How does a horse feel about people who ride horses? Depends on the horse. Horses are as individualistic as people. They also make associations the same way. By making any interaction between you and the horses you come in contact with pleasant, you will make a horse look forward to doing any kind of work with people, including those who ride horses.
And You Though Elephants Had Long Memories
Horses are a prey species. They depend on their memories in order to keep themselves alive. In the wild, this memory would’ve taught them what animals and plants to avoid, where the watering holes were and what escape routes to take. The memory still works as powerfully for the same reasons, to keep the horse safe, but it will remember anything, good or bad.
If you ride horses regularly, you can tell immediately what the past life of that horse has been like when he or she has to be ridden. The horse’s body language is as expressive and eloquent as any Shakespeare play. As soon as the horse sees a saddle and bridle, look at his or her body language. Has the horse backed up? Are the ears back? Are the eyes wide? Is the horse fidgeting all over, maybe even sweating? This horse has had bad past experiences being ridden and fears being ridden again. This horse needs extra gentle treatment and lots of praise and fun.
But is the horse standing still, maybe with a hind leg cocked, ears forward? If the horse opens his or her mouth for the bit when you bridle the horse, that’s a really good sign. This horse has associated people who ride horses with fun and pleasure. Your job as a person who rides horses is to keep this attitude going and not let this partner down.
Are All Horses Meant To Be Ridden?
Not all horses are meant to be ridden, even those who are members of breeds known for exceptional riding horses. The individual horse you meet may have had a trauma while being ridden and just cannot handle the stress of the memories. These horses still have place in the world. Horses did not evolve just for people to ride horses, or have them pull carts. Horses add to the flavor of existence. Horses who can’t be ridden can still make great friends, companions for other animals, make great fertilizer and help people realize there is more to life than what you might expect.
