When you get right down to it, humans don’t need horses, and horses don’t need us.
After all, it’s not like we need horses for travel, commerce, wars, or agriculture anymore. Nowadays we’re much more likely to use them for wants, such as leisure and sport.
And yet, we can’t do without them.
It’s hard to put into words just how and why we love horses so much. Their love, affection and respect is gained and built, much like other pets we enjoy. However, there really aren’t many pets we ride, which makes the horse species so unique. Quite simply – we love horses.
Yet the danger of riding them is ever present. No matter how much horses are trained, they’re still animals, which makes them unpredictable. They buck, real, bolt or simply stumble, which can leave riders badly injured or even killed in the process. Some researchers contend riding a horse is more dangerous than auto racing or motorcycling. Still, people ride horses nonetheless.
We’re not here to debate statistics – we know there’s some inherent level of risk involved with riding horses. Yet for most horse lovers, the benefits overshadow the risks.
Just why do we ride horses if it’s so dangerous? You might be surprised at all the tangible and sometimes intangible reasons.
Look at the big picture
Of course, the era of horse-drawn plows and carriages is long gone, but horses have a strong history with humankind. They were historically used in warfare, which is where we developed many riding and driving techniques. Cultures have been spread and classes have been established through the benefit of horses. As much we as we’ve used them for being faster, stronger and taller, they’ve also provided us with products that come from their bodies.
Even today, horses can be found working with people and for people in many different ways. There’s still a tremendous benefit in areas of sport, police work, therapy and entertainment that no other animal can rival. The horse plays a major part in the lives of many of us around the world, whether we realize it or not.
The horse, quite simply, is a wonderful, amazing and dedicated animal.
The social aspect
When you have a horse, you’re a part of the horsing community. It’s an opportunity for social interaction, both for you and your hose. If you’re in it only for the riding aspect, it’s a great place to meet people. If you like to show your horse at events, that only magnifies the chances of meeting people from all walks of life.
It’s truly an activity not unlike running, going to the gym, or participating in a recreation league. Do those things and you’re bound to meet people, too. There’s nothing passive about this pastime, because having a horse is guaranteed to improve your social life.
Let’s also not forget the incredible mental benefits horses can provide to anyone suffering from depression, autism and anxiety. Horses are regularly used by therapists to assist through equine therapy. When those people have an improved quality of life that comes from horses, that benefit undoubtedly extends to their families and loved ones.
It’s great exercise
Riding burns calories. Every controlled movement while you ride will tone and strengthen various parts of your body. It’s moderate-intensity exercise that’s very good for your stomach. You’ll feel instantly loose in areas that have been stiff for years. Riding truly benefits the core, which is a benefit to you in other sports, or just life in general. But having a horse doesn’t just end with the ride, because you can get an extended workout through grooming, cleaning, carrying and picking up. It’s all a part of good, solid movement when owning a horse.
It’s good for our mental state
Because our physical and emotional conditions are tied together, horse riding is exceptionally good for raising levels of mood-enhancing hormones for our bodies and brains. Time and time again, horse owners prove that riding their horses improves their outlook on life. They generally feel more cheerful, relaxed and happy after riding. For anyone suffering from depression, it’s no wonder that equine therapy is growing in popularity.
It helps us to overcome fear
It’s not that, as riders, we want to enter into an injury-prone or life-threatening situation. However, for some of us, riding helps to overcome fear. That element of danger can provide a psychological benefit that may involve self-mastery of learning how to handle a risk. Let’s face it, we’re placing a lot of trust in a sometimes impulsive and, by nature, wild animal. That in itself is a big leap of faith. Conquering that fear helps us to be people of action and get moving with life again.
You get to enjoy the great outdoors
While it’s true you can certainly do this without a horse, it’s also true that the horse enhances the experience. You know the feeling of cruising in a car with no particular place to go? Imagine doing that slower (and higher) by horseback. The world’s in slow motion and you notice things you might not have otherwise. There’s no better way to connect with nature and your very being than by riding a horse.
