Most of the people I talk to about horses and riding, they either automatically think I am snobby and stubborn, or I am a cowgirl and as country as they come, or ask how fast I go around the track. Although some people do seem like that, it is not exactly true. Not many people know the reasons behind horseback riding, yes there is all different kinds such as, English: Equitation, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper etc., then there is Western: Barrel Racing, Pleasure etc. Finally, of course, everyone knows about this one, Racing. But no one outside of the equine world understands the reason for why riding or just working with horses is so comforting.
Once you are on that horse for your first lesson, you are already hooked. Bought the first pair of boots and riding cloths, getting settled. Falling off, yep you are a rider! Cleaning and taking care of them, you are in so deep there is no way of escaping.
Riding is not only for fun, but it is therapeutic, not only mentally, but physically. Once the rider gets into the saddle, every emotion not about the horse or riding, disappears.The rider must focus on the horse and his or her responses to the rider. But to also do that they have to work their body. It is an all around body workout. The rider must use her core and legs and keep movement of the elbows. This strengthens the riders' leg muscles along with calming the rider down and relaxing. Horses can sense distress in the rider. On the ground they will try to comfort the rider, but under saddle, the horse will look to the rider for support when they will get nervous or about to spook.
Horses are not just meant for showing, a lot goes on within the barn. It will get down and dirty; Picking stalls, emptying and filling water buckets, throwing hay and getting it everywhere, and the occasional injury that may occur. But with working at the barn, that is where the most education and loving comes for the horse because they show their true personalities and cuddling, depending on the horse though of course. And they will get into your personal bubble because they are spoiled and want treats, but they are extremely curious animals.
See, no personal space.
What non horse people need to understand is, it is not all about the riding for competition and winning, it goes deeper than that. Riders become so in tune with their horse and care. Riders take care of the horses this also improves the relationship between horse and rider.
