It’s true, we are a rare breed. Pet owners love their pets, but the relationship is different with a horse. If you have been fortunate to have a relationship with a horse, it can be hard to explain to the non-equestrian. And there are things they will never understand – like the following list. Have something to add? Share it in the comments!
#1 – That barn smell
How many times have you brought your friends to see your horse and the first thing they say is, “wow, it stinks in here!” You look shocked. To a horse person, that mixture of leather, sweet hay, dust, manure and horse is heaven on Earth.
#2 – The joy of mucking
While most pet owners agree that cleaning up after their beloved friend is the one downside, horse people like to muck out stalls. It gives you time to day dream, fresh air, and a work out! The smell? Most of us don’t mind it…some of us even like it!
#3 – Hearing about a new rider’s sore muscles
Riding horses uses muscles most people don’t even know they have. I loved talking to my non-horse friends up the day after I took them riding and asking them, with a semi-straight face, how they felt. Horse people get an odd pleasure out of hearing about people being “sore in places I didn’t know I could be sore.” Maybe it makes us feel tougher?
#4 – The irritation of not being considered a sport
In high school, my friends and I fought to have our equestrian team listed with the sports instead of the activities. It’s an insult that only other horse people understand. (And maybe this is why we get such pleasure out of number 3???)
#5 – The satisfaction of hoof picking
I don’t know why, but there is something satisfying about picking hooves. Don’t bother explaining it to a non-horse person, they just won’t get it. But maybe your horse does.
#6 – Horse therapy
Bad day at work? Boyfriend break up with you? Parents bugging you? Bulling at school? Whatever the problem, it all goes away with that first breath of warm horse smell. I own dogs, cats, goats, sheep – but there is nothing like the therapy of a horse.
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
#7 – The beauty of nature from the back of a horse
Walking through the woods is nice, but riding through it on horseback is something entirely different. You feel closer to nature. The imagination sparks. You could be a knight on a quest or a princess on the run. There is nothing like it.
Bonnie Ray
Enjoyed your selections for horse lovers. Many of these l haven't thought of lately since l can't ride anymore. The one about riding verses walking through the woods or trails is the 1 l miss the most.
I now have a side by side to ride on trails in the woods, just not at all the same.
India
The bucket of my horse when she sees me
Kimberly Kunkle
The heavenly scent on a horses face in the "dent" just above the nostrils! It's to die for!
Julie Cusumano
OMG you are explaining my life !
Of course we love ALL those situations.!
The horse is magic if you get it!
Kathy Roberts
The connection between you & your horse if your lucky to own one. And the knowledge that the horses cooperate cannot be taken for granted.
Marsha
All the above love horses always have and always will
Lyn
That grateful look you get on a horses face when you pitch up late at night, stupid o’clock in the morning or when it’s chicking it down with rain, just to give your Horse more hay.
Gwynneth Roe
I agree with everything said, whilst I love all animals the smell of them is gorgeous, I had a marriage breakup whilst I owned my horse and I told her everything , I hugged her neck, stoked the soft skin under her forearm, stroked her buttock and she patiently listened to every word. I had felt so lonely in my marriage but she was my soul mate. Beautiful creatures
Dawn
The sound of a nicker and the cute ears up look they give you when you arrive. Even though it may be feeding time and they are excited about their breakfast it’s still so sweet.
Grace Gerle
They just don`t understand why we waste all of our money and time on these creature (LOVE HORSES )