Why do people do this???

[Indy]

Perhaps some people feel that they want to give their aged horses who have worked throughout the years and don't owe them a penny a nice retirement in their twilight years

 

[LadyGascoyne]

Why do people acquire horses and ponies they have no intention of riding?

You could be writing about me except mine are at home a lot of the time.

I was looking for another despite having three, at that point, that I hardly rode. One hasn’t grown big enough for me and she’s too precious to me to squash so is ridden by a pro rider. One is recovering from a DDFT injury. One had fetlock arthritis and only needed to potter about. I wouldn’t have ridden the fourth though, either, as I was considering buying one for our rider to compete.

I love having horses. I love being forced to get out of bed every morning to go and do something outdoors, rain or shine. I like grooming, doing their feet, putting their fly spray on. Spending time with them brings my blood pressure down. I like mending electric fences and cleaning water troughs. It’s nice to have horses around the house, they do something for an empty field.

I also like pottering around feed and tack shops and buying bits and bobs. Buying rugs and head collars. I missed things like that when I didn’t have any horses.

Our horses have 10 acres of varied space, and happily mooch about eating. We have stables but they only come in if they are miserably cold and wet, or injured. I don’t think they are remotely bored or unfulfilled. The cows and sheep are also happy munching. I do have high percentage Arab horses deliberately because they fit in so nicely with the farm and don’t need a lot of fuss. They are genuinely happy to work, happy to munch, happy to rest. And you can hop on any of them after months of not being ridden, and they are super stars.

 

[motherof2beasts!]

I don’t think it matters if they are loved and well looked after, given the choice I’m sure mine would rather be left to eat 24/7 but sadly for him he is an extremely good doer , which is my main motivation to ride , even when I really don’t want too.

I had a field ornament alongside him, I brought him to ride and very quickly realised he was not safe and there was something wrong. All the yard know it alls , instructors felt he was “taking the piss” out of me and needed to be rode harder. I ignored them , after a stay in horse hospital he had spondylitis , kissing spine , and arthritis so was retired as per vets advice. He looked very well in field and I got sick of justifying why he wasn’t ridden to various people so just said he was a pet as it’s not everyone’s business.

 

[Kaylum]

I see this all the time horses for various reasons they end up in rescue. Lots are rehomed as much loved companions. Some need pts as no mater how much money and time you spend on them they are in pain. It comes back to welfare and quality of life. But by no means can all horses be ridden but they can live happy full lives. Lots more in hand showing classes are added to schedules which I am in favour of as its motivation for the animals to be exercised and to be proud of. Horses are good therapy many of my friends own horses they don't ride. They still need to get up in the morning and see to them. It gives a human care emotion and something different to focus on rather than other life situations which can be quite terrible at times.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Why do horsey people do this - judge others all the time??

Because they physically cannot help themselves they cannot help but be opinionated and force their opinion on other people even when it does not concern them. The most amusing thing is those that do that think it’s normal

Being happy for others seems to a foreign concept to most

 

[Goldenstar]

Watching others and thinking about what they do is a good way to think stuff through .
On here is an impersonal way to expand that process .

 

[cauda equina]

You could be writing about me except mine are at home a lot of the time.

I was looking for another despite having three, at that point, that I hardly rode. One hasn’t grown big enough for me and she’s too precious to me to squash so is ridden by a pro rider. One is recovering from a DDFT injury. One had fetlock arthritis and only needed to potter about. I wouldn’t have ridden the fourth though, either, as I was considering buying one for our rider to compete.

I love having horses. I love being forced to get out of bed every morning to go and do something outdoors, rain or shine. I like grooming, doing their feet, putting their fly spray on. Spending time with them brings my blood pressure down. I like mending electric fences and cleaning water troughs. It’s nice to have horses around the house, they do something for an empty field.

I also like pottering around feed and tack shops and buying bits and bobs. Buying rugs and head collars. I missed things like that when I didn’t have any horses.

Our horses have 10 acres of varied space, and happily mooch about eating. We have stables but they only come in if they are miserably cold and wet, or injured. I don’t think they are remotely bored or unfulfilled. The cows and sheep are also happy munching. I do have high percentage Arab horses deliberately because they fit in so nicely with the farm and don’t need a lot of fuss. They are genuinely happy to work, happy to munch, happy to rest. And you can hop on any of them after months of not being ridden, and they are super stars.

Yours are family, though; they live with you and you look after them, chat to them and generally enjoy their company
That's very different from keeping non ridden horses on livery, especially full livery

 

[McFluff]

Not all full livery yards are like as described. I’ve been in two. On both, every horse that was fit and able to be ridden is/was ridden. Those that were not rideable were kept as loved pets and looked well for it. I will keep any horse I buy for its natural life as long as it is free of pain. In the meantime I feel very lucky to have a fit horse that I can ride, and am mindful that this can change at any time. When I have to retire him, I’ll still see him most days and groom and spend time with him. Maybe take him for in hand walks if he’s fit enough. All from a full livery yard, as that is where his home is.
As long as people can afford their choices, and as long as the horse has its needs met, I personally don’t judge. Live and let live and all that.

 

[tristar]

You have to consider that being stuck in the same field with the same friends day after day lacks variety/stimulation, especially if that field isn’t particularly large (postage stamp livery yard style in particular). If you have a saddle that fits, the horse is healthy and the rider considerate (and a reasonable weight), they can indeed enjoy the variety that riding brings.

When I get feral ponies to start, I fix the catching worries by starting to take them out on walks, then led from another horse, then ridden. They don’t get fed for coming in - they just come in, get tacked up and taken out - but very soon they are keen as anything to come.

In the wild, horses would roam over vast areas each day, travelling many many miles. Keeping them confined as we do, isn’t natural. It shouldn’t be a surprise that allowing them to move, to explore and to fulfil that need, is something they appreciate. My 2 year olds are beyond desperate to come hacking, but I won’t have time to start leading them out until the winter. Until then, they can keep trying to squeeze through the gate to the tacking up area…

brilliant!

 

[Cortez]

My dudes, horses don’t exist just to be ridden by humans.

One presumes that those bred by humans were at least intended for that purpose though?

 

[tristar]

This sounds somewhat like wishful thinking. I don't think any horse sees a saddle and thinks YIPPEE!

no wishful thinking here

 

[Cortez]

Leaning on the gate and making sure it still has four legs doesn't quite fit my idea of horse ownership.

It does some people though, and that's OK. Other than retirees and breeding/youngstock, personally I wouldn't keep a horse unless I could ride it, but for many people they are pets and companion animals.

 

[tristar]

One presumes that those bred by humans were at least intended for that purpose though?

exactly what i was just thinking

 

[Highmileagecob]

Thanks for all the input. No criticism or judgement intended, just wondering why, that's all. It seems odd to me to buy or bring on a loan horse, with all the associated costs, and then simply look at it in the field.

 

[equinerebel]

One presumes that those bred by humans were at least intended for that purpose though?

Sure, but that doesn’t mean that’s the purpose of their entire existence. There should be more to their life than just being ridden.

 

[Cortez]

Sure, but that doesn’t mean that’s the purpose of their entire existence. There should be more to their life than just being ridden.

But....if you breed a riding horse, the purpose for that horse is.....riding. There is of course more to their lives than that, but that is the reason that they are in existence in the first place.

Fun fact: horses are extinct in the wild, the only reason they exist is because we keep breeding them.

 

[equinerebel]

But....if you breed a riding horse, the purpose for that horse is.....riding. There is of course more to their lives than that, but that is the reason that they are in existence in the first place.

Fun fact: horses are extinct in the wild, the only reason they exist is because we keep breeding them.

I agree in that I think most horses benefit hugely from ridden work. I’m just saying that it’s not the worst thing in the world if, for whatever reason, that horse doesn’t fulfil its intended purpose.

At the end of the day, as long as they’re not in pain and have their most basic needs met, most dont care.

My own horse doesn’t care if she’s not ridden, but it’s very obvious how much she loves going out. I just don’t think she spends any sort of time wondering when/if she’ll next go out

 

[littleshetland]

Sure, but that doesn’t mean that’s the purpose of their entire existence. There should be more to their life than just being ridden.

There's probably a long, complex philosophical discussion to be had here, but for the most part, all species of animal are 'blue printed' to reproduce, thus to ensure the successful continuation of that species. Most species have developed complex ways of communication and interaction with each other, manifesting itself in courting rituals, friendships, establishing hierarchy and play.
Mankind has domesticated and selectively bred animals for our own ends, emphasising physical and mental aspects suited to a particular job we wish them to perform for us. IMHO to leave a healthy, young animal without stimulation - physical or mental, may not be the best thing for it. Perhaps by riding, driving, liberty work, whatever - teaching it things and building a relationship with it that brings benefits and enjoyment to both human and horse, surely that can only be a good thing.

 

[equinerebel]

There's probably a long, complex philosophical discussion to be had here, but for the most part, all species of animal are 'blue printed' to reproduce, thus to ensure the successful continuation of that species. Most species have developed complex ways of communication and interaction with each other, manifesting itself in courting rituals, friendships, establishing hierarchy and play.
Mankind has domesticated and selectively bred animals for our own ends, emphasising physical and mental aspects suited to a particular job we wish them to perform for us. IMHO to leave a healthy, young animal without stimulation - physical or mental, may not be the best thing for it. Perhaps by riding, driving, liberty work, whatever - teaching it things and building a relationship with it that brings benefits and enjoyment to both human and horse, surely that can only be a good thing.

Ultimately, I think we agree

 

[scats]

I have horses to ride, but I do understand that some people just enjoy having horses as pets though. I think if I was doing that I would just get a little pony rather than a riding horse though, but people are different.

I have found there’s quite a lot of people I’ve met over the years who like the idea of riding and having a riding or competition horse, but they are actually too nervous to do it. They either get someone else on board or they make up excuses as to why they will make a start next month or next year. Fair enough, but I often find these people are the ones who like to dish out the advice to others about horses and riding, which is slightly ironic really!

 

[Burnttoast]

I have horses to ride, but I do understand that some people just enjoy having horses as pets though. I think if I was doing that I would just get a little pony rather than a riding horse though, but people are different.

I have found there’s quite a lot of people I’ve met over the years who like the idea of riding and having a riding or competition horse, but they are actually too nervous to do it. They either get someone else on board or they make up excuses as to why they will make a start next month or next year. Fair enough, but I often find these people are the ones who like to dish out the advice to others about horses and riding, which is slightly ironic really!

I must admit I thought, had I been able, I might like a little herd of minis after my boy who could bomb round the track in a deliquent manner (I'd rather have a larger herd for social reasons but haven't the space for more 14 handers). Unfortunately when I mentioned this to my brilliant vet she threatened never to come back again if I did it

 

[littleshetland]

Ultimately, I think we agree

Sorry about that waffly response....I got distracted half way through the post, and lost my train of thought! But yes -we agree!

 

[Dexter]

I'm not sure if ethically we should be riding horses at all. I've cut right back on what I do with mine now. The day he says no, is the day we stop.

And there are absolutely horses being ridden that would be significantly better off being a pet. The ones carrying 18 stone riders, the not quite sound ones, the ones whose tack doesn't quite fit, the ones ridden by kids kick, kicking away. In fact, being honest, I think most of the horses on my full livery yard would be happier not being ridden at all.

 

[equinerebel]

Sorry about that waffly response....I got distracted half way through the post, and lost my train of thought! But yes -we agree!

Nah you’re good! I found your response an interesting read! You raised some good points in it

 

[Lexi 123]

I'm not sure if ethically we should be riding horses at all. I've cut right back on what I do with mine now. The day he says no, is the day we stop.

It would be terrible for horses if we stopped riding them they wouldn’t become pets they would be like cows slaughtered for meat in Europe . They certainly wouldn’t be owned by us it would be farmers. Yeah if you don’t want to ride that’s completely up to you and have your horses as pets. The equestrian world does need to improve its horse welfare.

 

[Alwaysmoretoknow]

I have 3, all non-ridden. 1 is 28 yo shettie who is sprog minor's ex PPC pony (he is now 30) completely 'highly strung' and totally unsuited to any lead-rein sort of activities even now. 2 is orphan NF with double spavins and PSSM who occasionally walks around the field with little kids on as a first ever ride. 3 is my homebred eventer who had a rotational fall with a neck fracture and is now mildly ataxic but fully field sound. They all live out together in 6 acres of rotated paddocks and have all the welfare requirements ( farrier, annual jabs, dentist, worming, field shelter, appropriate feed etc.). I would absolutely love having something to ride but won't get another until I'm confident that adding another wouldn't compromise the care that I can give the others either time-wise or financially. I honestly don't believe that they suffer emotionally from not being 'in work '. They seem to have sufficient stimulation from moving from paddock to paddock and interacting with each other and being groomed and handled and observing the traffic passing by and the goings on of the wildlife in the woods next to their field. I don't think my ex-eventer (although initially very talented) spends his days wishing and longing to be out on the BE circuit. As long as any horse or pony are having their needs met than I don't think it's a welfare issue as I'm sure no horse ever fretted that they never made it to the Olympics.
Although (just to add) I do envy friends who have 'rideable' horses that they don't.

 

[Burnttoast]

I'm not sure if ethically we should be riding horses at all. I've cut right back on what I do with mine now. The day he says no, is the day we stop.

And there are absolutely horses being ridden that would be significantly better off being a pet. The ones carrying 18 stone riders, the not quite sound ones, the ones whose tack doesn't quite fit, the ones ridden by kids kick, kicking away. In fact, being honest, I think most of the horses on my full livery yard would be happier not being ridden at all.

I used to take photos at the last yard I helped out on when they had competitions (working equitation) and there were plenty of those famous 'moments in time' from the lower-level riders. It was a lot easier to get harmonious images of the 'better' combinations because they were usually in a better balance but they certainly aren't exempt from criticism for reasons other than competence. I thought at the time that the speed round shouldn't be run at novice level. The way people would get fired up and yank badly conformed, unbalanced horses around simply to shave off a second and maybe get a different coloured rosette was pretty unpalatable once you had the images in front of you, if not before. Same goes for SJ I guess. Some people seem to forget they are at best average skills-wise and expect their horse to transform into something world-beating rather than riding within what their horse can offer. Some of them must think that they're giving their horses something to occupy or interest them, and their horses are forgiving enough to go out on a regular basis and do this stuff, but in the end a lot of riders (I include myself so it doesn't bother me that I no longer ride) will spend a fair amount of their riding time inconveniencing their horses either in the day-to-day course of things or in an attempt to improve them.

 

[LadyGascoyne]

Yours are family, though; they live with you and you look after them, chat to them and generally enjoy their company
That's very different from keeping non ridden horses on livery, especially full livery

They are at home for the majority of the time but I do put them on livery if I’m exceptionally busy and I know I can’t see them every day. I’m sure some of the liveries probably wonder about what my horses actually do

Thanks for all the input. No criticism or judgement intended, just wondering why, that's all. It seems odd to me to buy or bring on a loan horse, with all the associated costs, and then simply look at it in the field.

Looking at them in the field is my absolute favourite thing about them. If I get to ride them, it’s just a bonus.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Thanks for all the input. No criticism or judgement intended, just wondering why, that's all. It seems odd to me to buy or bring on a loan horse, with all the associated costs, and then simply look at it in the field.

Some people just like to have them for their own mental wellbeing, happiness, social aspect...if they have the money to do so then well done to them!

 

[Dexter]

It would be terrible for horses if we stopped riding them they wouldn’t become pets they would be like cows slaughtered for meat in Europe . They certainly wouldn’t be owned by us it would be farmers. Yeah if you don’t want to ride that’s completely up to you and have your horses as pets. The equestrian world does need to improve its horse welfare.

There would just be a lot less bred. The transition wouldn't be great, but it absolutely would not be terrible for horses if we stopped riding them. Theres been talk of improving welfare for as far back as I can remember. I'm not sure its any better, its just slightly different issues.