What are some good reasons for using horses for Recreational Purposes?

Question

From an Animal Welfare perspective, what are some good reasons for using horses for riding purposes. So far I have:

Therapeutic

Rehabilitation

Work (police, ranch, etc)

Entertainement (shows, races, etc)

Answer 1

I'm not sure entertainment is a valid reason, to be honest.

I believe that the effect that a horse can have on disabled people and those with learning difficulties is absolutely second to none. I have seen this first hand and the transformation in the people, particularly children, is very touching.

Answer 2

How about good old exercise?

Riding and caring for horses forces people to get outside and move. (good for the horses and for the people)

Even just sitting at the walk exercises more muscles than you think. One of the reasons they use them for therapy.

Answer 3

So kids can learn responsibility and stay out of trouble and not have to worry about saying no to drugs.

Answer 4

I suppose for an Animal Welfare perspective, "good reasons" means good for the horse?

So...

The exercise keeps him fit.

Training keeps him mentally healthy.

The feed he gets in return keeps him well fed.

A horse that's ridden is looked over...  lamenesses, wounds, and illnesses are more likely to be seen and treated.

A horse that's used for recreational purposes is less likely to be overworked and more likely to be kept looking good - which means he'll be healthier.

Domesticated animals with no commercial or recreational purposes are not bred, are not allowed to reproduce, and quickly become endangered.  If horses were not used for recreational purposes, how many horses would there be?

A few for the Amish to drive and use for plowing...  a few for steaks in Europe...  Premarin mares...  What else?  

So the real reason to use horses for recreational purposes for the good of the horse is that they wouldn't exist for any other reason!

Answer 5

To keep them from being eaten, since they are categorized as livestock.

Answer 6

So they don't get shipped off to slaughter.

Exercise.

Love without hesitating.

I love my horse.

Answer 7

-love

-excersise

-enjoyment

-freedom

Answer 8

How about just for the pleasure of his company?

Answer 9

What about good old trailriding (Sightseeing).

WHY do you think so many people RENT horses by the hour?

It's nice when your ATV has a brain...

Answer 10

Some just likes horses and wants to be around them.  bonding with a horse is a wonderful experience. That bond benefits the horse and the owner.  

Answer 11

I wouldn't consider entertainment to be a valid reason to use horses.   Now, for me horses are mental therapy.  No matter what else is wrong in my life, it gets pushed back when I'm riding my horse.  I don't use them in shows, rodeos or races.  I just use them as a saddle mounts.  We have gone miles and miles on the trail.  They are great for making social connections with like minded people.  I've joined trail clubs that allow me to meet other people who like to do the same things I do.