Toward the understanding of the appeal of horses

Coming from a family where there is at least one rider—or maybe former rider, it's hard to say—horses have loomed a little larger for us than if they just happened to be grazing away as we drove by in a perfectly good automobile. Then again, as we edge into the Derby this weekend, we do admit a fondness for the Sport of Kings (although we regret that lately there are practices that are, to put it mildly, appalling at some less storied barns than the ones in Louisville). I fondly recall going out to Belmont a few times when the legendary Forego was racing, and watching this giant gelding come from behind—always from way behind—and win, and win, and win. Of course, people who ride, while admiring race horses, aren't that interested in them. Riders do events that are far removed from galloping around a track at top speed while the people in the stands pray that they'll win the Daily Double. They don't dislike racers; they just happen to be in a different business.

One thing you can say about riders that differentiates them from the rest of us is that they love horses. I have nothing against horses, but nothing particularly for them, either (unless they're running like Forego or winning me the Daily Double). I prefer cats. Cats are cuter than horses, for one thing, and can more easily fit on your lap. They also use a litter box, which means that they don't require any mucking of the stables. But horse people don't see it like that. Horse people look at horses and—Well, what is it that they see when they look at horses?

You are not vitally important to your horse, not really, not like you are to your dog, ever. They never figure out who you are, and why you do the silly things you do. You have to forge a relationship with your horse while knowing that, given the chance, they'd probably rather hang out with their buddies than spend time with you. But then, one day you pull up to the barn, and you realize that your horse has memorized the sound of your car, as opposed to other people's cars, and has wandered over to the gate to greet you.

Nicole Cliffe attempts to uncover the appeal of these animals that seem rather difficult to love. Unless, I guess, you already happen to love them. The article is The Horse, Explained.

Don't get us wrong, by the way. We have ridden the odd horse on occasion, and both we and the noble steeds between our legs have managed to survive the ordeal without too much permanent damage. But it takes more than riding them to understand them.

My cat, on the other hand, is perfectly content not to be ridden, and both of us are quite satisfied with the situation.