Horses are magnificent creatures, enjoyed by leaders and everyday people for thousands of years. George Washington and Winston Churchill rode horses in combat. (Virginians considered Washington their best horseman, and Churchill rode in Britain’s final cavalry charge.) Legends, like King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, rode horses in battle and on their quests. Princes of history and fiction learned to ride well: Cyrus the Great and Capian are two examples. Paul Revere’s midnight ride marked the beginning of America’s War for Independence and is perhaps the most famous horseback ride in history.

During America’s westward expansion, families crossed the Great Plains and farmed with horses, and young men carried mail across dangerous wilderness in what became known as the Pony Express. Cowboys on horses drove cattle across the Midwest. Horses played a big role in westerns like the Rifleman, and in classic John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies.

The world has changed, but horses still play a vital role. Police officers ride strong, beautiful horses in cities to maintain public order and peace. Horses play a critical role in state funerals and parades. And beautiful thoroughbreds are raced in the Ascot and the Kentucky Derby.

Horses, except for the lion, are quite possibly the most honored of all animals. No creature has helped man quite as much. They feature prominently in classic literature and the Bible, where it is revealed that Christ will return on a white horse.

Horseriding has been considered a noble activity. Churchill wrote,

No one ever came to grief—except honourable grief—through riding horses. No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle. Young men have often been ruined through owning horses, or through backing horses, but never through riding them; unless of course they break their necks, which, taken at a gallop, is a very good death to die.

Learning to ride a horse well is exciting, but it’s also a challenge; it takes time and effort to become comfortable in the saddle. It’s important to know that horses are intelligent creatures. An expert rider can guide a horse with the slightest prompting. I recommend giving horse riding a try at a local farm.

Do you ride? What is your riding horse like?