Five things we could all learn from horses

Yes, I am talking of those large animals with hooves that seem to primarily exist as a means of draining their owners’ bank accounts. But apart from being better at extracting money than a seasoned Mobster, there are a few important life lessons we can learn from these creatures.

1. Live in the moment

Horses have an uncanny ability to live solely in the here and now. Yesterday doesn't faze them and tomorrow isn't even a concept to them. While we riders can agonise for days over what went wrong at that last jump, our companion has already moved on to its planned activity of dozing and grazing with neigh (excuse the pun) a worry. Most of us could do with emulating them in this regard. Letting go of past misfortune and enjoying today rather than looking anxiously ahead would most likely benefit our collective mental health.

2. Actions speak louder than words

Contrary to what we horsy folk want to believe; horses do not speak the King's English. They react to our tone of voice, our touch and the way we treat them. Empty promises mean nothing, but a polo mint offered freely makes for a willing partner in crime. A good lesson for us all: show up with kind intent and our partners will engage much more willingly. Sweeties also help ...

3. Don’t try to be someone you are not

Horses do not know how to be anything other than who and what they are. And they seek authenticity in their human companions. It is uncomfortable for a horse to encounter a human who is not being genuine because it is difficult for a horse to gauge how safe that person is to be around. Horses teach us that it is healthy to always be who we truly are.

4. Hard work pays off

Horses rarely come ‘ready-made’. We spend hours, days and even years on improving our riding so in return we can improve our horse’s performance. If we achieve our goal, it is through nothing but our own time, energy and dedication. A great lesson especially for the younger generation.

5. We are better together

Horses are herd animals. Everything from their physical safety to their emotional security depends on having other horses with them. Humans, on the other hand, tend to withdraw from those close to them when things get tough. Horses teach us that our relationships become more important and necessary to hold on to during times of stress and danger. They know that someone having your back can make all the difference and isn’t that an important lesson for us all?

So, whilst horses might not have the answers to life’s big questions, they can open our hearts and minds to the important things in life. Give it a go – be more horse.