Among animals, many walk on four legs, but only a select few are chosen as partners for riding and sports, including horses.
While horses are popular for riding, some might wonder why this particular animal was chosen. A major reason is because horses are easy for humans to handle and follow instructions, but there’s another critical factor—hidden in the structure of their bodies, especially their backs.
This article explains why horses can comfortably carry people on their backs and details the unique features of a horse’s back.
Suspension Bridge-Like Back
The reason horses can support weight on their backs relates to the structure of their backs. They are sturdy enough to carry humans or cargo without issue, whether walking or running. Their robust back helps maintain balance, allowing them to sit comfortably.
This back structure is called a suspension bridge structure, common among herbivores. The horse’s skeletal structure resembles a suspension bridge, with a strong and rigid spine that prevents sideways movement, helping them to keep their balance even when a person is riding.
Humans did not initially consider riding herbivores like horses, camels, or elephants. They might have even thought about riding carnivores such as lions, but for valid reasons, they avoided it—most notably because these predators do not have the suspension-bridge-like backs of herbivores. Watching wild animals in zoos or on TV reveals these differences; herbivores are more flexible and agile, capable of swift, complex movements.
Animals with rounded or intricately moving backs cannot sustain long-term balance while sitting. While this explains part of why riding carnivores isn’t practical, it also underscores the significance of a horse’s structural suitability for riding.
Easily Adopting an Inside-Biased Posture
Horses easily adopt an inside-biased posture. This might be unclear without context, but it’s often instructed during riding lessons. Here, we explain what inside-biased posture is and why horses find it easier to adopt this stance.
What is inside-biased posture?
Inside-biased posture means when a horse turns a corner, it naturally bends its body to face the direction of movement, making the turn easier. If explained simply, it might sound like pulling the horse’s head inward and guiding it in the turn.
While guiding the horse’s head inward can help in turning, it does not mean the horse adopts a natural or relaxed posture for the turn. Some riders experience short-cuts when the horse tucks in too tightly—this may be due to incorrect posture training. The key is to turn the head inward without tilting the body excessively or shifting weight onto one side.
Why are horses prone to inside-biased posture?
Horses easily adopt an inside-biased posture because their bodies are flexible. This flexibility mainly involves joints like the sacroiliac and lumbar spine, which can bend sideways and twist. Such twisting movements require a high degree of flexibility, which is why their joint elasticity contributes to the ease of inside-biased postures.
Are there height or weight limits for horseback riding?
There are no strict height restrictions for horseback riding, and weight limits are also generally flexible. However, as horses are not robots, there are physical limits to how much weight they can carry. Heavy individuals may need to consider these limits.
If you are taller, you will naturally weigh more, so taller riders are often advised to be lean. The common guideline is that riding is feasible if the rider’s weight is about 20-30% of the horse’s weight. Ideally, the rider’s weight should be less than 10% of the horse’s weight, as they also need to wear riding gear and saddle.
When total weight including tack remains within 20-30%, the horse can typically manage the load comfortably for about a 45-minute riding lesson.
Are zebras suitable for riding like horses?
The term ‘horse’ encompasses various species. While well-known racing and riding horses like thoroughbreds are common, you might also be familiar with animals like zebras that you might see at zoos.
Despite their popularity and familiarity, you’ve probably never seen someone ride a zebra. The reason is because zebras tend to have a fierce temperament and are difficult to train for riding. Unlike horses bred for riding, zebras lack the suspension-bridge back structure and are much less suited for riding due to their unpredictable behavior.
Summary
In conclusion, horses are not just gentle and friendly animals; their body structure is optimized for carrying humans safely. Understanding the anatomy of a horse’s back reveals why they are well-suited for riding. Besides, horses possess numerous other qualities that make them ideal riding animals.
We hope this knowledge enhances your understanding of horses and enriches your riding experience. Learning about their body can help you become a better rider and appreciation of these magnificent animals.