June 2010

Avoid Irresponsible Horseback Riding

Now that pleasant weather has set in, many of us will be seeking fun outdoor activities with animals. Whether we are away on vacation or enjoying a weekend off at home, a trail ride on a horse is always a nearby temptation. A leisurely walk through quiet woods can be a great experience for both horse and rider, but not every ride is fun or even pain free. Some stables do not have the wellbeing of their equine partners at heart and instead use horses for quick profits during the summer months.  As compassionate people ready to learn about horses, we must look for a healthy place to foster our passion for horses.

We should avoid places that will rent horses out to the general public. If a stable is not discriminating of who rides its horses, it probably is not discriminating of who cares for the horses. Some barn owners have been known to let sick horses languish in back stalls or ask tired, lame horses to work. A company that does only seasonal programs for the public may not even keep the horses over winter but instead sell them at auction (where most will be destined for slaughter).

Instead, we should look for stables with ongoing lesson programs that value their horses as more than machines. Entering into a lesson program will teach us much more about horsemanship and lead to a much closer and more fulfilling relationship with a horse. Experienced instructors will match us up with safe and appropriate horses while carefully monitoring our progress. Many barns have access to trails nearby.  When we are proficient in our riding, the instructors will take us out on a responsible ride.

Let us know what you think!

Email us to share your opinions about renting and riding horses.

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