Have you ever gone horseback riding?

[Anonymous]

Picture of John Wayne in “The Searchers” - from article below

Reference article: http://artbookscinema.blogspot.com/2013/05/pierre-lauret-on-searchers.html?m=1

Note: I saw the John Wayne movie “McLintock!” on tv today (which has horseback riding in it) and I thought, “I wonder how many people have gone horseback riding?”

A - Just show me the polling results

B - No — And I do NOT ever want to go horseback riding

C - No — And I’m NOT SURE IF I ever want to go horseback riding

D - No — But I DO want to go horseback riding one day

E - Yes — I’ve gone horseback riding, but ONLY ONCE in my life

F - Yes — I’ve gone horseback riding BETWEEN 2 & 5 TIMES in my life

G - Yes — I’ve gone horseback riding MORE THAN 5 TIMES in my life

Updates

+1 y

UPDATE 1: For those who provide/have provided an opinion, please also cast a vote in the poll

Updates

+1 y

UPDATE 2: Thanks so much for all of your comments—you all have such great horseback riding stories/experiences!

It sucks that I can only pick 2 MHOs for this question…it’s gonna be difficult to choose them.

Thanks again!

[Dinklex3]

Not "officially". Family had a couple horses growing up. Whenever we went down south to visit our grandparents we'd ride them.

I think those were my "water shoes". I have no idea why i was obsessed with them 😅
My older sister is the one with the adorable hair and crazy look in front of me.

[Asker]

You said you rode horses whe you visited your grandparents…
So what does “not officially” mean?

[Dinklex3]

As in not professionally. & I couldn't actually ride them by myself, lol.

[Asker]

Oh ok…but it still “counts”…
Because you were still riding the horses (just doing that w others).

[SnakeBoop]

Used to own/loan 7 of them at one point with my mother. Love it and will get back into it one day lol

[Asker]

Oh wow…
At what ages did you start/stop riding horses?

And who did you loan horses out to (or from)?

And that looks like a race track you’re on with an English (?) saddle…did you do any specific type of riding or horse showing/jumping/racing?

[SnakeBoop]

haha i stopped riding about 3 years ago while pregnant with first kiddo. loaned two horses from two different families. English, mainly did dressage or showing,

[SnakeBoop]

I started riding around 14ish (?) and yeah stopped at 20 for the kiddos. I still occasionally ride but I'll be looking for a more full time situation once the kiddos have grown up some haha

[Asker]

Ok, totally understandable, with your hands full w the kids.
Very awesome that you did dressage & showing! (By the way thanks for the cool pic.)

Questions:
1. I had to look up dressage…so is that a competition thing, or what?

And I noticed the ear coverings on the horse. The only time I have seen those is on the animated tv show “Bob’s Burgers”…

en.m.wikipedia.org/.../List_of_Bob%27s_Burgers_characters

2a. What are those ear coverings for—simply to keep the horse’s ears warm?

2n. And are the ear coverings worn for certain situations?

(Note: I had thought that the “ears” that the “Bob’s Burgers” character always wears was just an odd comedic gag.)

3. And are you a fan of “Bob’s Burgers”? 😊

[Asker]

* 2b

[SnakeBoop]

so dressage is a competition thing. essentially there's a set lot of moves you have to complete and criteria to meet within them so you get judged for how accurate etc you are,
the ears in this instance is actually to help focus. and for matching with my clothes lmao XD but having them covered can help a horse focus more on the rider and what they're asking.
never seen bobs burgers haha

[Asker]

Very cool that you have done dressage “set lot of moves you have to complete” and being judged/competing!

Ok about “Bob’s Burgers”—but you should check it out sometime.

Concerning the horse’s ear coverings: how does “having [a horse’s ears] covered help a horse focus more on the rider”?

[SnakeBoop]

sometimes it just the feel on the ears. othertimes you can actually buy ones that have a "noise cancelling" effect

[NamerOfStars]

Unless it was when I was VERY small, no- and at this point, I'm heavy enough that I'd worry about seriously hurting the poor thing. I *have* ridden a water buffalo, though, and imagine a rhino could carcy me with no problem (well, no PHYSICAL problem, anyway).

[Asker]

You’ve ridden a water buffalo, huh?…where and how long ago did you do that?

[NamerOfStars]

Years and years ago, at a ranch that raised them. They're smaller and smarter than American bison, and much more docile.

[Asker]

Ok, interesting.
Is “water buffalo riding” a common thing in some places—like people pay to ride them?

[Iron_Man]

Yes my family is good at it

[Asker]

Did you grow up w your family owning and you riding horses, or what?

[Iron_Man]

Yes at the family campground we would travel from Miami Florida to Asheville North Carolina and we would ride horses all summer and take out the campground customers horseback riding

[Asker]

Who owned the “family campground”—your grandparents?…or was it a place you went each year where you could rent horses to ride?

[Iron_Man]

My father was an airline pilot for Pan Am Airlines he bought the campground and my older brother managed it we all lived in Miami Florida and we will go up there every year I mean every summer

[Asker]

Oh wow—so amazing!
So why Asheville, Nc; and what age were you when you started going there?

[Iron_Man]

7 years old

[Iron_Man]

Because my father loved the area it’s way up in the mountains streams little waterfalls really beautiful countryside and the campground was for sale and he bought it

[Asker]

Lucky you.
Why did your father buy a campground in Asheville, NC (instead of somewhere in say FL)?

[Asker]

* Sorry didn’t see your last reply until now

[Iron_Man]

Because Florida campgrounds are flat they don’t have mountains too many mosquitoes. In Asheville its a beautiful area that he like that’s why he bought it. 140 acres

[Asker]

Wow that sounds so picturesque.
Did your father grow up in or near Asheville?

[Asker]

140 acres—holy cow!

[Iron_Man]

It was an offer he couldn’t refuse

[Iron_Man]

And I was really glad because I really had a good time with all the camper girls

[Iron_Man]

I’ met a lot of people from all over the United States of America

[Asker]

Wow, what a great growing up experience.
Thanks for sharing all of that.

[Iron_Man]

You’re very welcome is my pleasure

[Iron_Man]

Thanks my friend for most helpful Award 👊

[Asker]

You’re welcome.

[jennifer_bloom]

In China during a vacation, I rode a horse for around an hour and it walked very slowly but I was super unsettled about it cause my hand eye coordination has never been good. We were walking along a path to a man made waterfall where you could climb up the fall through metallic stepping rungs you had to pay to climb up of, I got amazing photos but it seemed unnecessary at the time.

[Asker]

Was that your first time riding on a horse?

And is the “We were walking along a path to a man made waterfall…” part of your story after you got off the horse?

[jennifer_bloom]

The horse was rented at the beginning of the path and I walked one hour sitting on it before we got to the waterfall.

[jennifer_bloom]

Yeah it was my first time riding a horse.

[Asker]

Ok. Which answer-option did you select in the poll to this question?

[jennifer_bloom]

I voted more than once because it’s possible I mounted horses before that but don’t remember.

[Asker]

Did you vote F?

[jennifer_bloom]

Yes I voted F

[Asker]

Ok great.

[jennifer_bloom]

Yeah I had a lot of good times in China

[Asker]

What were you there for?

[jennifer_bloom]

My dad wanted me to learn how to socialize with successful people so arranged for me to live with three different successful families for 2 months.

[Asker]

Couldn’t you “socialize with successful people” in your home country of Canada?

[jennifer_bloom]

My dad wanted me to experience Chinese culture and family life so I hosted English language communication seminars and met monks and did yoga classes too.

[FunkyMonkee]

I can't select one the results because I'm not sure which one pertains to me. I DID ride a horse at least once but it was a LONG time ago when I was about 10. They used to have a ride ride at Kennywood where the Log Jammer is, now... or at least, WAS, the last time I was there 20-some years ago.

[Asker]

How many times [different days] have you ridden a horse?…

If only once — then vote E.
If more than once and less than 6 times — then vote F.
If 6 or more times — then vote G.

[FunkyMonkee]

I don't know. We're talking about 40-some years ago. I know I rode once but have no idea if I ever rode a second time but, I might've.

[Asker]

Ok, sounds like you only rode a horse once.

[FunkyMonkee]

No idea. Could've been twice, thrice, I really don't know. Get me a time machine and I'll find out for you.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been riding, but I tend to think of horseback riding and owning horses as something for the wealthy. Of course they will deny this. Stabling horses, feeding them, exercising them, giving them vet check ups and farrier visits isn’t exactly something most Americans would ever be able to afford.

[Asker]

Who is “they”?
And whose horses did you ride?

[Opinion Owner]

“I tend to think of horseback riding and owning horses as something for the wealthy. Of course they will deny this.”

Well, it wouldn’t be the horses that would be denying it. So whom do you think I was referring to?

[Asker]

I don’t know—that’s why I asked you—“they” could mean different things: “most people,” “some people,” “people jealous of you because you/your family or friends have horses,” etc.

Who owns the horses that you have ridden?

[TrueConfection]

G. I love riding horses. We had horses when I was little. I still like to ride, but have not been since November. I've been so busy.

[Asker]

Cool.
So at what age did you first start riding horses?

And whose horses do you ride nowadays?

And do you ride Western style or English style?

[TrueConfection]

I was probably a baby. I remember sitting on my dad's lap in the saddle gigging on trail rides as young as 3.

Now I go to a local barn and pay for riding time.

I learned to ride both western and English. I prefer English.

[TrueConfection]

gigging = going

[Asker]

You’ve been riding since you were a baby—wow!

Why do you prefer English over Western style riding?

[TrueConfection]

I like the stirrups more, clean lines of the saddle, and the style of riding. The western saddle is nice though and having the reins in one hand is simpler.

[Asker]

In English riding you hold the reins in each hand?

[jshm2]

One of my former girlfriends family owned a ranch and many race horses.

Horse riding is actually harder than it looks. You need to get balance and control right else the horse could potentially kill you.

[Asker]

Her family owned many race horses, huh?…wow, were they pretty rich?

And how many times have you ridden horses?

[Bluemax]

Yes. My friend in Texas has a horse. I go riding with her every time I visit (generally about once a year). My friend's ex girlfriend owned a horse. I rode with her a lot, too.

[Asker]

Very nice.

[Bluemax]

There are all kinds of animals at the ranch where my friend in n Texas boards her horse. Donkeys, a dairy cow, goats, chickens, dogs, a rabbit named clover, and a very nosey cat whose name I forget. This cat is in everyone's business. If something is happening, the cat is there wanting to be a part of it. Sweetest cat really. Any rate, very often this cat rides the horses! She will be walking along a fence, and if a horse is grazing by the fence she just climbs aboard! She'll make herself comfortable and the horse is barely aware that she's there! The horses will go walking around the field grazing with her on their backs! It's funny!

The ranch owner, Sherry (who I could talk to all day), recently bought a donkey. Neither the seller nor Sherry knew the donkey was pregnant. The next day the donkey gave birth to the cutest baby donkey ever. The mother donkey is wary of humans and seldom gets close to them. Her baby however loves people. When I last visited, I fed the baby some carrots and she followed me around the rest of the day. Sherry joked how the baby donkey has a new daddy. But surprisingly, the mama donkey started approaching me. I held open my arms and called to her and she came right to me, allowing herself to be hugged and pet! Sherry was astonished!

I *love* visiting that ranch!

[Asker]

Cool animal farm, and interesting cat & donkey stories—thanks.

[andreasderjuengere]

I tried it, but don't have much opportunity; so few horses are around meanwhile :)
Each time I somewhat ''survived'' - but I guess it wasn't fun for the horse :D

[Asker]

How many times have you gone horseback riding?

And where did you go to ride?…to a local equestrian center, or on vacations somewhere?

[andreasderjuengere]

Only a few times. Once, in an amusement park - I somewhat pitied the horse about its job :)
The other times were at a good friend's private place who kept horses.
I did like it. Even more so as my Grandpa was a BIG horse-lover. But the young man that I was back then had just too many other ''interesting'' things to follow up.

[Asker]

Ok. So was the amusement park riding like a “pony ride” thing, where they put “kid after kid” on the poor horse (s) and walked it (them) around?

[andreasderjuengere]

''We'' were actually 'allowed' to try ourselves... on a 'fenced' track, though.
I somehow could motivate my poor animal to move a little. But my ex-wife -behind me- would not make 'hers' move an inch :D That wasn't a moment of pride in my life.
The 'private' occasions were a little more... ''adventurous''; I remember one occasion when my young stallion decided to try a gallop with me. I DID try to reign it in, but (I know that now only) my frantic leather-work only encouraged the guy :D
What saved me: the path forked to the left and to the right ; and logic told me that if I force ''straight ahead, that the horse will be smart enough to NOT hit the building... heh heh. It worked.

[Asker]

Ok I see.
Smart thing about making that stallion stop.
How long ago was the last time you rode a horse?

[andreasderjuengere]

That's more than 30 years back now :)
I'm a sports sailor - so horses are rare in that field :D

[God_of_Thunder]

Yep, I grew up at rodeos, and have owned several horses.

I've been riding horses since before I could ride a bike.

[Asker]

Yeah? So awesome!
Have you ever seen the Scott Eastwood rodeo movie “The Longest Ride”? I thought it was really good.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Longest_Ride_(film)

[Aerissa_Jade]

Riding and falling off them too, the second part is less fun.

[Asker]

Yeah that wouldn’t be fun—ouch!
How did you vote in the poll to this question?

[Asker]

…is that one pink (G) vote which is out there now yours?

[Aerissa_Jade]

Yep, family owns lots of horses, go riding every chance I get when I'm home... in fact tomorrow for mothers day, no doubt will go for a ride.

[Asker]

Oh yeah? Wow.
How many horses, and what types?

[midnightmoon05]

Yeah multiple times for fun.
I would like to do it again soon..

[Asker]

How did you vote in the poll?…F or G?

And how old were you when you went riding?

[douride2]

I used to go to my friends & go riding often. That was back in grade school.

[Asker]

So the last time you went horseback riding was when you were like 11 or 12?

[douride2]

That sounds about right. By the time I was 13-14 I was into motorcycles.

[Asker]

Oh yeah? Wow, so cool.
Did you do dirt biking w a family member or friend, and do you own a motorcycle today?

[douride2]

Mostly a friend. Sadly I sold my last bike in a moment of weakness & and haven't got a new one yet.

[Asker]

When did you sell your bike—during the last 2 years?; and was it a Harley?

[douride2]

No it was a Big old Honda.

[Asker]

Ok. When did you sell your bike?

[douride2]

A few years ago now. I keep talking about buying another until I see the crazy people driving that shouldn't have a license.

[Asker]

Oh ok

[douride2]

I still may go buy one if things settle down some this summer.

[RobT312]

Yes my family used to own horses, and I have also been riding at national parks in the west

[Asker]

At what ages did you start riding horses?

And did your family own horses throughout your growing up through completing high school years?

[RobT312]

Grandparents had them. I remember first being put on a horse around 4 yo. Yeah they had them when I was in high school. It was really in the summers when I’d go riding or help take care of them. I enjoyed it

[Asker]

4 years old and your grandparents had the—very cool and fortunate. I bet it was a lot of fun.

[RobT312]

👍👍it sure was

[kellytheman]

Yeah I did once when I went to Colorado on a youth group trip. It was a little fun but the horses were well trained and they knew the trails we took well.

[Asker]

Oh neat. So you were like maybe 12(?)
And how far did you travel from where you lived to get there?

[annabananna]

Yes, I’ve gone a few times and even been bucked (but not bucked off). I love riding horses and would like to do it more.

[Asker]

Cool. Did you do that through friends who have horses, or on a date, or what?

[Phoenix98]

I have once it was fun I’d do it again if given the chance.

[Asker]

How were you when you went riding?

[Phoenix98]

I was fine it's not really that hard once you get the hang of it.

[Asker]

* Oh sorry - I meant…
How OLD were you when you went riding?

[Phoenix98]

O my bad um lets see I think I was around 13-14 I think, it was a long time ago so I might be a year or two off.

[Asker]

Where did you go riding at—a friend or family member’s place where they owned horses, or some other place?

[Phoenix98]

Dairy farm that a guy I knew owner.

[Phoenix98]

Sorry meant that his folks owned.

[Redstang88]

Yeah grew up with horses. Haven’t been in years, not interested

[Asker]

What makes you not interested in riding horses nowadays?

[Redstang88]

Extremely expensive, demanding and it just doesn’t interest me

[Dnice1]

Yup it was a lot of fun too. I grew up loving horses as kid.

[Asker]

Your family owned horses, or what?

[Dnice1]

No I just went to horse camp as a kid and did mountain trail rides

[Asker]

Ok, very nice.

[Charliefretz329]

Yes, I’d rather drive an atv though. Horses don’t always mind

[Asker]

How did you vote in the poll to this question?

[Charliefretz329]

F was my pick. Only a couple times

[Asker]

Ok, how old were you when you went horseback riding?

[Charliefretz329]

Different ages… 27 the last time

[exitseven]

I have gone three times a long time ago.

[Asker]

How old were you when you went riding—when you were under 18, or older than that?

[exitseven]

I was 20 or 21. I had a girlfriend that lived out west and she had a friend that had horses.

[Asker]

Ok, very cool.

[NorthwestRider]

Both my wife and I own horses so yes, many times

[Asker]

Oh yeah? Very nice.
Do you have a ranch with some land, or do you board horses somewhere else?

[NorthwestRider]

We have property

[Asker]

Ok that’s so great.

[NorthwestRider]

She taught me how to ride a horse

[Asker]

Did she grow up w horses?

[NorthwestRider]

Yep she did and was a rodeo queen

[Asker]

Like what kind of rodeo queen—barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding, etc?

[NorthwestRider]

Barrel

[Asker]

That is sooo cool.