There’s a popular short humor piece that has been circulating the Internet since as far back as 2001 titled “Potential Danger of Horse Hair.” It begins:
The National Institute of Health has announced the discovery of a potentially dangerous substance in the hair of horses. This substance, called “amobacter equuii” has been linked with the following symptoms in females:
And while this is a humor piece, we’d argue that time spent with horses does, in fact, have side effects for both men and women, and most of them are positive.
For example, spending time at the barn, on the show circuit or at local saddle club events could lead to an expanded social circle. There are even reports of afflicted people meeting their best friend or significant other through their involvement with equines.
The psychological effects of horses are well-documented. Time with a horse can replace feelings of sadness or anxiety with peace and contentedness. Many riders find that they have a new sense of confidence once they discover they are able to work with a 1,000-pound animal, and that confidence spills over into their life outside the barn.
In order to feed their addiction, some equestrians even cite improved fitness, weight management and a desire to spend time outdoors and away from electronic entertainment as they pursue their need to become a better rider.
We want to know what side effects you’ve experienced from riding or being around horses. Click “Submit a Comment” below and share your thoughts. Some of the editors’ favorites will be published in an upcoming issue of Horse Illustrated!
This month, Noble Outfitters is sponsoring the Rider Insider column in Horse Illustrated with a prize for the selected featured response. If you’d like to be considered for a prize, make sure to include your contact info in the email field of the comment form (emails will not be publicly displayed.)
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One side effect I have experienced is a reluctance to spend money on technology-I literally would rather have a new saddle than a cell phone. I have also noticed that the "Potential Danger of Horse Hair" is a contagious, or possibly heredity condition. On my mom's side of the family, there has always been at least three people per generation to become obsessed with horses, and several of my friends became obsessed with horses after I started riding and bringing them to the barn.
My time with horses has many side effects, seen in so many aspects of life. When I am sad or angry, the barn is a place to get rid of those feelings without hurting those around me. So many life lessons are learned there. Friends (both equine and human) are made there. A sense of freedom is found. Confidence is built. Patience is taught. We all know its true - life is simply enhanced by horses!
yeah, but these are good side effects.
There are many "side affects" that afflict me daily. Some of those include an itchy need to away from humans and spend more time with my furry friends. One amazing side affect, is the great bond I have with my mare. Without horses, I would have never known what it was like to truly bond with an animal, not just as a friend or companion, but as a working partner.
Very true.
As a retired person I can tell you my horses have given me a renewed outlook on life. So much better owning and working with horses than playing bridge or doing the things that older folks think they must do. My grandkids love them better than electronics. Hoorah for Horses!
I am very shy and self-conscious person,since I've started working at the barn I have noticed some changes. I can stand my ground better in group conversations,be a better a leader, and have more confidence in myself.All of this is possible because of the work that do with horses. I am so thankful to the barn owner and all of the horses there to give me a chance to grow as a individual with the self confidence needed to be how I am today.
Horses have changed my life! I had longed to ride horses all my life but never had the opportunity until after my husband passed away. They filled a void in my heart, and through working with them my depression disappeared. My relationship with horses has filled me with overwhelming amounts of love, happiness, and confidence!
Horses have brought my mother and I closer together. She moved to NC with her family and her horse. When she did, I adopted a rescue horse. That was 4 years ago and we have spent many quality hours together on the trail and in the barn and with our horses. I can't imagine life without our horses now.
There are so many side effects! After being unemployed for two years and spontaneously adopting a mustang, I've regained confidence in myself which in turn got me a job within a few months! My daughter says I'm a much more tolerable person because I'm happier. I've learned a bit more patience training my horse as well as learning at the same time. I've lost weight which has brought my blood sugar levels down, so all the exercise I am doing while riding and barn chores is extremely beneficial for me. I actually have horse related goals that I look forward to. My horse is my therapy that no person could ever help me with. Plus, first and foremost, my horse is my best friend and you could say the love of my life.