Do Horses Like Being Ridden? Understanding Your Horse

As horse lovers, we want to believe our equine partners enjoy being ridden as much as we enjoy riding them. But what does the evidence actually tell us about how horses feel about carrying riders?

The Honest Answer: It Depends

Whether a horse enjoys being ridden depends largely on how they’re treated, trained, and ridden. A well-trained horse with a considerate rider often shows signs of contentment and even enthusiasm. A poorly treated horse may show resistance, anxiety, or learned helplessness.

Signs a Horse Enjoys Riding

Horses that genuinely enjoy their work often display these behaviors:

• Alertness and forward ears when being tacked up
• Willingness to be caught and haltered
• Relaxed body language during rides
• Soft eyes and rhythmic breathing
• Responsive cooperation with cues
• Signs of engagement and interest in activities

Many horses perk up when they see their rider arrive or show excitement before activities they enjoy, like trail rides or jumping.

Signs a Horse Dislikes Being Ridden

Conversely, unhappy horses may show:

• Pinned ears and tail swishing
• Difficulty being caught
• Resistance to tacking up
• Tension in the body
• Bucking, rearing, or bolting
• Dull, withdrawn behavior

These signs often indicate physical discomfort, poor training, or past negative experiences rather than an inherent dislike of being ridden.

Making Riding Enjoyable for Horses

Several factors make riding a positive experience:

Proper equipment: Well-fitted saddles and bridles prevent pain and discomfort. Ill-fitting tack is a common cause of behavioral problems.

Appropriate workload: Horses enjoy variety and reasonable demands. Overwork or repetitive drilling can cause resentment.

Kind training methods: Horses trained with patience and positive reinforcement develop trust and willingness.

Physical health: Pain from dental problems, lameness, or back issues can make riding unpleasant.

The Relationship Matters Most

Horses are social animals that can form strong bonds with humans. When a horse trusts their rider and associates riding with positive experiences, they often demonstrate genuine enjoyment of their work together.

The key is paying attention to your horse’s feedback and responding appropriately to their needs and preferences.