What attracts people to riding horses?

Your heart beating in time with the hooves beneath you; the wind on your face wiping away the sweat; the smell of cleaned tack, leather and brass; the connection between horse and rider.

Although equestrianism is classified as a sport, those who ride know it is more than sport, more than competition. The attraction lies in the entirety of the experience and the world of horses. Horse people are of their own breed and the camaraderie to those who share your passion for horses is as much a draw to this world as the horses themselves.

Rising before the sun does to muck stalls, throw out bales of hay and saddle up may not sound like everyone’s idea of fun, but for those who ride, they would not have their life any other way. There is a special connection to be had in those early morning hours when the twinkle of the dawn hits the dewy grass, as you head out into the barn or across a pasture to find your true love, your horse.

A neatly organized tack box, from which you select the right tool to brush, comb, pick, spray and paint. Each stroke over your horses gleaming hair brings you closer; looking into his big black eyes as you comb out his forelock over the leather halter you know that he can see into your soul as you can into his through those eyes. Nothing in the world can compare with the connection that you feel in that moment, and that’s why we love it, that’s why we not only ride, but care for these great animals.

The clean white saddle pad smells like bleach, the heavy leather of the saddle sticks to your arm and the brass on the girth and bridle jingle as you make your way out of the tack room, ready to saddle up. Most of us could saddle a horse in our sleep- it’s a familiar process, a dance really, and your mount knows what’s coming as he excitedly starts to dance on the cross ties, ready to get out and move. Then its one foot in the stirrup, swinging your other leg up and over as you grab the reins and the front of the saddle. As he feels your weight come down on him his fuzzy ears perk up and he knows it’s finally time to go. As you adjust your feet and gather the reins, the sense of excitement invigorates you and up there you truly feel at home.

You start moving around the ring or out on the trail and in his familiar gate is the trust, the bond that has slowly grown over time. The slightest squeeze of your leg or flick of your wrist is all the signal he needs to do exactly what you’ve asked of him. You move along not as horse and rider, but as one fluid movement, one soul. That is why we are equestrians; that is why we ride.