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Katherine's Horses Blog

By Katherine Blocksdorf, About.com Guide to Horses since 2005

Why Learn to Ride?

Tuesday August 14, 2007
Photo 2007 K. Blocksdorf
Why would anyone want to learn to ride a horse? Ask anyone who does and they'll tell you about the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of horseback riding and horse or pony ownership. Read Why Learn to Ride? and find out the benefits of horse ownership and riding.

What are your reasons? Click comments below to let me know!

Read More About Riding

Comments

August 14, 2007 at 3:03 pm
(1) Didi says:

I love the companionship of my horse and the release of stress for me when we ride. My horse Apache, a 5 yr old paint, is like my soul mate. She enjoys my company as much as I enjoy hers. Taking care of my horses keeps me going physically as well as mentally. When I go to the pasture all the worries from the day are left behind. I also get to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, wildlife and appreciate all that God has given me. Horse back riding can be a time to ride with many friends, or with just my husband and I, or to enjoy a quite ride just between me and my horse.. Or sometimes I just sit with my horse and we talk. lol. Apache is a great listener! lol Thanks be to GOD!

August 14, 2007 at 6:52 pm
(2) dave says:

i have a question about a horse,,will a horse that paces back and forth after its took away from other horses ever quit doing it dave

August 15, 2007 at 1:50 am
(3) Crowsister says:

When I was trying out the horse I ended up buying, I remember turning to the instructor/broker and asking, “Is this the right horse for me?” She replied, “You will learn a lot from her. And it will have nothing to do with riding.” 7 years later, I understand: I have learned patience and perseverance in owning a horse and learning to ride. I have more confidence in myself. I realize that I know enough to teach others! And many, many times I have overhead observers comment that I am a true horseman; that I exhibit more knowledge than some people who have “ridden all their lives”. What a great compliment.

August 15, 2007 at 2:45 am
(4) lilbitandme says:

I was told that I wouldn’t be able to have any children. So, I told my husband, that instead of spending all the money (more than we already had) on trying to do what God new better than I did, I wanted to take riding lessons. Yes, I have ridden horses all my life….BUT, mostly rental horses as a child. I had the smarts enough to know that is VERY different than riding a “real” horse! He said that would be fine as long as I NEVER came home asking to BUY one! Well, long story short, I didn’t ask to BUY one I was GIVEN one! The lessons were AMAZING! I learned to sit properly, how to guide a horse (western) with legs only and very little rein. Learned how to “feel” a horse…when one is spooked….you can feel it through the saddle, reins, see it in the ears and headset. It’s the BEST thing I ever spent money on!!
By the way, I have two boys….one just started college at 18 and the other is going into 8th grade. SEE!!! RELAX!! It works for ALL kinds of things!!! :)

August 15, 2007 at 7:09 am
(5) Kathy says:

Hi Dave,
Check out the Stall Walking and Weaving articles for your answers.

August 15, 2007 at 12:33 pm
(6) martha says:

Riding was the key to the door of confidence and independence for me. I was a painfully shy child who was afraid of everything.
My relationships with horses and those who love them wiped all that away and replaced it with confidence born only from mastering the techniques needed for true alpha leadership of a herd.
I have been an athlete, horse lover, better person, mother, wife, sister, daughter for the three + decades I’ve been blessed by these kind, regal animals.

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