11/23/2024
In modern culture this phrase "ride or die" means to be completely loyal to someone, no matter what the danger. Its funny because, in the equine world it means the exact opposite.
A chronic problem facing the equestrian community as a whole is the disposable culture we have for our equine partners. No matter what they've done for us or given us throughout their lives, the day they can no longer be ridden or work, they are treated disposably. This pushes people to use their horses well beyond ethical use. Riding sick, old, or lame horses just because they must keep working. Often the day they stop, this path ends at a slaughter house. Even if you give your horse "to a good home" that good home may run out of money, time, or care for a horse they can't ride, and pass them on, and on, and on.
The painful reality is that humans often show very little loyalty to their horses, though they expect complete loyalty back. With horses "ride or die" is quite literal, if we can't "use" you, your path leads to death.
Horses like Zephyr, 10 years old, beautiful, bright, happy and smart, but too neurological to carry a rider or do any work. At any normal farm he would have been euthanized on diagnosis, because he'll never have a future career. But he can live a full life of love and fun. His quality of life is only mildly irritated by his discoordination.
Horses are chronically forced to ride/work until the end of their life, so long as they're able they keep working them. They are frequently disposed of, either by passing them to the next owner or euthanizing them, or worst, dumping them at auction for slaughter buyers to pick up.
We need to change equestrian culture. The change is beginning, but we need to keep pushing. Horses are no longer "ride or die". There are too many ways to love your horse without riding or labor, there are too many ways to keep a horse enriched and their life full even when their career is done. There is no more excuse for treating horses disposably. Horses are a choice, a leisure, treat them with the same loyalty you expect from them.
Credit: Empowered Equine
