Equineimity

I am sure that there are horse lovers here who realise just how wonderfully calming the animals can be-that is part of the reason that they are used as therapy for handicapped individuals. But do any of you experience that yourself? Does your horse have that affect on you?

harriet

I find that if I am sad, or stressed, or even worn out, a visit with my horse will have an invigorating effect on me and I won't be down anymore. It lifts me up.

flatback_frannie

Yes, horses and riding have always been therapeutic for me! Just being around my horse, taking care of her, makes me calmer, brings me down to earth.

OldnGrey

I don't have a horse but my neighbor does. I go over their place a lot, and they allow me to because they see how good the horses are to me. They relax me immensely and I feel rejuvenated everytime I'm around them. I just love their quiet strength and sense of inner peace.

Roy Rogers

A lot of people say that Cats as well as Dogs are good at comforting people, but I certainly could say the same about Horses as well.

Just going for a short ride on a horse can help you forget about whatever problems are bothering you at the moment, and that's a great thing indeed.

haute_ecole

Anything that big, warm and often fuzzy is obviously comforting. Horses are something like a big dog in my mind and therefore very comforting. And like all animals they don't care what you look like, or how popular at school, but rather about how you are as a person.

Roy Rogers

Wow, I seriously found that last post to be moving!

Nice wording haute

Anyway, I entirely agree.

Animals won't care about what you look like or who your family is, or what your grades in school are like etc.

When you feel like everyone else hates you, then you could just go for a quiet horse ride to get away from everything for a while.

alexis

I dont have my own, but our family has adopted my aunts which is great to do. We get together for holidays and the such, but often visit to check on the horse and bring some treats for her.

Equineimity

Yes I agree, because for sure they are far more honest than our human companions can or will ever be. If you treat them with respect and you show them honest and genuine love then chances are you will receive the same no matter how big your nose is, or how bad your dress sense.

Nan_Beth

Horses are very comforting to me too. One of the reasons I've wanted one for a while is the effect it has on me to ride. I feel so relaxed and "down to earth" when on a horse. Actually, I've found riding alone to be a perfect time to talk to God.

Flicka

I think the unconditional love one gets from an animal is rejuvenating. Couple that with the fact that in general when you're with your horse, you are probably outdoors, and it's better than yoga!