Why We Love Horses: A Timeless Bond

The Unbreakable Connection

As a girl from a non-horsey background living in a city, born with a life-long passion for equines, I have for a long time asked why do we love horses?  

From the moment I could babble, horses held an unshakeable grip on my imagination. Unlike most five-year-olds enthralled by the roar of the lion or the trumpeting elephant at the circus, my eyes were glued to the graceful strides of zebras and the powerful movements of horses.  

This equine obsession baffled my parents – my mother with her lifelong fear, and my father who, until his last days, would chuckle with a hint of exasperation, muttering, "I just don't get what you see in horses." 

Despite a less than auspicious start – a tumble and a trample during my very first riding lesson – the allure only intensified. Every spare moment, rain or shine, found me drawn to the local stables. Even snowdrifts six feet deep couldn't keep me away, weekends and holidays surrendered to the company of horses and ponies.  

This unwavering passion begs the question: what is it about these magnificent creatures that compels us to dedicate so much time, energy, and even money to be in their presence? 

A Deep-Rooted History  

As discussed by John Lewis-Stempel in Country Life Magazine 40,000 years ago, in the grip of the Ice Age early humans in Europe carved the Vogelherd horse figurine – a tiny testament to our ancient fascination. This 2-inch masterpiece captures both the power and curious spirit of the horse, a creature we've hunted, ridden, and partnered with for millennia.  

From Paleolithic barbecues to modern companionship, the horse has been a constant in our story. Horses hold a special place in British culture. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the prestigious equestrian events, these majestic creatures have captured our hearts for centuries.  

But as a young city child I was not exposed to our equine world. Despite this I was bitten by the horse addiction that would last a lifetime.

Nature and Nurture: The Science Behind Our Love 

An unexpected connection emerged when I realised my cousin, a few years older also raised in a non-horsey background, had a similar obsession. This shared passion sparked a question: why do horses hold such power over us? 

Genetics might play a role – perhaps a long-lost ancestor was an ostler? As mentioned by David Cox in his article on the BBC website a UK study hinted at a possible link between family hobbies and genetics. By examining family trees of 2,000 people, researchers found surprising patterns of shared pastimes across generations. This suggests hobbies might be partly inherited, but more research is needed to confirm.   

Maybe some people are simply wired to connect with these magnificent creatures so deeply. Even mud-caked fields, demanding labour, and the constant threat of chills, bites, and falls can't diminish this love. Research carried out by Melanie Connor, Alistair Lawrence and Sarah M. Brown  out in Scotland in 2018 suggests that genetic variations may be involved with the ability to show empathy to both humans and animals.  

However this research does not focus specifically on human equine attachments. The field of behavioural genetics is constantly evolving. As research progresses, we might discover genes that influence our preferences for specific animal companions, including horses. 

The Magic of the Horse-Human Bond  

So what other explanations could there be for our love of horses? Undeniably, horses are stunning animals. Their grace, power, and diverse coat colours never fail to impress. But true love goes deeper than aesthetics.  

Horses are intelligent creatures, capable of forming strong connections with their human companions. Their expressive eyes and subtle body language allow for a form of communication that transcends words.  

Research suggests that interacting with horses triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with love, trust, and bonding. This emotional connection can be deeply rewarding and contribute to our overall well-being.  Horses offer companionship without judgment or expectation. They can be a source of comfort and solace, especially during challenging times.  

This goes some way to explaining why once we enter the equestrian world we may succumb to the love affair, but does not answer what drives us to seek out these interactions. 

A Shared History 

Could the answer be in the long-shared history between humans and horses that seeking equine companionship is hard wired into us. Over the thousands of years of this relationship, horses have played a crucial role in transportation, warfare, and agriculture, shaping the course of human civilization.  

This shared history fosters a sense of connection and respect. During the long domestication, horses and humans developed a mutually beneficial relationship. We provided them with care and protection, while they offered us strength, speed, and companionship.  

Animal Magic 

Or is our love affair simply due the awe-inspiring beauty in a horse's physique and movement, and the sense of freedom their grace and power evokes?  

Could be that we are self-healing. Simply by spending time with horses we are immersed in nature, following the changes of the seasons and encountering wildlife. All of which has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, as well as improving mood and creativity according to Florence Williams in her book The Nature Fix.  

The British Love Affair  

The UK boasts a rich equestrian heritage, from renowned breeds like the Shire and Fell Pony to prestigious events like Royal Ascot and Badminton Horse Trials. Being part of this tradition fosters a sense of community and belonging. 

The Responsibility of Love 

Of course, loving horses comes with responsibility. Owning a horse requires a significant commitment of time, money, and care. From daily grooming and feeding to veterinary checkups and training, horses are a lifelong responsibility. I have had the privilege of looking after my horse Quaver for 20 years and she has become one of my greatest teachers. With an average of 2 hours a day spent with her that equates to a staggering 14,600 hours or 608 days of my life! 

Finding Your Perfect Partnership 

Whether you dream of owning a horse or simply enjoy spending time with them at riding stables, there are many ways to experience the joy of horses in the UK. Numerous riding schools offer lessons for all ages and abilities, allowing you to build your confidence and forge a connection with these incredible animals. 

So, why do we love horses? The answer is multifaceted. It's a combination of their beauty, intelligence, and the unique bond they share with humans. In the UK, this love is further enriched by our deep-rooted equestrian tradition and the opportunity to connect with nature. If you're looking for a rewarding and enriching experience, consider opening your heart to the world of horses. You might just discover a love that lasts a lifetime. 

If you have horse lovers in your life you can browse our range of perfect gifts for horse lovers at Equinalia Gifts.