The world of horses is a unique mix of contradictions: harshness and softness, exclusion and inclusion, judgment and magic. We’ve all felt the powerful pull of wanting a horse’s trust and companionship, imagining a movie-worthy story of partnership. Or something like that, right?
I can recall so many times when horses were used against me. In middle school, being the “weird horse girl” or “pony girl” was not something positive. In college, I had to face the fact that there were very few (if any) groups of horse girls where I would actually fit in. Things were always so… extreme. And opinions run so strongly amongst equestrians, where facts may be facts simply because that was the way it had always been.
Identifying a True Horse Person
Within every discipline, and every corner of this planet, there are true horse people. Those who see horses for who they truly are, instead of only what they can do for us. You’ve found a place in my community if you:
- Prioritize your horse’s wellbeing over personal goals
- Consider your horse’s happiness with every choice you make
- Advocate for 24/7 forage and maximum turnout (or outside living always)
- Believe in the benefits of horses being barefoot, even if you’re still working toward it
- Provide opportunities for your horse to form positive relationships with other horses
- Love riding, but love horses more
These traits are what make a true horse person. Not ribbons or trophies, not training achievements or accomplishments. Those things make a rider, an equestrian. A horse person should be an advocate for the horse. Voices for these beings who have trouble being heard in this society. Horses don’t need to win competitions or rank highly at shows – those are things people need.
I’m not saying all riding, or even showing, is bad. Some horses genuinely thrive in that lifestyle, and it’s possible to participate ethically. But most horses aren’t given a choice, and many aren’t provided with what they truly need to be happy.
Identifying a Happy Horse
It took a long time before I felt confident in myself as a horse person. When it came down to it, my confidence came from realizing that my horses are happy. Truly happy. And they are healthy and thriving and that is the most important thing to me. So how could anyone bring me down, if I’m already winning at what I set out to do? It doesn’t matter if your horses live in your backyard or at the fanciest barn in your city – if they’re not happy, there’s a problem. And if they are happy, then who’s to tell you there is a problem?
The trick is that people believe happiness is subjective. But horses are relatively simple in this way – they are open books, showing signs of stress plainly on their faces. In their behavior. In their health. A happy horse will be relaxed, healthy, emotionally capable of handling stress and regulating their emotions during short term stressors. They will be curious and bright, maybe even playful if their personality dictates. Sleep will come easily. Food will be approached without the desperation that comes from hunger or stress. A happy horse is healthy, mentally and physically. They will not have chronic ulcers, constantly be at risk of colic, screaming daily, pacing, pawing, weaving, cribbing, fighting, chewing walls or be otherwise destructive. They will not be at extreme risk of injuring themselves if allowed a few moments of freedom in an open space.
It’s not that complicated.
The Essential Needs for Happy Horses
The idea of ensuring a horse has every opportunity to be happy is a relatively recent conversation. But there have been pioneers in this area over the years, and the science to back it all is stacking up. We know now what horses need to be healthy, and to truly live their best lives – to have a chance at happiness in their daily lives.
While the Three F’s—Forage, Friends, and Freedom—are a great starting point, I believe they leave out other essentials. For example, access to clean water is non-negotiable. I view these 6 essentials as foundational to a horse’s wellbeing:
- Water
- Forage
- Sleep
- Movement
- Friends
- Enrichment
The first three are necessary for survival – the body will shut down in the long-term absence of any of these three. The last three are necessary to thrive. The mind will shut down without access to these three. The exception is movement – lack of movement will shut down the body indirectly, eventually. But the mind will likely be the first to suffer.
The Significance of Movement
My approach to caring for my horses and their wellbeing & happiness is highly focused on movement. I utilize the other resources to maximize movement, providing each need strategically. Everything works together to create a lifestyle resembling balance, with enough wiggle room to allow for each item to ebb and flow with life. No one lives their whole life in perfect balance, with every need being met with ideal conditions. We can strive for that, but your horse can thrive in the absence of such perfection. They need to, for resilience is a strength that every living being must work to maintain in order to live life fully. Movement is the cornerstone of resilience and the foundation for creating a life that gives your horse the best chance at true happiness.
By focusing on movement and providing for your horse’s six essential needs, you’re not just meeting their basic requirements—you’re giving them the chance to thrive. A chance to live their best life. And that makes you a true horse person.
Learn more about how I use my horse’s environment to encourage more movement, and provide for all their needs through my course, Designed for Movement.
