You don't need to identify as a "hardcore animal rights activist" to ask yourself a question that many horse riding practitioners ponder and worry about. Do horses suffer when being ridden? However robust and fast we may perceive these noble animals to be - or at least the vast majority in normal circumstances - the truth is we must care for them as they deserve, not just to get the best from them but to ensure their welfare.
The conditions required for horse riding while ensuring the animal's complete safety are several, but we must remember that such an animal possesses far greater strength than a human. Therefore, there's no reason to think that the weight a horse bears when being ridden is comparable to a human carrying, for example, a rucksack of similar weight on their shoulders.
A well-cared-for and trained horse, at the appropriate riding age (approximately over 3 years old), shouldn't experience pain when being ridden. However, when exceeding a certain weight threshold - around 100-110 kg - it becomes advisable not to subject the horse to such physical exertion. That said, it's always recommended to use saddles or riding gear that facilitates their movement, along with providing occasional massages to relax their musculature.
If you notice discomfort or pain in your horse, this could be because you began riding them at too young an age, when they were still a colt not fully developed to bear human weight, potentially injuring their spine or back where we place the saddle. In this case, you'd notice their pain in the dorsal area. You can check by running your hand along this area and applying gentle pressure - if there's damage, the horse would show signs of discomfort. If the pain persists (since mild or intermittent pain could just be muscle stiffness), you should call your trusted vet.
Generally, a horse doesn't feel pain when being ridden, so you needn't feel guilty about it. A healthy horse is a happy horse when taken on rides and routes according to what it's accustomed to.
We recommend experiencing this firsthand through a horseback riding excursion in whatever location appeals most - be it beach, river or mountains. Finding it hard to decide? Have a look at all the best offers available for horse riding in our country here.
