Can a horse be happy just being ridden casually?

All I've ever done was ride casual. My "first" horse was a 16 yr old QH x gelding that was used in feedlots. And all I ever did with him was ride the trails, chase some coyotes and elk, herd some of our cows and that was it. And he seemed pretty happy. Actually, all he ever wanted to do was run, or not even go for a ride lol

I have a 7 yr old AQHA gelding who was used to pasture rope and as a cleanup horse for in the rodeos. Then he comes to me and I just use him for trail riding. But I think he enjoys it 'cause when we go out together, he knows he gets to run. His ears are always up and he walks out so purposely.

If you add a little variation to your rides. Don't just walk. Allow your horse to trot, lope and if you're really brave and experienced, gallop down those trails or through the fields. As long as you know them well of course. Don't need a branch wacking you in the face or your horse stumbling through a gopher hole or something [those branches hurt so watch it!!].

I even built a jump out of three railroad ties [which were heavy and I don't think my 20 yr old mare appreciated them] and jumped them. I've never jumped before so that was the most jumping that I've done lol. Force your horse to go through puddles [they hate that!] or build obstacle courses if you think your horse and you are getting bored. Or go bushwacking if you have tons of bush on your land. As long as your horse doesn't mind you putting your legs on his neck [best do this without a saddle if you don't want your stirrups getting wrecked].

I get bored every once in awhile, you just need to use your imagination to keep your horse from getting bored. And you'll enjoy it also. All I ever ride on is our land, down the roads and on my neighbours when they don't have cattle out there.

Good luck!

Trust me, there is nothing wrong about not showing your horse. I ride a 4 year old who is perfectly happy being taken out on trails and playing around in the arena. They won't get bored as long as you have a variety of things to do with them. The same trail every day will get boring, but if you take them out on the road, or do silly things in the arena, tricks, they will be very happy horses.

Of course!!!! Horses are still pets. They may be friends too but they love to get exercise as well. Letting your horse spend time with you is fun for both of you. Casual riding can also include lessons. The horse may still be challenged a bit but the whole show factor doesn't come into play. Hope you enjoy him when you get him! :)

Yes, my horses are very happy to just get ridden on trail rides. I have never shown, or gone to a show. I don't see the need to do that. I ride just for the relaxation and enjoyment of the ride. I have horses just for the workout of taking care of them.

It will really depend on the horse.

Some horses get really nervous in shows because of the crowd, and some horses love it.

Most horses don't really care, they just don't like doing the same thing every time (if you would normally ride in an arena, take it out in the woods or something once a week).

Horses are perfectly happy with only being ridden casually (or not ridden at all). I disagree that trail rides don't present a challenge, they do. Your horse would have to be alert to the constantly changing environment around him. He'll come up on new things like stream crossings, animals, drainage pipes, trash, kids on bikes, you name it.

Of course!! You dont need to show. Its just a way for people to be competitive. You never have to! I spent three years or so casually riding. But then I wanted to test my skills at shows. I like casually riding over showing. Chose what you want to do with your horse. have fun! hope I helped! :)

Perfectly okay. Many people "just ride" and some of us never ever show. We, for example, have our own opinions of our own animals and see no need to prep and pay for a show just to get someone else's opinion. In general, horses seem to enjoy going to new places. Some of them enjoy competition, and some race horses seem to like to win. (Read your Dick Francis novels.)

Years ago our Saddlebred mares always enjoyed going for drives, and nearly leap into the trailer if they saw the carriage sitting up on the pickup truck.

Absolutely! I am a summer time rider and as I grow older, am finding my horses are not bored, they are content when not being ridden. You are smart to choose an older horse! Best of luck!