I extended my tiny hand up into the air to reach the horse’s soft, velvety muzzle. The great bay mare pricked her ears, probably wondering what kind of strange, dwarfish creature I was. She lowered her face to the small hand in front of her to smell the little one-year-old girl. As my hand made contact with the mare’s nose, a warm feeling rushed through me. Though she was at least five times my size, I was not afraid. I fell in love. That was the start of everything. Never again would I be able to imagine a world without horses. These animals, so pure, so elegant, and so powerful, always proved an integral part of my character, of who I am. I cannot remember a point in my life without them.
My grandparents owned a farm in Argentina since before I was born. That is where I first rode, learning astride my godfather’s bay mare Buena, a name that means “good” in Spanish. I can remember the first time I felt a horse’s flowing strength between my legs, the rocking motion of the canter, the absolute ecstasy of riding, rushing through me. Though the thought of riding an animal with a mind of its own frightens many, I have always felt a connection with them; when riding, I become one with the horse.
Unfortunately, once we moved to Spain, the only time I could ride was when I visited Argentina with my family, which was once or twice every year. Luckily, when I was seven, my parents noticed the undeniable gift I had with horses, and they saw the passion I held for them. They asked
I watched as the flashes of orange lights from cars raced past me through the city, and knew there were no signs of any possibilities that there would be a place to keep a horse. I lived in northern Virginia near Washington D.C., where the city was filled with gigantic, tall office buildings with gray and gloomy windows. I could smell the gasoline and smoke coming from the cars’ exhaust. I felt the cool breeze as cars whipped past me, and the air tasted like millions of littered cigarettes on the side of the road. However, there were some horse stables, but they were far away, and the payment required for horseback riding lessons was a ridiculously large price. Of course, that never stopped me from continuously asking
I remember as a little kid and now being fascinated by race horses. When I was around eight years old, my grandfather took me to a farm where they raise race horses. They were out exercising Mine That Bird and a few other horses. I thought it was so fascinating! The owner walked up to and asked if I enjoy watching them, I said very shyly,” yes sir.” He took me to the barn and let me look at all the foals and I was astonished. I got to thinking what all do they have to do to get these young foals ready to one day race? I asked Mr. Allen, and he said, “there are many things that you can do but some people don’t do the right thing and they cheat their way to victory”.
I began horseback riding at age four, and my equestrian pursuits have not only shaped who I am as an individual, but have kept me grounded. Working as a groom to afford riding lessons instilled a work ethic within me that has contributed tremendously to my academic successes. Rescuing a horse at a young age, and caring for him no matter the circumstance, has given me a strong sense of commitment that translates to all avenues of my life. Besides shaping my character, being entirely responsible for my horse throughout college urged me to find a productive balance in my life. Learning to make time for hobbies and other activities outside of academics has greatly improved my overall well-being, and is a lesson that will be invaluable as I pursue
Some people think of them as animals. Some people think of them as objects. Some people think of them as friends. Then there are the few who think of them as family. Horses have always been like family to humans, except sometimes closer. There are many benefits to owning or being around horses. They come in many different colors. There is a multitude of breeds, also. Additionally, they have a long history with humans. Horses have unique behaviors. Showing horses has been the past-time or even career of many people. Furthermore, caring for horses can be a handful, but is definitely rewarding. Finally, riding horses is not just a hobby or a sport, but an action of your heart. Horses are wondrous creatures that have lived with man or
Throughout history, humans have depended on the horse. Horses have contributed to the growth of humankind as transportation, farm workers, and battle steeds. They have been trained to support humans in many ways. When did this relationship begin? At what point did the horse become a vital part of human society? Exploring the evolution of the horse can help to answer these questions.
There is a trail down the road in Delaware where I enjoy taking my dog for a walk. It is a beautiful, five-mile loop traversing cornfields, thick patches of forest, steep hills and flowing streams; a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the suburban lifestyle and spend some time amongst the peacefulness of nature. It is not a complete escape, however, for I am not the only person that knows of the trail- it seems to also be a favorite of horseback riders. Often times I will encounter a rider or two at some point during my walk and, without fail, I will be in awe of the size and majesty of the horse. What an incredible, gentle beast it is. Standing next to a horse, you cannot help but gawk at the bulging, toned muscles and long, agile legs. It is truly an athlete with a rare combination of strength and speed. Yet, they are gentle and kind and have therefore been joined at the hip with humans; today, nearly all horses have been domesticated. So I find myself
"Nothing is quite as beautiful and awe-inspiring as a horse," once observed the Panamanian author Melissa Forney. That statements, interpretation is that theirs numerous of people that aspire to possess their personal horse. According to Melissa Forney, "learning to ride, enjoying long trail rides, and forming a loving friendship with a horse can be a dream come true, and is the mentality that countless of people have regarding horses. Notwithstanding the evidence additionally reveals that possessing a horse of your own will require a lot of service, substantially, making sure that your horse's stall is vigorous and spotless Attaining a horse entail limitless of hours of supervision every week.
Most history classes teach children about how the Spanish brought horses to America and introduced them to Native Americans. That’s usually the end of the story. What’s not talked about is the Native peoples’ reactions to these beasts of nature. How did they feel about horses? What did they think of them? How did Native people become some of the best riders? How did they tame wild horses? How were horses incorporated into their culture? How much of an impact did horses really have on Native American culture? These are the questions that aren’t answered in textbooks in schools. What I wish to explore is the bond between Native people and their equine companions. I want to explore how their world
I believe that true equestrians are a special kind of people, they look out for each other and really want the best for each other. As I look back on the many people that have helped and guided me over the years, I too want to do that for the equestrians in my life now. I strive to be a positive, motivated rider who is always there to help. I think having the privilege of caring for my own horses has taught me a lot about responsibility.
Trail riding with horses can be a very fun, and relaxing experience. For defining purposes, a trail ride is riding a horse outdoors on roads such as trails, forest roads, or similar pathways that are not normally subjected to traffic of the motorized type. These rides can be of varying length, terrain, and difficulty. While this can be a very enjoyable experience, there are still things one must keep in mind before taking off on an adventure such as this.
My Uncle Bob lives on a horse ranch in a small town in southern Wyoming. Seldom do we visit our family out west, but for a couple weeks the summer I turned seven, we did. This was the first time I had been to my Uncle’s horse ranch ever since I was about four months old. When we visited before I was too young to ride them, so this was a whole new experience for me. I was fascinated with horses even though I had never been around one. I had seen pictures of horses and watched movies about horses, but I had never in my life ridden a horse or been close to one. Throughout our visit it was rainy almost everyday, but one day when I peeked through the blinds the sun was shining. I grabbed my aunt, my uncle and my cousins and told them that now was our chance to ride.
Throughout my life I have lived and breathed with horses. They are a part of me and I wouldn’t be myself without them, but it wasn’t until I got my horse Brush that I fully formed a unified connection with them. Some family friends had recently had a couple of colts born and let me take one home so I could begin training them. There was three different horses that I could choose from, but only one connected to me. His name was Brush. Looking back I never would have thought we would have the relationship we have now.
There are countless breeds of horses in the world from east to west, from North America to Asia; yet only a few of those breeds are preferred for riding. Arabian horses are a popular breed used for riding; they originated from the Arabian peninsula. They are favored for riding because they have great endurance, speed, and strong bone,which refine the pleasure and ability to ride freely. Another species treasured in riding, especially for races, is the Thoroughbred, who originated from England. The Thoroughbreds are used in races for their amazing speed, agility, and competitive spirit; they are said to be rather hot-blooded, serving the racers perfectly. The final breed that is valued in riding, in just a fun and free way, is the mustang; as,
What you think of a horse, what first comes to your mind? Majestic mane, gentle fur, and graceful trotting. Horses are dignified animals that are greatly respected, but have you ever wondered what horse riders think about horses? What do horses think about their owners In the stories “The Georges and the Jewels” and “Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse” we get to have an insight on horses and horse rider’s thoughts and opinions. The piece “The Georges and the Jewels” is about a girl who was good friends with her horses until her father sold them for money.
Riding a horse, is among the most spiritual sport out there because the rider really taps into their emotions. Loving a horse is such a rewarding feeling because you have a companion. Horses are social animals, and they are often used for therapeutic