{"id":1310,"date":"2023-11-27T23:05:23","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T23:05:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/?p=1310"},"modified":"2023-11-27T23:09:02","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T23:09:02","slug":"why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Horses Let Us Ride Them &#8211; 13 Reasons You Never Knew!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As a kid I always thought it was so cool that horses would just let us hop on their backs and go for a ride.<\/p>\n<p>Like how did they know we wouldn&#8217;t hurt them?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Now after years of being around horses, I&#8217;ve learned a thing or two about why our equine friends are so chill with us in the saddle:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660c840e72a0a\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660c840e72a0a\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Domestication_Did_the_Trick\" title=\"Domestication Did the Trick\">Domestication Did the Trick<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Food_is_a_Great_Motivator\" title=\"Food is a Great Motivator!\">Food is a Great Motivator!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Its_What_Theyre_Trained_For_Dude\" title=\"It&#8217;s What They&#8217;re Trained For Dude\">It&#8217;s What They&#8217;re Trained For Dude<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Theyre_Not_As_Fragile_As_They_Look\" title=\"They&#8217;re Not As Fragile As They Look\">They&#8217;re Not As Fragile As They Look<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#We_Speak_Their_Language\" title=\"We Speak Their Language\">We Speak Their Language<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Trust_is_a_Two_Way_Street_Dude\" title=\"Trust is a Two Way Street Dude\">Trust is a Two Way Street Dude<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Its_in_Their_Nature_To_Please\" title=\"It&#8217;s in Their Nature To Please\">It&#8217;s in Their Nature To Please<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#We_Provide_Protection\" title=\"We Provide Protection\">We Provide Protection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Riders_are_Their_Leaders\" title=\"Riders are Their Leaders\">Riders are Their Leaders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#We_Satisfy_Their_Needs\" title=\"We Satisfy Their Needs\">We Satisfy Their Needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Riding_is_Routine_Activity\" title=\"Riding is Routine Activity\">Riding is Routine Activity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#They_Bond_with_Their_People\" title=\"They Bond with Their People\">They Bond with Their People<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-allow-us-to-ride-them\/#Riding_is_Fun\" title=\"Riding is Fun!\">Riding is Fun!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Domestication_Did_the_Trick\"><\/span>Domestication Did the Trick<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1313 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-5cc2ykdbfrgarvrk2zhxn6w5zi.png\" alt=\"why do horses allow us to ride them \" width=\"1248\" height=\"848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-5cc2ykdbfrgarvrk2zhxn6w5zi.png 1248w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-5cc2ykdbfrgarvrk2zhxn6w5zi-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-5cc2ykdbfrgarvrk2zhxn6w5zi-768x522.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1248px) 100vw, 1248px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Horses have been domesticated for over 6,000 years, starting with the people of the Eurasian steppe in around 4000 BC. These early civilizations utilized a process called selective breeding\u2014they deliberately chose to breed horses with calm temperaments that took well to training.<\/p>\n<p>Generation after generation, only the gentlest horses were selected for reproduction, slowly changing horses&#8217; instincts over hundreds of years until today&#8217;s domesticated horses were developed.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-wild-horses-not-need-horseshoes\/\">Wild horses like those still roaming the American West were never domesticated and remain quite wary of humans trying to get close<\/a> or ride them.<\/p>\n<p>But domestic horses&#8217; ancestors were conditioned over millennia to view people as family rather than threats.<\/p>\n<p>Their fight or flight response dulled, replaced with a genetic memory that humans provide protection, <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-do-horses-vomit\/\">food and stable social bonds<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Today&#8217;s horses remain very tolerant of human contact like grooming, leading and yes, even carrying our weighty selves across fields thanks to the results of careful breeding long ago.<\/p>\n<p>Their trusting nature really does stem from the selective pressures exerted by our prehistoric ancestors seeking equine companions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Food_is_a_Great_Motivator\"><\/span>Food is a Great Motivator!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1312 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qt3ye2tb7n45mleotegaeiekkm.png\" alt=\"why do horses allow us to ride them \" width=\"1240\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qt3ye2tb7n45mleotegaeiekkm.png 1240w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qt3ye2tb7n45mleotegaeiekkm-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-qt3ye2tb7n45mleotegaeiekkm-768x520.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Domestic horses understand that people bring them nourishment, as they&#8217;ve been fed by our hands for thousands of years. And no creature wishes to bite that hand!<\/p>\n<p>From the moment they&#8217;re born, <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/can-foals-eat-grain\/\">foals learn humans equal yummy grain and hay<\/a>. They associate our touch with good feelings like full bellies.<\/p>\n<p>Owners reinforce this tie further by rewarding good behavior with tidbits\u2014a little something extra for standing nice and still for the farrier or vet.<\/p>\n<p>Treats are a natural way to motivate horses through positive reinforcement ever since kids first fed horses carrot sticks in medieval times.<\/p>\n<p>So when we saddle up, horses anticipate the delicious goodness to come after our ride. A full tummy keeps even the grumpiest mare quite agreeable!<\/p>\n<p>We keep their trust by keeping their feed buckets brimming with nourishing chow. Food really is fundamental to the human-horse bond.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Its_What_Theyre_Trained_For_Dude\"><\/span>It&#8217;s What They&#8217;re Trained For Dude<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1311 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-uttu57dbu3xhwpkhelyvyhmf4u.png\" alt=\"why do horses allow us to ride them\" width=\"1232\" height=\"824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-uttu57dbu3xhwpkhelyvyhmf4u.png 1232w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-uttu57dbu3xhwpkhelyvyhmf4u-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-uttu57dbu3xhwpkhelyvyhmf4u-768x514.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1232px) 100vw, 1232px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Training begins young for domesticated horses, usually starting under saddle between ages 3 to 5 years old.<\/p>\n<p>Using gentle handling and positive reinforcement techniques, trainers systematically desensitize foals to human contacts like grooming, tacking, and eventually a rider sitting on their backs.<\/p>\n<p>Lunging teaches them to pay attention to cues to change direction and gait, building the foundation of control and communication.<\/p>\n<p>Clicker training links desirable behaviors to an audible reward, like nickering in response to a leg cue being immediately paired with a treat.<\/p>\n<p>Graduated exposure gets horses accustomed to the unusual sensation of having weight shift on different parts of their bodies via skilled riders.<\/p>\n<p>Over months, carrying a rider transitions from something novel to an everyday normal activity, all because of how trainers carefully socialize them as youngsters.<\/p>\n<p>So when you mount up, your horse accepts the saddle as the natural next step thanks to their positive early schooling experiences.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theyre_Not_As_Fragile_As_They_Look\"><\/span>They&#8217;re Not As Fragile As They Look<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Standing around 4 feet tall at the withers, horses can seem dainty animals for their size.<\/p>\n<p>But make no mistake &#8211; they&#8217;re built tough underneath those slender legs. Their bodies are actually finely tuned athletic machines.<\/p>\n<p>A horse&#8217;s skeleton is 70% dense bone for strength and support. Strong vertebrae allow for flexible yet protected spines.<\/p>\n<p>Broad chests contain mighty hearts that can pump over 25 gallons of blood per minute at full gallop.<\/p>\n<p>And those seemingly spindly legs end in leathery <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/why-is-shoeing-a-horse-so-important\/\">hooves encasing thick tissues that make horses&#8217; footfalls quiet<\/a> as any cat.<\/p>\n<p>Their backs also contain interlocking vertebrae allowing for around 200 pounds of rider weight distribution without pinching nerves or muscles.<\/p>\n<p>With bones denser than ours, horses can carry 20-30% of their body weight for miles on end across any terrain.<\/p>\n<p>So rest assured Fido, old Paint can easily hold your scruffy behind all day without complaining a bit. These are animals built for locomotion and load!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"We_Speak_Their_Language\"><\/span>We Speak Their Language<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like any social species, horses communicate in their own subtle, sophisticated tongue.<\/p>\n<p>Through years of study, top horsemen have learned to interpret the facial expressions, ear positions, tail swishes and other signs that clue equine emotions and intentions.<\/p>\n<p>More importantly, competent riders become fluent in the primary language horses truly understand &#8211; cues given through our seated position, legs, hands and voice tone to direct their movement.<\/p>\n<p>By utilizing aids such as squeezing with the calves to go forward or pulling back gently on the reins to halt, we invoke immediate learned reactions.<\/p>\n<p>With consistent, clear signals, horses learn the &#8220;words&#8221; that make up dressage tests, jumping courses or leisurely trail rides.<\/p>\n<p>As long as communication stays respectful yet commanding, horses feel confident following a rider&#8217;s leadership based on a common vocabulary they&#8217;ve been acculturated to since early experiences.<\/p>\n<p>No babel &#8211; just smooth sailing when both horse and human understand each other perfectly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trust_is_a_Two_Way_Street_Dude\"><\/span>Trust is a Two Way Street Dude<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/can-horses-sense-good-people\/\">Horses have radar-like senses<\/a> tuning into emotional states, a skill essential on the plains to avoid danger.<\/p>\n<p>They can identify fear or disquietude within a person from subtle muscle tension or rapid breathing well before we even notice.<\/p>\n<p>An insecure rider broadcasts instability, undermining the horse&#8217;s faith their commander won&#8217;t abruptly steer them wrong.<\/p>\n<p>And horses don&#8217;t like feeling out of control of situations any more than us humans do!<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s why gaining equine confidence requires developing your own self-assurance first.<\/p>\n<p>Approach calmly, make eye contact, give praise and keep motions gradual to earn a horse&#8217;s trust in your decision making.<\/p>\n<p>Let them feel secure in you as their leader through patience and respect for their sensitive nature.<\/p>\n<p>In return, they&#8217;ll lend themselves willingly to help you fulfill whatever equestrian dreams you set your mind to.<\/p>\n<p>Leadership&#8217;s a collaborative effort, and horses want confident partners to depend on just as much as we depend on their strength and spirit.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Its_in_Their_Nature_To_Please\"><\/span>It&#8217;s in Their Nature To Please<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Through millennia adapting alongside early humans, modern domesticated horses share behavioral traits with tamed canines.<\/p>\n<p>Specifically, horses evolved neurological responses tuning into nuanced human body language and facial expressions.<\/p>\n<p>They seem to intrinsically crave the approving glance, friendly rub or carrot bestowed by humans in exchange for good conduct.<\/p>\n<p>From a young age, horses actively seek this positive interaction by mimicking behaviors their mothers demonstrate to gain the band&#8217;s acceptance and security.<\/p>\n<p>Approval-seeking wiring makes them highly motivated to learn and perform tricks to solicit attention, grooming or snacks from their herd&#8217;s symbiotic partners.<\/p>\n<p>Genetics plus conditioning shape horses into cheerful companions naturally predisposed to form strong social attachments with people.<\/p>\n<p>Their eager-to-please nature emerges untrained and serves the relationship well, making instruction and riding a delight for horse and human alike.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"We_Provide_Protection\"><\/span>We Provide Protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Life on the plains posed constant threats from predators, harsh weather and human rivals.<\/p>\n<p>Ancient wild horses relied heavily on their herds&#8217; sentinels to detect and ward off looming dangers.<\/p>\n<p>By allowing early man into their social circles, horses gained vigilant guardians equipped with superior senses, tools and tactics.<\/p>\n<p>People helped guide herds to shelter, water and prime grazing lands away from conflicts while standing watch.<\/p>\n<p>This symbiosis kept horses and humans alive during trying eras and is hardcoded in domestic horses&#8217; psyche even today.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Riders_are_Their_Leaders\"><\/span>Riders are Their Leaders<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A horse&#8217;s herd is led by a dominant mare and horses are naturally inclined to follow a leader.<\/p>\n<p>When humans gain horses&#8217; trust through positive reinforcement training, horses view them as members of their herd.<\/p>\n<p>They recognize riders as the alpha providing direction just as the lead mare would.<\/p>\n<p>By cuing horses with seat, legs and voice, riders guide them as intelligent herd animals want &#8211; following clear instruction.<\/p>\n<p>Submission to the rider&#8217;s leadership allows horses freedom within safe boundaries and structure they find psychologically reassuring.<\/p>\n<p>Their prey instincts tuned to flee threats relax under the safety provided by human caretakers standing in as herd protectors.<\/p>\n<p>Letting us take command supports horses&#8217; natural social order they&#8217;ve evolved for millennia to feel secure living within.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"We_Satisfy_Their_Needs\"><\/span>We Satisfy Their Needs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like any domestic animal, horses thrive when their physical and mental requirements are met.<\/p>\n<p>Through understanding equine psychology, riders fulfill horses&#8217; drives for exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction and purpose.<\/p>\n<p>Daily work under saddle challenges them athletically while engaging their clever problem-solving brains.<\/p>\n<p>Pastured with fellow equines, horses also find herd bonds easing anxiety just as critical as forage and shelter.<\/p>\n<p>Caring owners spend quality one-on-one time massaging worries away through bonding activities such as grooming.<\/p>\n<p>Escorting horses on trails immerses them in nature&#8217;s calming sights and smells too.<\/p>\n<p>Successfully partnering with their human allows <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/can-horses-live-in-the-jungle\/\">horses to live happy<\/a>, healthy lives doing what they love at our side.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Riding_is_Routine_Activity\"><\/span>Riding is Routine Activity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Through generations of domestication, horses adapt genetically to human handling.<\/p>\n<p>From their first days, foals experience hugs, <a href=\"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/which-horse-has-the-best-hair\/\">hair<\/a> brushing and soon saddle training as ordinary occurrences.<\/p>\n<p>Carrying a rider&#8217;s weight blends into normal daily physical activity no different than the exercise of grazing freely.<\/p>\n<p>With competent instruction, horses view working under saddle as play rather than unfathomable chore.<\/p>\n<p>Riding ties into their natural herd instincts to follow confident leaders across landscapes just as wild horses once did.<\/p>\n<p>Engaging mentally and physically, riding triggers horses&#8217; pleasure hormones making the task intrinsically rewarding.<\/p>\n<p>Far from onerous labor, permitting riders denotes cooperation with the social lifestyle horses know best.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"They_Bond_with_Their_People\"><\/span>They Bond with Their People<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Horses exhibit strong, affectionate relationships comparable to human companionship.<\/p>\n<p>Through daily care, training and partnership, attachments form based on mutual trust and respect.<\/p>\n<p>They recognize familiar people, nickering greetings or soliciting grooming sessions for endorphin-releasing human touch.<\/p>\n<p>Owners learn each horse&#8217;s unique personality quirks and preferences through observant quality time.<\/p>\n<p>In return, horses accept humans as integral packmates providing for their wellbeing just as other equines do.<\/p>\n<p>Letting treasured people ride signifies faith these beloved herd members won&#8217;t abuse power over them.<\/p>\n<p>The unbreakable bonds horses build ensure willing cooperation and lifetimes of loyal friendship.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Riding_is_Fun\"><\/span>Riding is Fun!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With proper socialization and instruction, horses revel in physical and mental challenges.<\/p>\n<p>Jumping logs, navigating trails and completing obstacle courses engage their playful spirits.&lt;\/<\/p>\n<p>Competitive creatures, they relish contests of speed, agility and the thrill of conquering fears.<\/p>\n<p>Riders provide entertainment through Adventure, along with rewards reinforcing pleasure responses.<\/p>\n<p>Together, horse and human form a perfect athletic partnership for play-filled days of discovery.<\/p>\n<p>By willingly letting us partake in leisurely pleasure alongside them, horses share in joy that strengthens the bond.<\/p>\n<p>Their willingness signals that like humans, horsey hearts simply can&#8217;t resist a good time!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a kid I always thought it was so cool that horses would just let us hop on their backs and go for a ride. Like how did they know we wouldn&#8217;t hurt them? Now after years of being around horses, I&#8217;ve learned a thing or two about why our equine friends are so chill [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1311,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1310"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1310"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1310\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1423,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1310\/revisions\/1423"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horseroots.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}