Why do we love our horses?

[Vegashorselady]

Someone at work today asked me why we "horse people" love our horses so much? She said she thinks I'm crazy to love these animals that seem so good at frustrating me. I thought about that for a little while. Yes, every couple of years or so Blue tosses my butt into the dust and is the laziest horse around. Yes, Scout can be a buddy sour little turd and she fell on me a couple of months ago. Yes, Poppy spooks at really dumb things sometimes and is impossible to keep clean. Yes, little Remington knows absolutely nothing and has to be taught all his manners from A to Z. But! There is that amazing feeling of accomplishment every time Blue learns something new and finally "gets" it. There's the way Scout whinnies to me when she sees me getting out of my truck at the barn. There's the willingness Poppy has to do anything I ask her to do even if it is a little scary and she's unsure because she trusts me. There's the excitement of having a young colt, a totally clean slate, to start from the very beginning on my own. I wouldn't trade all that for anything! I love all the little accomplishments each horse makes along the way. That's why I love horses so much.

So, why do you love your horses so much even though they are masters at frustrating, intimidating and exhausting their owners?

[Vegashorselady]

Whoops, I guess I meant to put this in horse general interest. It's late.:(

[AUEquine]

I get asked this alot... usually by family, close friends, and guys I've dated! There's really no way to explain it, but the answer I always give is:
"They're cheaper than therapy!"
Because there is just something about a horse that soothes my soul. When I'm at the barn I don't think about anything else... I don't think about work issues, I don't think about money problems, I don't think about relationship thing... I'm just there! It's me and my horse, doesn't matter what we do. Doesn't matter if we fight the whole time. I just matters that we were together!

[Equine_Woman]

Because they give us our freedom. There is nothing close to riding a horse. Not flying or driving. The partnership with another living animal is an almost spiritual thing for me. My horse is like an extension of myself. One who is much cooler and much faster than I could ever dream of being!

[oursarge]

I think it's born right into you, you either have it or you don't. I can't explain it, I never could. I have 3 brats but I wouldn't trade them for the world. No matter how mad I can get at them sometimes it only lasts a second or two. I fell off of one after he bucked, well I stayed on during the bucking then he tripped and I tumbled off, I swear he felt bad about it all, he never left my side, he poked at me like "Get up, I'm sorry". How can you get mad at that?

I'm the only horse person in my family. When relatives come and get brave enough to go to the barn they are so scared they don't understand why anyone in their right mind would get in a stall or a pasture with something so big [Mine here are really ponies, our girl is pretty big] they just don't get it and I can't explain it. I fall in love with every horse I meet. I really think "Horse" was my first word. I can never remember a time in my life when I didn't love horses even though I'm a lousy rider I love beign around them.

[magayle]

because they love me:)

[vicklynn]

Ya know oursage, I agree with you, to an extent. You and I and many other are born into horses.
There are those that own horses, love them to death, and have NO clue what they are doing, and end up abusing or neglecting them.
A good horse owner knows the difference.
All my siblings were raised with horses. I am the only one who kept the life. They are all fancy smancy city folk...lol.
My horses, wow, thats hard to explain. I can tell you this, and you people here will understand it. My sister told me, after I got horses again, that she was so excited for me, because horses are an extension of me, they are like my arm, I dont live right without it.
This is my cityfied decorating sister...lol..its a joke. I like truck tires, she likes curtains.

[livaward]

I love it when I wrap my arms around Pearls neck and she lays her head on my shoulder and we stand there.....the world is quiet and I notice we breath in sync. I love it when I whistle and all 3 stop grazing and look for me and don't stop looking till they see me. I love it when Jorie sees me and runs to greet me at the fence no matter how far out in the pasture she is to get a face rub. I love it when Tucker licks my hands, sniffs my face, backs up to to get a butt scratch, and just being himself.....the curious baby. My horses are my world and I don't know what I would do if I didn't get to hear them whinny when I come out to spend time with them.........I wasn't born into horses but I was born to have horses........

[oursarge]

I got a wheelbarrow for our anniversary once and was thrilled, others were horrified it wasn't jewelry....I needed the wheelbarrow!

When my old horse died I didn't plan on another horse, now I have 3 and I guess it's sort of what your sister said to you, the horses are me, without one I was dying a slow death. I never expected to have 3, they just happened.

I think there are people who love them for who they are and those who love them for what they can get from them. We know people who want to sell a horse they LOVE SO MUCH, that's all we hear is how much she loves this horse. It has a medical issue that can be fixed but rather than dealing with it they want to sell it, they already got rid of one with a fixable medical issue, they LOVED him too. It's not like they don't have the money, they have tons it's just that they only want perfect horses so they want to get rid of them and get two more "Perfect" ones.

Mine are my family, theirs are not I guess. I don't know. When ever anyone asks me why I love horses I can't give a good answer except that I do and always have. When I'm at the stable the hrs go like minutes, I love being there.

[vicklynn]

I got a wheelbarrow for our anniversary once and was thrilled, others were horrified it wasn't jewelry....I needed the wheelbarrow!

When my old horse died I didn't plan on another horse, now I have 3 and I guess it's sort of what your sister said to you, the horses are me, without one I was dying a slow death. I never expected to have 3, they just happened.

I think there are people who love them for who they are and those who love them for what they can get from them. We know people who want to sell a horse they LOVE SO MUCH, that's all we hear is how much she loves this horse. It has a medical issue that can be fixed but rather than dealing with it they want to sell it, they already got rid of one with a fixable medical issue, they LOVED him too. It's not like they don't have the money, they have tons it's just that they only want perfect horses so they want to get rid of them and get two more "Perfect" ones.

Mine are my family, theirs are not I guess. I don't know. When ever anyone asks me why I love horses I can't give a good answer except that I do and always have. When I'm at the stable the hrs go like minutes, I love being there.
Id of been happy with the wheelbarrow too. Awesome gift!!
Mine are my family too. I hear ya!!

[TLC97]

When I got a porta-potty for my horse trailer for the first Christmas hubby and I were engaged I was over-joyed, his sisters thought then (still do now) I was nuts. Right now I am wanting to spend a good chunk of money on a 50/50 surgery for my horse, people think that is stupid.

Horses bring out the best in me, a part of me nothing else (even the love of my love son) can touch. They are my therapy for daily life. Some will say it is just an animal, but it is an animal that you can partner with and accomplish almost anything and then in the next breath this same animal can really hurt you.

I have to agree with Vick in that some that own horses or claim to be horse people really should get a new hobby, like stuffed animals.

[Diane of Buck's Hollow]

What can I say. You all have said everything I feel. I love it too..when they see me coming and know it's me. What a feeling. There is not a time, when I first see them, that I don't smile and feel joy. They are such powerful animals but yet will be so submissive with us. And then there are those "eyes", that smell and their warmth. Need I say more? lol

I just can't get over the trust in me that Buck shows me over and over again, when I am making all these mistakes, he just wants to please me. And he is teaching me to trust and he is teaching patience.To ride a horse is to ride the sky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=32&pictureid=1691

[sofi98]

I love my horses for all the reasons everyone else has mentioned, and in addition I would like to add: they keep me humble :)

[vicklynn]

When I got a porta-potty for my horse trailer for the first Christmas hubby and I were engaged I was over-joyed, his sisters thought then (still do now) I was nuts. Right now I am wanting to spend a good chunk of money on a 50/50 surgery for my horse, people think that is stupid.

Horses bring out the best in me, a part of me nothing else (even the love of my love son) can touch. They are my therapy for daily life. Some will say it is just an animal, but it is an animal that you can partner with and accomplish almost anything and then in the next breath this same animal can really hurt you.

I have to agree with Vick in that some that own horses or claim to be horse people really should get a new hobby, like stuffed animals.
Im still waiting on my porta potty

[Gypsy Rose]

I think everyone has pretty much covered all the main reasons we love our horses. I can only add that horses have always been my best friends- they offer unconditional love.

For me, Gypsy has always been mental therepy, as well as physical. Without her, I would have no reason to keep in shape- she's the reason I've kept going while I've been fighting tendinitis issues that weakened my arms so badly that for a while, I couldn't lift a hay bale!

She's been the one constant in my life over the years.

[AppyLover]

I love my horse because with her I am whole, my soul feels alive and free.

[Ariesgrl131]

I cant imagine my life without my horses....Why I love them? Im not sure, but I love them more then anything in the world......ok.....well they tie for first with my hubby:p

[WashingtonBay]

I think horses can give us the grace and strength we may otherwise lack.

I may not be able to run and travel and prance around as beautifully as I may have when I was young, but on my Bay, I can still do those things. :)

Look at what these people can do because of a horse:

There is No Dis in Ability

[Miracle Whip]

"People at work" really never get it. I told my former boss one time that I wanted to invest as much of myself into my job as I do learning dressage, and we both agreed that was not going to happen at Yellowbook!!

I don't know why people want to put up with kids 24 hours a day. I can at least put MY kids in the pasture if I want. Its a big playpen.

My "kid" ALWAYS wants to do things. She has the most POSITIVE attitude of any animal I have come across. She is always open to new ideas and new places, she LIKES to ride in the trailer, go for a ride down the road, watch the sun set... she is not an "in your pocket" horse, quite the opposite actually, but honest, she enjoys life and does not mind spending time with me. If someone she does not know tries to touch her, its another story. Throughout the years, it is her attitude that makes it all worthwhile. She is a cool horse to pal around with. No whineing, no crying, no tantrums, no boo's boos, and I don't have to deal with any "playmate's parents" !!!

[Vegashorselady]

I think horses can give us the grace and strength we may otherwise lack.

I may not be able to run and travel and prance around as beautifully as I may have when I was young, but on my Bay, I can still do those things. :)

Look at what these people can do because of a horse:


You're right WB, the horses give us the ability to do things we can't physically accomplish on our own. I could never jump the hurdles in P.E. when I was in school but I could jump a fence on my horse with no problems. I may never be a ballet dancer, but my horse and I can do dressage and I can feel just as graceful.

[menagerie]

I love my horses because they each bring a different quality to my life I couldn't live without. Plus they are the most majestic, stunning creatures God ever created and I think He created them just for us!

[ownedby7horses]

I love my horses because they love me. I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. I was born into them, and they are my life. I wouldn't know or have it any other way. Horses are in my blood!
My horses love me unconditionally. They don't care how I look or how much weight I've gained. They don't care if I don't put on makeup or if I wear my sweats out to the barn.

Rodeo & me have an unbelievable connection. That horse would walk through fire for me. I have fought to keep him (including a custody battle with some crazy woman who was dimented enough to think he was actually hers). I think he knows how hard I fought for him & he's happy to be with me. When anyone else rides him, they usually at some point get launched, but he's NEVER (yet) with me & I've had him for 5 years now. He can be anywhere in the pasture & I'll whistle. He looks up, sees me, whinnies, & comes barreling up to the gate.

Sage, an arab mare that I lost a few years ago to a broken leg, was another like Rodeo. She wouldn't do anything except spin in pincicles for anyone except me. My Dad even tried to keep me away from her by tying the fence across to keep me from being able to ride her (for some stupid reason...we didnt get along at the time) & I started chewing my way through the peice of twine (ya, real classy hey, tie it with twine). Sage came over to me, realized what I was doing & picked up the twine & started pulling on it & trying to chew through it with me. We did it and went riding that day!!

I love horses just because! I can't explain it, they're just the best therapy for me!

[Tatesgram]

......I wasn't born into horses but I was born to have horses........

I love this!!!!!

They are majestic, sometimes childish, can be pushy. They have personalities and individual quirks. They are curious and brave and beautiful to look at.
And they make me feel good.

[Suzi]

I also love horses fro many of the reasons posted here. Also, my horse does not judge me. Sure a horse could be mistreated and become spooky or un-cooperative but he holds no expectations of me. If a screw up and maybe take a jumpa little hard or he needs some extra schooling, there is no "You are this and you are that" And lets not forget how unbelievlably beautiful there are !!

[sarhound]

Mainly because my horses are more honest than most of the people that I know.

They've been with us through some bad times, and they're always willing to give a nuzzle when they sense we've been stressed about something. Even Charlie, my antisocial boy, has done a 180. He's the first one up to the fenceline now, and he pushes everyone else away until he gets his fill of attention. My other 3 boys are all more like dogs than horses-- they follow me around the farm, listen to me when I blow a gasket about something, and they don't play "games" like a lot of humans seem to enjoy.

Except for my DH, my mother, and a few friends, I'd rather be with them.

[walkinthewalk]

It would depend who's asking as to how I reply - lol

If they were being trite and condescending, I commented "if you have to ask, you wouldn't get "it" anyway, so there's no point in further discussion."

If the person seems sincere in wanting to know, I comment "horses have always been more than about riding to me. They have always been my shoulder to cry on. The reward of a dog's nose noodging you when you most need it, is nothing compared to when a horse wraps its big ole head around you because you need it and that 1,100 pound piece of livestock seems to know that."

My brother is 19 years younger than me and his horse knowledge doesn't get too far beyond knowing how to spell the word and understanding they are a lot of work- lol lol lol

He was 39 the last time he came down for a visit. He unexpectedly looked up from supper one evening and said "Sis, I finally GET what your horses, and all the work involved, are all about to you. They are what makes you get up every day, no matter how crappy you feel. You don't take pills because they are your medication for the day and somehow it works."

I haven't been asked that question since I've semi-retired in Middle Tennessee. I literally live in "The Cradle of Walking Horse Country".

What the horse AND the non-horse folks always ask is what kind of horses do I have because the expected answer is "Tennessee Walkers" - lol lol lol. Of which I own 3 and one Arab:cool:

[Ladyann]

I love my horses because they calm me. There is a sense of peace as we look at them grazing in the field. A sense of accomplishment when they learn what you are trying to teach them. The amusement when they all line up at their idividual hitching post in the evening when we roll out the feed buckets in the wheel barrow. I love it when my Paso Fino, Cimmaron nickers when she sees me coming. I love her when she lets me put my arms around her neck and she drops her head on my shoulder.

We have six horses ranging from a big sweet Belgian Draft to an 8 month old untrained foal with a bad leg. My heart goes out to her when I see how neglected she was before we agreed to take her...I called her Sunshine because I think with time she will be the light of my life and will be my "Sunshine". I love my mischief maker filly "Missy" who loves to roll and always has a dirty face just like a little child. She has learned so much since we got her 3 months ago as an untrained horse who had never had a halter on her, who with love and patience has blossomed into such a pretty girl. I could go on and on why I love horses and never be able to explain to a non horse person why we have them.

[Arrow]

Arrow grounds and centers me. He makes me feel content. Just handling him as I groom him late at night in January, or whenever, calms me down. Arrow's the antidote to whatever's wrong with me right before I see him.

[valleyrider]

I agree with all of you.. I could not have said it any better.

[Dakota Sunrise]

There are a million reasons why I love my horses. Like WB said, they give me the strength, speed, and grace I could never accomplish alone. I am a very small, sometimes shy person, but on Dakota's bare back, I feel tall and proud. When I'm running with Beauty, I feel powerful, bold, unstopable, and just... free.

I love my horses because they have seen me at my very best and at my very worst, and yet they still love me. They nicker when they see me, and come to me to be petted, blowing softly through their nostrils in recognition and greeting, wanting my affection. When I call their names their ears prick forward and flick back forth, listening to my voice. They forgive me when I make mistakes, and are the only ones that are always there for me, no matter what. When I need someone to listen but it seems like I don't have a friend in the world, they are the ones I run to. And that will never change.