One of the oldest and most cherished activities in the world is horseback riding. It has been utilized for farming, transportation, and entertainment throughout human history. The welfare of horses in the equine business is, nevertheless, a subject of increasing concern. Animal rights groups sometimes claim that horseback riding is inhumane and cruel. Is this, however, actually the case? Let’s take a closer look at the problem.
It’s crucial to remember that not all horseback riding is cruel. The horse and the rider can both benefit from and enjoy horseback riding when it is done correctly. But there are incidents of cruelty, negligence, and overworking horses in the profession. These actions need to be criticized because they are unacceptable.
Second, by employing gentle training techniques, horse riding can be made even more joyful and stress-free for the animal. Positive reinforcement training is one such technique, which rewards a horse for good conduct rather than punishes it for negative. This makes the experience less stressful for everyone involved as the horse learns to appreciate and trust the rider. Thirdly, picking the appropriate breed of horse for riding is crucial. Some breeds are inherently kinder and calmer, making them the best option for new riders. For example, the Appaloosa and American Quarter Horse are renowned for their kind dispositions and make excellent riding horses.
Fourth, a horse’s age should be taken into account while making a purchase. It is typically advised to get a trained horse who is at least three years old. This is due to the fact that young horses may not be ready for riding as they are still growing physically and intellectually.
The price of purchasing a horse should also be taken into account. There are many pricey horse breeds, but there are also less expensive options that produce excellent riding horses. Horse breeds like the American Mustang and Tennessee Walking Horse are among the least expensive.
Therefore, riding horses is not intrinsically cruel. Only when done incorrectly or when horses are abused is it cruel. Horse riding may be a safe and fun activity for both the horse and the rider by employing gentle training techniques and picking the proper breed and age of horse.
Training and conditioning must be applied gradually to teach a horse to carry a novice rider. In the beginning, the horse needs to be taught how to respond to simple cues from the rider such leg pressure and rein assistance. Starting with easy activities like walking and stopping, the rider will progressively transition to more difficult movements like trotting and cantering. Positive reinforcement should be used, and the horse should be rewarded for excellent conduct. Additionally, it’s essential to confirm that the horse is physically sound and capable of supporting a rider comfortably.