sportshorse?!

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SarahRicoh

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Just a little thought...

Do you all think certain horses need to compete?

For example,
I own an irish sports horse. He was bred to compete & competed til a few years ago.
Hes had some issues and it got me thinking.. He loves his work!

So do some horses need to compete?

Like some dogs (eg collies) need to work....
Do some horses need to compete?
 
My previously retired 20 yo was a quite miserable when I got him a couple fo years ago at 18, then I brought him back into work and compete with him, then wammo, different horse (also ISH :) )
 
I think horses are the same as people, I need exercise/sport or I go mad/am sad. Some horses and other animals must be like this, well I say must, but you know what I mean :)
 
I wouldn't say 'need' to compete, maybe 'love' to compete

I guess what I am saying is its obvious that some really get a lot of enjoyment out of it and some get low or bored when not doing so. I think it is the atmosphere and the feelings they feel through us
 
I think some horses are bred to be more intelligent and to have quicker reactions then others.
I don't think any horse 'needs' to compete but the more intelligent ones definitly find comfort in being worked and kept focused and competing is just a part of that :).
 
Horses have a natural curiousity and need some variety and stimulation to be content, I think. They don't necessarily need to compete, but I think they benefit from being out and about. When mine was on box rest, the first time I got the bridle out, he practically put it on himself, and when I got his travelling boots on, he was thrilled! Competition appeals to the horses tendency to show off, too.
 
Think they all need some sort of fulfilment. A friends horse used to drop weight and look utterly miserable when given a holiday. Mine get bored if they don't do something, and there is definate jealous if one goes on the lorry from the rest of them! The return to the herd moment is always great
 
Not competition but we had a pony on our riding school who was 30, she only did beginner lessons a bit of walk and trot but she was fantastic and would look after any child. We thought perhaps we should retire her so we tried it for a few weeks. She went downhill fast, lost weight, colicked, was miserable in herself. So we put her back on a few lessons a week and she was instanty back to her old self, gained weight and held it and was happy.
We eventually had her pts at the age of 38 after a bad colic.

So yes I do believe some need the mental stimulation and enjoy it
 
Our old hunter would sulk for days when the lorry went without him. He used to stand with his bottom to the door and refuse to speak to anyone, and this was a horse that hung over the door all day talking to everyone including the cat !

We ended up putting him in the furthest paddock from the yard so he couldn't see the lorry go. He had 7 years in retirement and never changed.
 
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