Putting the Horse First

We all know how much “free time” an equestrian has—sometimes, it seems like none at all. There are days that feel never-ending: stalls to muck, horses to turn out, strict feed schedules, hand-walking, lessons, training, washing blankets, cold hosing, wrapping legs, barn upkeep... you know the drill.

Being a successful equestrian is exhausting, and the days are long. The work is often grueling, but we do it out of love and passion for the horse. We choose this life. However, that doesn't mean that the horse got to choose the life that you brought them into.

So if we’re doing it for the love of the horse, we must remember: no matter how tired we are, no matter how busy the day has been, the horse comes first. Period. Their needs always come first.

One of my favorite quotes in the equestrian world is: “The horse owes us nothing, yet we owe them everything.” No horse has to let us ride them, dote over them, or be our partner in competition. Truly, they don’t have to comply with anything we ask of them.

So how do we build that bond and find success?

Dedication, a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, perseverance, and patience are key traits. But even more important are kindness and compassion—always putting the horse first. A healthy, happy, and successful horse is one whose needs come before our own. It is not the horse’s job to make us happy; it is our responsibility to ensure their comfort, health, and happiness. We ask so much of them, and they ask nothing of us.

Meeting the Horse’s Needs

Horses have three basic concerns: food, shelter, and companionship.

• Food and Water

Horses are grazing animals. Left to their own devices, they would graze for 17–20 hours a day. That instinct doesn’t disappear just because we have busy schedules.

When it comes to meals, horses must be fed and cared for before we rush off for our own food. Even after a long show day, your horse’s needs come first. For horses at home, skipping feedings because it’s raining or inconvenient is not an option. Horses thrive on routine, and breaking that routine can cause stress, anxiety, ulcers, and behavioral issues. A consistent schedule is essential for a healthy and content horse.

• Shelter

Shelter doesn’t always mean a stall—it means a place where a horse can stay dry, comfortable, and protected from extreme weather. For stalled horses, cleanliness matters. A wet, dirty stall can cause thrush and discomfort. For pastured horses, make sure there’s adequate protection from the sun, wind, rain, and snow.

In the summer, pale-skinned horses may need sunblock to prevent painful burns. In winter, a turnout blanket may be necessary if their coat isn't thick enough. These are not luxuries; they are basics for responsible care.

• Companionship

Horses are herd animals. Isolation can be unnatural and distressing. If there is ever an option to have them with a turnout buddy, or to at least provide stall to stall interaction, it is better than complete isolation. 

Human interaction can supplement some needs for interaction and companionship. However, many riders tend to focus so much of their training on riding, and they go about rushing to get ready for their rides. Don’t let your only interaction be saddling up and heading straight to the arena. Horses sense when they're being rushed or treated like tools. Take the time to groom, hand-walk, or simply be present. Slow down when working with your horse- not just when tacking up, but simply working around them to open and close a stall door, halter them, groom them, or when bringing them to and from the pasture. These moments build trust and can provide stimulation needed to break up their day. 

Compassion and Ethical Training

Horses are not machines. They have off days, just like we do. Maybe your goal was to work on lead changes today—but your horse is telling you it’s not the right day. Learn to listen. They may be having a physical issue that they are trying to convey to you or you may be rushing them too much and causing their resistance. 

Resistance is often communication, not defiance. Compassion means recognizing physical and mental signals and adjusting accordingly. Sometimes stepping back leads to greater progress in the long run.

Ethical training prioritizes the horse’s well-being over ambition. As an instructor, I stress that to every student. Training goals must never come at the cost of a horse’s physical or mental health. If a horse is blowing up from being pushed too hard and too fast, your training is unethical.

Fitness—Of Both Horse and Rider

Putting the horse first means understanding their fitness level, too. If your horse has had time off, they might not be ready for a long trail ride. Conditioning takes time and care.

It also means looking inward. Are you fit enough to be a balanced and an easy load to carry? Learning to ride is learning to be a good load to carry. A horse doesn’t have to allow us on their back—yet they do again and again.  This should be met with humility and responsibility.

Conclusion

Whether it's the end of a long day or the crack of dawn, the horse must always come first. We all enter this lifestyle for the love of the horse. But when the novelty wears off and life gets hectic, we must remind ourselves: they are here because we wanted them to be—not the other way around. Your ambitions are not your horse's ambitions. 

They owe us nothing. We owe them everything.