For the Love of Horses

Posted by Laura Thompson Sep 10, 2009

Today, when you go out to the barn to ride your horse, I urge you to forget about the looming competition or the flying changes you're trying to master. Just go out and be with your horse.

Most of us start riding horses because we love the animals. We enjoy the freedom of riding, the sense of balance and control it brings, and we exalt in the natural rhythms of our horses' gaits.

Then we start learning more about riding and perhaps develop an interest in competition. We become obsessed with improving our skills and reaching the next goals on our to-do lists. We forget why we started riding in the first place.

Every once in a while, it's a good idea to just enjoy your horse. Take him for a long trail ride through the woods, spend an hour grooming him in his stall, or hand-graze him in the yard while you read a book or chat with friends. Just be with your horse.

Not only is this beneficial for the rider, but for the horse as well.

Some people mistakenly believe that animals -- horses included -- are devoid of emotions, and therefore incapable of bonding with humans or other animals. These people would have you believe that human beings maintain an exclusive patent on love, joy, loneliness, grief and everything in between.

I disagree.

i have worked with horses all my life and to say that a horse cannot feel emotion seems ignorant beyond forgiveness. Horses desire human companionship just as we desire their presence in our lives, and I encourage you to rekindle that bond with your horse today.

Competition is great and so is the desire to be a better rider. But at some point, you have to go back to the foundation of your relationship with horses. It will rejuvenate you more than you realize and might even provide opportunities for breakthroughs that will eventually improve your performance. Who knows?