Tired of explaining and educating others about your love for horse riding? Frustrated that everyone in your family thinks that riding a horse is as easy as riding a bike? Can’t make people understand that like other pets they need to be looked after? Irritated at how others mock you for wasting your efforts energy and money on your equine? All of this because they think it is a joke? You better tag them in this post as we are going to debunk some of the most common myths people have regarding horse riding and horses in general.
Horse Riding Is For Elites
It does seem that way since horse betting today is one of the most enjoyed sports amongst the wealthiest. But most professional riders didn’t start their way from the top. They first scooped poop, cleaned tracks, and groomed manes and prepared them for the riders. Taking care of horses might sound expensive but it isn’t really if one takes tactical approach and plan ahead of time. You will easily come across many average earners with horses because they are simply fond of them.
Horses Are Nothing but Big Dogs
It isn’t as simple as that. In terms of social dynamics, horses and humans are on the opposite spectrums. When compared to dogs, they respond differently to leadership. Unlike dogs, horses don’t have very sharp observation skills to sense any danger until it is right up their noses. They aren’t always the best models to guard either as their first instinct is flight rather than fight which is most commonly associated with dogs. Lastly the training tactics such as excessive cuddling or rewarding with praises and treats doesn’t work the same way it does with dogs. So no, horses aren’t bigger dogs.
Riding Means Sitting
No, it doesn’t! Like any other sport, it takes strength and practice to maintain a steady balance on an animal who can, at any point act out of form. Sitting on a horse isn’t the same as sitting on a couch. A rider’s cognition, stamina and muscles actively take part in ensuring a smooth ride. To ride a horse, one must have the required skills because falling off a horse only takes less than a second. So the next time someone tells you otherwise, make them “sit” on a horse and see what happens.
Horses Don’t Need Care
True that! When it comes to their care and maintenance, they don’t expect much from their owners or caretakers. Unlike other pets, they don’t need to be fed and can be left in a grassy pasture. But when this pasture dries out or is covered in thick snow in winters, they demand attention. Not only that, in order for them to perform their at their best, they must also be kept clean, parasite-free and infection-free. That can only be achieved with regular grooming. Don’t know where to begin, invest in one of our horse grooming kits from Little Fields Farm.
