The human-horse relationship: how much do we know?
Abstract: Human relationships or interactions with horses have varied throughout history depending on human needs, but it is horses' ability to carry a human individual that has had perhaps the greatest impact on their relationship with man. Despite our long association with the horse, there have been few studies on human-horse relationships. There is little historical evidence on individual relationships with horses but indications of strong human-horse relationships have been noted in mounted societies, such as North American Plains Indians. Riding a horse has traditionally been associated with power, and was reserved for the ruling elite in many areas. Demographic data suggest that human relationships with horses may have changed in recent times. Although the lack of land and the relatively high cost of horse care may reduce the possibility of ownership for many people, the availability of riding establishments and increases in leisure time mean that riding is no longer restricted to the upper classes. There is a wide range in type and intensity of potential interactions with horses, indicating that human-horse relationships are likely to vary considerably. Some people appear to sacrifice a great deal in order to own a horse. However, the motivation behind these activities and the process by which an individual assesses personal costs of ownership versus their perceived benefits remains to be studied. Future research should focus on characterising the human-horse relationship, and the degree of individual and cultural variation. A greater understanding of horse owner perceptions of 'costs' versus 'benefits' may also increase our understanding of the relationship and the economic importance of horses in society.
Publication Date: 2001-04-21 PubMed ID: 11314234DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05155.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research paper explores the varied relationships between humans and horses throughout history and suggests the need for further studies to characterize these interactions further, taking into account factors such as individual and cultural variations as well as perceived benefits versus costs of owning a horse.
Investigating the Human-Horse Relationship
- The study acknowledges the historical connections between humans and horses, largely determined by human needs and societal structures. Different societies have shown varying degrees of human-horse interactions. For instance, in communities such as the North American Plains Indians, who were heavily dependent on horses, stronger human-horse relationships were observed.
- Riding a horse was traditionally a symbol of power and was often reserved for the elite. This power dynamic has undergone significant changes with time, and currently, horse riding isn’t restricted to just the upper classes, but faces challenges concerning land availability and horse care costs.
Riding Establishments and Changing Interactions
- Despite challenges, the rise of riding establishments and increased leisure time has made horse interactions more accessible. The interactions now show a broad spectrum in type and intensity, suggesting that human-horse relationships can vary widely.
- From the current observations, some people are ready to make significant sacrifices to own a horse. The motivation behind such sacrifices and how individuals measure the personal costs of ownership against perceived benefits is an area requiring further research. Understanding the dynamics of these decisions could provide valuable insight into the human-horse relationships.
Future Research
- Future studies, as suggested by the researchers, should focus on characterizing the human-horse relationships with a deeper focus on individual and cultural differences. The dimensions of the perceived ‘costs’ and ‘benefits’ of horse ownership should also be part of this exploration to improve the understanding of the economic relevance of horses in the society.
Cite This Article
APA
Robinson IH.
(2001).
The human-horse relationship: how much do we know?
Equine Vet J Suppl(28), 42-45.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05155.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Freeby Lane, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leics LE14 4RT, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Husbandry / economics
- Animals
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Hobbies
- Horses
- Human-Animal Bond
- Humans
- Power, Psychological
- Sports
Citations
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