Trust and Domestication with Horses
Horses let humans ride them. Despite domestication, horses are not born trusting humans. Trust must grow over time as the horse learns people are not threats. In the wild, horses flee when humans approach. Most horses tolerate rather than enjoy being ridden. The bond between humans and horses is unique as horses allow riding and close relationships in exchange for care. Training, trust and domestication explain why horses let humans ride despite it being unnatural. Riders who move with a horse are “lighter” than those who “ride like a sack of potatoes.” Horses have great memory so they are very loyal. It’s important for riders to learn proper riding and handling. Horses recognize “their” person via sight, sound and smell.
Importance of Care in Riding Horses
Do horses care if you ride them? Proper care of your horse is essential for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Before riding, you should check your horse’s hooves for any debris. You should also groom your horse, paying attention to the mane, tail, knots or tangles.
Training Process and Aging of Horses
Horses let us ride them through a process of training. We have to teach horses to allow us to sit on their backs, this is a slow process taken at the horse’s speed of earning the horse’s trust working with them daily getting the horse used to be ridden.
Horses who are well cared for can easily live into their 30s. All horses eventually reach an age when it’s best not to ride them. So before you get a horse, give some thought to whether you are willing and able to care for a horse who is no longer sound enough to ride — due to age or injury.