Horses.
They're majestic, gorgeous animals, that have the tendency to act like absolute idiots at times. They're massive animals that could take down any full grown human, and yet they run and hide if a leaf blows the wrong way. If you've ever worked with horses, especially ridden one, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Horseback riding is a sport unlike any other, one that can only be fully understood by those who actually ride. Here are five reasons why horseback riding completely stole my heart.
1. You get to hang out with horses all the time.
Horses are some of the most beautiful animals on this planet. From their different colorations to the way they move, I could stare at a horse all day. But it's their individual, unique, personalities that really make it fun to hang out with a horse all day. They're incredibly goofy animals that like to get into all sorts of trouble. If you leave a cooler full of carrots within reach, I can guarantee they will find a way into said cooler. They're also incredibly perceptive animals. If you're having a bad day, all you need to do is show up to the barn and spend a few hours with your horse, between the cuddles and the goofiness, your day will instantly be made better.
2. You make some of your best friends at the barn
There's a stereotype of the typical "horse" girl. Every school has one, that one girl that's obsessed with horses, and only ever hangs out with other girls who rides horses. While I never had a notebook covered with horses, I did make a best friend through horseback riding. Spending a big chunk of time each week with the same people, going through the amazing, and somewhat frustrating experiences of riding, creates bonds and friendships that will last for a lifetime.
3. You can tell some pretty cool, and painful stories.
Ever fallen off of a horse? Let me tell you, it hurts. No matter how you land, whether you hit the fence or the jump, or if you land on your feet, falling hurts. You come to learn that it's a part of the sport that you just have to get used to, and you realize you can tell some pretty cool stories. From broken femurs to bruised ribs, the injuries sustained from horseback riding can be pretty serious, but our love of the sport will never keep us out of the saddle, no matter how bad the injury is.
4. You get to connect with an amazing animal on a daily basis.
Horseback riding is an incredibly unique sport in that you have to cooperate with a 1,200-pound animal to make things work. With most other sports, you're either working with other people or by yourself, able to fully communicate with your teammates and work together. With horseback riding, communication is on a whole different plain. You communicate with your words, but also with your hands, your legs, your attitude, every single part of you is communicating something to the massive animal you are currently sitting on top of. That connection between the rider and the horse is one of my favorite parts about horseback riding. Sometimes the connection doesn't work, you have a horse who won't cooperate and a rider who gets frustrated, and the whole thing breaks down pretty quickly. However, when you get that magical connection, the feeling is unlike any other. Rather than two separate animals, you become one magically working machine, and the experience is unlike any other.
5. Haven't you ever wondered what flying feels like?
Have you ever felt like you could fly? Not in an airplane or in a helicopter, but by yourself, freely flying through the air. When I'm on top of a horse, I feel like I'm flying. I feel completely free, with no restrictions or even gravity holding me back. When I'm cantering around a ring, the wind blowing through my hair, my legs holding onto this beautiful animal underneath me, everything is right in the world.
