Over the years, horseback riding has definitely changed in purpose. Of course, horses used to be the main mode of transportation, so finding someone who didn't know their way around a horse would have been, well, a novelty. Nowadays, having the horse is the novelty and the owners are subjected to all kinds of weird things - from the silly to the downright disgusting.
Here’s a list of some of the things we horseback riders are tired of hearing. Have something to add to this list? Share in the comments (Special thanks to my equestrian friends for helping me come up with this list: Gale Lucas, Amy Pike, and Sarah Barnwell).
#1 – The innuendos
We’ve all heard them. There’s something that happens to people when you say the word “riding” that makes them revert back to adolescence. Suddenly it's high school and they're making some crass comment, sexual joke or disgusting pick-up line (which don’t work, by the way). We all wish the “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” song (and it’s followers) would ride off into the sunset.
#2 – You own a horse? Cool! Can I ride it?
This was actually the subject of a big conversation between my friends and I just a few weeks ago. I think there are probably people on both sides of this fence. For me, I always enjoyed taking newbies out on my family’s horses. But I had “nothing fancy trail horses,” not a $20,000 show horse. For some, asking this question is as rude as asking someone if you could use their toothbrush...to clean your car's rims.
#3 – Can I ride the pony? He seems safer than the big horse.
Anyone who has ever ridden a pony knows this is hilariously not true. In fact, most ponies have more ‘tude in their tiny bodies than an entire herd of big horses. In this case, smaller is not always safer.
#4 – OMG your horse’s board is more than my rent!
If this one is true, maybe you need to move to a better apartment. This is one of those comments that just makes both people feel uncomfortable. You because you feel as if your friend is accusing you of being a rich snob and your friend because they realize your horse lives better than they do. This is one of those times your friend should have said nothing at all.
#5 – Horseback riding is not a sport
This has to be one of the most aggravating things we have all heard all our lives. My usual comeback, “then why is it in the Olympics?” You know the response I get? “Ping pong is in the Olympics too.” Okay, well then they are both sports, neither of which you stand a chance at winning.
#6 – I know how to ride. I rode at (summer camp, vacation, at the fair when I was 3, etc., etc.)
This is another one that chances are makes you strain to hold back laughter more than offending you. Although, it could be offensive if they are using this line to get you to let them ride your horse (which they usually are). I just smile and nod when people start saying this and then quickly ask them if they want to go inside and watch TV instead.
#7 – Oh, you show your horse? So like rodeos and barrel racing?
These poor people have clearly watched one too many movies. Or maybe one too many county rodeos. Their hearts are in the right place, but wouldn’t it be nice if they just asked you to explain what you do rather than assume you are a rodeo queen or a cattle chaser? (Don’t get me wrong, I was that barrel racer and cow chaser, but it would be nice if they asked just in case you are not one of those!)
#8 – You know you could have bought a car for the same price as your horse. And they don’t poop.
Thank you for that astute observation. Could I buy new friends for that amount too? I might need some…Actually, never mind. I have the only friend I need right here – my horse. (and maybe the dog too).
#9 – That’s not hard, the horse does all the work
When this line comes out of people’s mouths, it hard not to hand them the reins, point them at the barrel, jump, dressage test, trail course, etc. and say “okay, go for it.” But then you realize you will be paying for their hospital bill.
Horse Courses by Elaine Heney
- Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
- Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
- Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
- Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
#10 – Did you get your horse as a pony?
Again, this just boils down to people wanting to talk to you about your horse, but not really knowing anything. Somewhere along the line, they learned a pony was a young horse. Nope. And actually, I get peeved when people call all foals “colts,” but maybe that's just me?
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!
Linda Mcnally
Whenever May comes around in Kentucky and someone sees you riding your horse the first question is is it going to be racing in the Derby my response no this is a quarter horse
Stan Scott
You can’t ride on this trail, hikers might step in the poop.
lydia.E
haha try to convince the that there is nothing up there
Doreen
Oh I can ride a horse in a circle or figure eight...what's a lead change? Or how do you neck rein? All I know is farmer style...
Mark Walsh
When ahorse goes in a circle, the inside front leg has to be extended most; as you change the direction of circling, the horse needs to change the leading leg that is on the inside of the new circle. Everytime you alter the inside of the circle, as in a circle eight the horse needs to change leads.. As to neck reining , Western style horses are trained to you train the horse to turn right by being touched on opposite(left) side of its neck. like wise turning left train the horse to turn left by touching the right side of its neck with the right rein.
Lisa
You still take riding lessons? Haven’t you been riding since you were a kid?
PattyJ
"Oh, you have horses? So you must know so-and-so because she has horses too?" As if everyone of us knows each other.
"Why do you still take lessons? " I'm riding Dressage and it's pretty hard to move up the levels on my own. I'm not just cruising down the trail. "But what more is there to know besides steering and stopping?"
"You have horses? Can you bring your horse to my kid's birthday party?" Yeah, are you going to pay the liability insurance?
I LOVE HORSES
"It's not even hard work! You just sit there and the horse does everything else."
Judith Wilson
A man leaning on the gate asked me if his young daughter could ride my horse. I asked him if my young son could drive his car. End of discussion!