Saucy Piaffe Inc.

Gotcha · 2010-07-15 08:42:27

Do horses actually "enjoy" being ridden.

This is something I have been thinking about lately. When I don't "feel" like doing something, like going to the gym or taking out the garbage, I can't fathom being forced to do it. This feeling is what makes me wonder about our horses. We don't always know how they are feeling. Maybe they are tired from the heat, maybe they are having an "off" day. Maybe they just don't "want" to work. Is it fair that we pull them out of their paddocks and expect them to do what we tell them to whenever WE want them to? My husband supports the fact I have a horse, but, he doesn't understand the concept of riding. We often debate about whether or not it is fair to the horse. He is of the opinion that horses should be allowed to be horses, all of the time. The conversation often begins with, "Well, how would you like it if you didn't want to jump around for an hour and someone made you do it". I think, well, I would hate that. What an incredible soul a horse must have to keep doing it, even when they don't feel like it. Imagine then adding showing to the mix. Now, not only does a horse have to perform on your schedule, but do it away from the comforts of home, and often, endure a level of pergatory when the performance is less than the expectation.

I try to give my horse as much freedom as possible. Ample turn-out, lots of affection. I like letting him be a horse when I am not around. BUT, I also expect something from him in return. From a HORSE. I "EXPECT". I wonder, does he "like" it?

Thoughts?

Rafiki · 2010-07-15 10:10:11

I think they "like" it or tolerate it more with good treatment, a relationship and someone that makes an effort to meet their needs as horses.
Certainly, some horses prefer different activities - both within being ridden - hacking, jumping, being brushed in certain ways - you can tell by their body language. I think that if that is respected that also makes a difference.
Kindness and reward goes a long way, too.

TeeCeeBoo · 2010-07-15 14:40:42

I also think that they like the activity and the connection. Otherwise I don't think my horses would raise their head in anticipation when they see my truck pull in and head to the gate to greet me. They even lower their head into the halter. My Arab loves to run like the wind and when I let him set the pace we fly. He has that wonderful Arabian stamina so can go forever but I don't abuse that aspect of his personality and continually mix up what we are doing and where we are going.

Having said that, we don't practice any discipline other than our own pleasure trail riding and fun & games at club shows so we don't do a set of "work" related activities on a a regular basis...we just do our own thing and I think he likes it

silvera · 2010-07-15 15:42:17

I'm of the opinion that some horses do really injoy riding and being with us and some don't. I'm fortunate enough to have the ones that do. My horse is in a huge grass field, but whenever I come and call him he always comes. He even puts his head in the halter for me so I don't have to fuss with it. Storm knows that when I come we are going to ride, he loves to trail ride and do arena work so I'm very fortunate with him. My dad says that the main reason is because he really injoys being with ME, so I'm thinking that is part of the reason he likes to ride. We ride by ourselves all the time and he just is a different horse then when we are with others (in a good way).

midnightdream · 2010-07-15 17:47:42

Mine very clearly tells me when he does not want to be ridden- usually by high tailing it the other way in the field, although since we have stopped jumping he has stopped doing that. I think it was the jumping he didn't like. I agree with above posters- I think when the horse enjoys being with the owner, is well treated and loved they are more willing to do as we ask and to enjoy their job. If I know that Seth is really not enjoying something or I think he is trying to tell me he needs a break and is working too hard then I try to scale back and work with him, which I think all owners must be willing to do.

Elizabeth · 2010-07-15 20:49:59

I agree, so much depends on the person who trains and rides them. I think that many horses like to have a 'job'. I know my horse that passed away earlier this year loved working once he truly understood what was wanted of him and that it made him look magnificent. He took huge pride in showing off. When he had time off for a sore back he was ok until he started to feel a bit better at which point he made it very clear that he wanted something to do again. We did groundwork and long lining until he was ready for someone on his back. He was SO happy and full of himself by then.

I came close to retiring him on several occasions but each time he got bored and mopey. When I finally did retire him it was obvious that he was ready. He went from wanting to get tacked up and going to being a bit reluctant. He lost the sparkly edge that he had. I never again had the feeling that he was missing his 'job'. He took to being a full time herd horse and made a new career out of taking care of the boys!

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#1 2010-07-15 08:42:27

Do Horses Like Being Ridden?

#2 2010-07-15 10:10:11

Re: Do Horses Like Being Ridden?

#3 2010-07-15 14:40:42

Re: Do Horses Like Being Ridden?

#4 2010-07-15 15:42:17

Re: Do Horses Like Being Ridden?

#5 2010-07-15 17:47:42

Re: Do Horses Like Being Ridden?

#6 2010-07-15 20:49:59

Re: Do Horses Like Being Ridden?

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