10 times in life when your horse is your best friend
Our horses are often more like family than friends, and there are certain times when they really do help us to overcome the most difficult hardships and struggles.
Here are 10 times in life when your horse really is your best mate…
1. When you’ve had a bad day at the office
A good blast on your horse after that meeting you were dreading or a manic day behind the desk can be the best thing for your mental health and can leave you feeling like a new person ready to take on tomorrow.
2. When you move away from home
When you’re suddenly thrust into a new setting with new surroundings and faces to navigate, it can be settling to have one person — your horse — that you know.
3. When you break up with someone
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Who needs a signifcant other when you’ve got your horse? Plus, unlike your friends, your horse is unlikely to give the “I told you so” speech when you unburden yourself to him.
4. When your child goes away to study
You’ve spent the past two decades caring for your children so when they leave home you can suddenly feel at a loss. This is when a horse can definitely fill a hole and give you a well-needed focus.
5. When you have a fall-out
An argument at home or with friends can leave you feeling down. But a quick nuzzle from your horse over the stable door and you quickly realise that you’re never really alone.
6. When you feel stressed or anxious
Horses are great listeners, and a peaceful hack after a stressful day can melt away all of your troubles so you feel ready to tackle any situation.
7. When you feel like you have no other friends
Human relationships change, but your horse will love you unconditionally and will not de-friend you for any reason whatsoever.
8. When you’re feeling adventurous
Fancy getting out and exploring the big wide world? Saddle up and head out for an adventure with you horse — you won’t regret it.
9. When you’re out of work or retired
Life slows down a little bit, so it’s lovely to have a partner in crime to wander across the countryside and take in the surroundings with.
10. When you just feel a bit sad
Feeling teary? Grab a chunk of mane and settle in for a long cuddle. Instant mood lift.
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Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.