses. I finally got a free lease on a beautiful King Ranch QH mare when I was in my late teens. When I turned 18, I walked down the road and bought my first horse . I bought a filly in college, paid for colic surgery, moved her to FL where she promptly died and broke my heart. I couldn't even look at horses for nearly 2 years. I didn't own a horse for seven years. I have had my mare for 2.5 years now and while we took a while to get used to each other, there is something about those big brown horse eyes that just melts me. I do love my bikes, and they won't share my secrets with anyone either, but I just am not that inclined to tell my bike my secrets or cry into my handlebars like a horse's mane. Also, my bike doesn't nicker at me when I go to the bike rack after work. On the other hand, my bike rarely bucks, and never spooks .

[lph]

I must be in some kind of minority here not getting horse riding at all.
I have been on a horse, a couple of times many years ago and once about 2 years ago so it's not that i don't understand it from lack of exposure.

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.

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...

[tulip]

Why would anyone have a dog, for that matter? Take it for walks on a leash, make it guard your house, and obey you? Horses, like dogs, have been part of human culture for thousands of years. Neither are much "necessary" for transportation, guarding sheep, hunting anymore, but they are part of us.

I grew up riding and had a horse when I was a teenager. I haven't ridden much since college, though.

[ginny]

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.

[gnarwhal]

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...

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.

[tulip]

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.

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

[kermit]

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.

[lph]

Ok, thanks for clarifiying, gnarwahl.

[chicago]

yep I ride every week!!

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!!

[smurfalicious]

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.

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.

[oxysback]

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!

[chicago]

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.

love your post!

[chicago]

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

[Roadrunner]

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.