The Horse
For centuries man has had a special relationship with the horse. The strength, stamina and somewhat mystical qualites of the horse have been harnessed and put to use by man in a partnership that has seen the horse become a source of labour, a partner in combat, and in more recent times a team member in competition and a means of pursuing a hobby.
 |
Riding horses has become a hobby for hundreds of thousands of people, with many owning their own steed whilst others use the horses at a local stables. It is also possible to ‘loan’ a horse or pony at many stables; this entails sharing the care and riding of a horse with one or two other riders for a fee which includes the cost of stabling (called livery) at the stable which owns the horse. Horse ownership is expensive – there are costs incurred for care and feed of the horse, land for it to be allowed to run free, and the cost of equipment. For most people the preference is to ride a horse from a local stable. This is particularly advantageous when children wish to start riding as there are plenty of activities that they can join in with at the stables. Many children join the Pony Club through their stables. |
|
Showjumping is an extremely popular riding event both for participation and watching. It takes skill and an understanding of how the horse jumps to execute it well. Get a good instructor to teach you!
|
Dressage is an event which demonstrates the horse and rider working together in very precise and controlled movements. The emphasis is less on speed and more on the horse listening carefully to the instructions given to it by the rider by means of the riders legs and reins (these are called the ‘aids’). |
The anatomy of the horse – these are the terms used by riders and vets alike. By understanding the working of the horse, riders are more able to establish a good working partnership with it.
But for some, it is the the ethereal, mystical quality of the horse which holds the greatest pleasure. To see horses running free, manes and tails flowing, is a beautiful sight. Horses have been the subject choice for many poets over the centuries, and looking at them in motion, it is clear why……..
Majestic, mystical, mythical soul
What power slumbers deep beneath your powerful form……..
(extract from a poem by Cecilia Brabin) Read the rest of the poem
Return to the glossary