I would argue that horseback riding is one of the most amazing activities that I have ever participated in. I have learned so much about the sport, horses, and teamwork in a short three years. However, riding is not for everyone.
Those who don't care about the horse.
Riding is unique in that you are on a team, but much smaller of a team than any other sport -- it is just you and your horse out there. If you are out riding and showing your horse just for yourself, you're doing it wrong. If you're out there screaming at your horse when he messes up or using harmful aides before using verbal commands or non-harmful aides, you're doing it wrong and maybe this sport isn't for you.
The faint of heart.
You will fall off and it will be scary. You may fall on a jump, you may fall into a railing, you may fall on your back or tailbone, or even your head. You may get hurt like some of my teammates. A year or two ago, a teammate of mine was in a lesson and her horse bucked her off and while she was falling, kicked her in the ribs. That was rough and left a nasty bruise along with some messed up and painful ribs. Another teammate was participating in a show and her horse bucked her off and managed to really screw up her ankle -- she was on crutches for at least a month. Another teammate was working on the ground with her horse and he kicked out and busted the skin on her arm and she needed stitches. I have heard worse stories, obviously, but experiencing these with my teammates was certainly scary. But not only the riders get injured. I have gone out to get horses and they come in with huge bloody gashes on them -- their head, their neck, their butt, their legs, their stomach, everywhere. Some require the horse to go under in order to be able to repair. So, if you can't handle a little blood on yourself or your horse, maybe this sport isn't for you.
Those who aren't interested in putting the time and effort forward.
Riding can be a once a week thing for some people (mostly those who are just starting out, don't own their own horse, those without time, or those who don't show), but for most people it can be an everyday thing. Before I went to college, I rode once a week in a lesson and sometimes that was it. Some weeks, I had a lesson, a free ride, a practice ride before a show, and then a show. But for my trainer and the other people on my team who own their own horse, they are out mostly two times a day, everyday regardless of weather or how much time they have. I now have two free rides and one lesson a week at Longwood, which I find to be super helpful in helping me improve my riding. But then again, if you aren't interested in putting forth the effort and the time for this amazing sport, maybe this sport isn't for you.
I would like to encourage everyone to ride a horse at least once in their life because it has surely changed my life for the better, but I have seen many people who just do not care (or care too much) about the things I have listed above (and many more) and just maybe there is a better sport out there for not only the rider but also the horse.
