Riding myths you shouldn’t believe - My Horsez

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This blog post was written by: HorseloverMargaux

Riding myths you shouldn’t believe
There are many myths about horse riding all over the world. In this blog, 5 common sayings
that you shouldn't immediately believe!

1. Horse riding is not a sport
This is probably the most popular myth. This, of course, is not true. It is often uttered by people who have never even ridden themselves. It is a silly statement. Of course it is a tough sport that requires a good physical condition. It is even an Olympic sport!

2. Chestnut mare, beware!
This is an old adage among horse owners. But actually it isn't true. There is no evidence that chestnut mares are more difficult to ride than other horses. Research has now shown that while horse behaviour can be linked to age, sex and breed, the colour of the coat has very little impact on their character.

3. You should always mount and dismount on the left side of your horse
Mounting from the left dates back to when the horse was used in the army. Most people are right-handed and thus carried their sword on the left to use it quickly. So when they mounted on the left, their sword didn't get in the way. These days, it actually has no advantage, but we are so used to it and therefore keep doing it that way.

4. Ponies are easier to ride than horses
Horses tend to have a calmer character than ponies, but because of their size, many people fear they have a bigger temperament. This is often not true. Ponies are often jumpier and naughtier.

5. Spurs will make your horse go faster
Spurs are a small tool with a big effect, which unfortunately are often misused. The actual purpose of spurs is to give even more precise aids, which can be useful for dressage riders, for example. Spurs do not make not forwarded horses run faster by constantly tapping or digging into the horse's abdomen. By touching the spur and consequently contracting the abdominal muscles, the horse will not increase its speed. Spurs may initially solve this problem, but after a while the horse will get used to the spurs and will be less forward again.

Thanks for reading my blog! ❤️ Which of these myths did you believe? 🤔

MutedUser SynSedai says:

SynSedai

Horses (and ponies) can't be "naughty", this is also a myth based in anthropmophisation.

MutedUser CJK says:

CJK

I’ve never believed the chestnut mare myth until I met Emma!

She is the most stubborn horse I have ever laid my eyes on!
But, i believe you!

MutedUser MarinaBlue says:

MarinaBlue

One of my trainers in my early childhood always said that it is important to train mounting and dismounting from both sides. You'll never know when you need it. Her most used example was mounting in the field and having no mounting block, so having to rely on benches etc. I always kept that in mind when training horses and young riders.

MutedUser SugarKitten says:

SugarKitten

There was once this old chestnut mare when I was a kid.. she was evil reincarnated .-. Only ever got along with the barn cat xD probably because the barn cat was the only thing smaller than her xD

MutedUser Askeboda says:

Askeboda

I have honestly felt that chestnusts in general can be more spicy. Statically in my personal experience most horses that have been spicy, more tempered and more clear in their communication when expressing dislike has been chestnuts. Not just mares but geldings too! The stable I was in last with my previous horse had a chestnut TB who walked in from the pasture on his hindlegs or by running around you in circles, he also threatened to bite me or kick me numerous times. He was spicy, ill-tempered and thought he was so badass, while he never actually did anything, he just tried to make you think he was going to do things

MutedUser alialisonali says:

alialisonali

Quote SynSedai

Horses (and ponies) can't be "naughty", this is also a myth based in anthropmophisation.
↳ Go to the original forum post.

I respectfully disagree. However, I am a believer that like humans, horses have different personalities and traits. Some of them simply enjoy pestering people and other horses.

MutedUser jappacake says:

jappacake

new to this game so unsure on how to reply to other peoples comments, but the person saying that they disagree with synsedai (and rightfully so, everyone is entitled to an opinion) i however, agree with synsedai and i have scientific evidence to prove it. so many people say "he/she is just being naughty" and then the horse facing reprocussions for their 'bad behaviour'. as someone currently studying equine management - behaviour being one of the topics - i truly believe horses are incapable of being 'naughty'. science has proven they quite literally do not have the part of their brain that tells them to behave badly or act up. horses are also prey animals, they think in the moment. aside from trauma or bad experiences, they do not remember the past and they do not pre-plan into the future. one of the things i have been studying is stereotypical behaviour, which includes; crib biting, wind sucking, self-mutilation (oral) and weaving, box walking, head-tossing (locomotive). all of the behaviours i have listed have reasoning behind them. wether it be boredom, pain, stress, and/or anxiety. these then extend to behaviours whilst riding or doing other tasks, for example 'girthy' horses. stereotypical behaviour cannot be learnt. if you have one horse (for example) weaving, then all of a sudden most of the horses in the barn start weaving too, you're doing something wrong. there is always reasoning behind these types of behaviours, wether it be what i have listed, or what people class as horses being naughty. now, i do completley agree there is a difference between an excited horse and a horse in pain, as i have seen and dealt with both. for one horse, bucking could be an indication of excitement, especially while doing their job. however, for another horse, bucking could be a serious sign there is something more at play and your horse is trying to tell you something.
so in conclusion, while both arguments are fair, i truly believe horses are incabable of being naughty/misbehaving, as 99% of the time they are trying to comminucate with you.

MutedUser HorseloverMargaux says:

HorseloverMargaux

Thank you all for your comments and reading my blog! 😊 By that ponies are often more naughty than horses, I did not mean bucking, rearing, refusing etc... These can be signs of stress, pain or discomfort. Maybe the word naughty was chosen incorrectly, but I think we all know what I mean by this. For example, ponies that like to run a bit faster than you actually want when you ride them, running the other way etc... This is not only when riding by the way, but also in the pasture. Shetland ponies, for example, are experts at escaping 😀 Hopefully it's now a bit clearer for everyone.