Do horses enjoy working, or would they rather stay out in the field with their buddies all day every day? Nearly every rider has wondered if her horse actually likes being ridden, but plenty of us have avoided asking the question for fear of the answer.

Feb 9, 2024 · Horses allow us to ride them because they’re trained for it. Moreover, it’s now an expectation. The good news is that most domesticated horses are happy to be ridden, provided we treat them kindly and respectfully.

Jan 19, 2023 · There are a lot of horses out there that love being ridden but a lot of them are very visibly against it, fighting their way as much as possible out of being ridden until they have no choice but to give in.

To sum everything up horses can enjoy being ridden if you ride them with care and consideration. Horses are highly intelligent animals so they can find riding fun, especially if they’re learning something new and aren’t just going through the same set of actions every time.

Mar 24, 2025 · The question of whether horses enjoy being ridden is complex and nuanced. The simple answer is: it’s not a straightforward yes or no.

Jun 19, 2023 · A major sign that your horse likes being ridden is that he follows your instructions promptly. He will respond to your lightest touch and seems to know exactly what you’re thinking. To do this, he needs to be fully focused on you and committed to the ride.

Oct 14, 2023 · Some horses may enjoy being ridden, while others might find it stressful or discomforting. Gaining an understanding of individual horse temperaments can help riders provide a more positive experience for the horse.

Aug 16, 2023 · While comprehensive studies on horse emotions and riding are limited, early research suggests that horses can indeed form positive associations with being ridden, particularly when treated with kindness and respect.

Horses do not let us ride them because of a natural or intuitive affinity for being ridden. Instead, it is because they have been trained to be ridden. As they become tamed and accustomed to being handled over time, trust is developed between horse and rider, and a relationship is built.

The good news is that most horses don’t mind being ridden, as long as the tack is proper and the rider is calm. Horses associate activities with one another. For instance, if being ridden means getting yelled at or being taken on rough roads, being whipped, or being scolded, then the horse will not enjoy this activity at all.