DISPATCH THREE: Luxury or Necessity?

Once upon a time, horses were an essential part of daily life. Whether you needed to travel from one place to another, haul goods in a wagon, or plow your fields, horses were integral to the process. They played a crucial role in delivering ice, dry goods, and food to your table, forming a vital link in the supply chain.

The term “cowboy” (which includes cowgirls for the purposes of this blog) is often used loosely these days. Anyone donning a hat and boots might be labeled a cowboy, regardless of whether they work with cattle or ride a horse. While the romanticized “spirit of cowboys” is celebrated, it’s important to recognize the real, hardworking cowboys and their horses. These folks spend their days moving cattle, attending brandings, doctoring livestock, and enduring the solitude of cow camps. Their dedication should not be diminished by conflating style with substance. (But that’s a subject for another day.)

Wait. . .where was I? Oh, yeah.

I was emphasizing the historical necessity of horses. They were pivotal to the economy of this country and even influenced communication by aiding the establishment of the U.S. Postal Service. Long before trains, cars, and four-wheelers, there was the horse.

In the early 20th century, horses remained integral to transportation, agriculture, and industry. However, Henry Ford’s Model T made motorized transport affordable for the average family, reducing the need for horses in urban areas. Catcalls of “Get a car” could be heard in the streets, aimed at those still riding horses.

By the mid-20th century, the horse market underwent significant transformations. Horse ownership peaked in the 1920s before experiencing a sharp decline. During World War II, horses were still used by some military forces and on certain farms, but both sectors were transitioning to mechanized vehicles, further diminishing the need for horses. These technological advancements and changing societal needs placed the equine economy in a precarious position.

As horses were no longer relied upon as essential working animals, the question arose: where did this leave the horse and the horse industry?

Well, the working cowboy and cowhorse still exist today, performing the same essential tasks they did 100 years ago and sustaining their own economy. These individuals and their horses brave the elements to ensure cattle survive, requiring the right gear and equine partners to do so effectively and safely.  Acting as impromptu veterinarians, they handle calving, weaning, and maintaining the health of both cows and horses. They also serve as their own farriers. No one is coming across thousands of acres to slap a shoe on one horse. Their work is crucial for the health and safety of the livestock, the horses, and themselves, supporting a significant industry.

The working horses produced by this type of work are those types everyone seems to be looking for—those that stand still and wait, chase down cattle, and return to a calm baseline when the job is done. The working cowhorse and the cowboys who train them remain a necessity. Without them, a beautiful tradition would be lost. (Supporting local beef and cattle ranches helps preserve these vital roles, by the way.)

The shift from “absolute necessity” to “luxury” for horses began after World War II. Numbers continued to decline, reaching their lowest point just before the 1970s, when the focus shifted from working horses to recreational and competitive uses. Racing, show jumping, and other equestrian sports gained popularity, leading to a resurgence in the U.S. horse population. The market diversified, with increased demand for sport horses, therapy animals, and leisure activities.

Leisure. Ha. Most of us in this business don’t consider what we do as “leisurely.” Transforming a horse from a wild animal to a willing partner takes hard work. However, without this transition, my job of making horses suitable for “leisurely” pursuits wouldn’t exist.

Evolving from its utilitarian roots, the horse industry has become a major economic force. They are essential for those of us who make a living from them. The demand for luxury horses in leisure and competitive pursuits keeps trainers employed and significantly contributes to the economy. In the United States alone, these activities generate about $122 billion annually.

Sometimes, those of us in the luxury or sporting end of the industry get a little ribbing from those at the other end. You’ve got a 15 hh quarter horse stomping out a rattlesnake, while someone else has a three-year-old Warmblood spooking at a squirrel on a fencepost. They’re different, and that’s what makes the world go round.

Luxury or leisure horse owners aren’t “playing at horses.” Competitors pour money, blood, sweat, and tears into hopes of “winning” – whatever “winning” looks like for them.

Fox hunters need their horses to be swift and nimble.

Western Pleasure folks spend thousands on sparkly outfits, entry fees, grooming, fuel, and more. A Quarter Horse owner might invest thousands of hours researching  bloodlines and thousands of dollars to breed the perfect pair, hoping to produce a contender. . .only to end up with a horse whose conformation will never win him anything but the love of a little kid who just wants to ride through the woods. . .and there’s not anything wrong with that, either. Giving a horse a gentle, easy home, with a gentle, easy job isn’t a sin, you know.

The “luxury” folks buy high-end feeds, gadgets, and supplements, keeping that economy going. They inspect hay bales for perfection, often prioritizing their horses’ needs over their own. Meanwhile, other owners might just put out a bale of Coastal hay and call it a day. But here we are again, our differences make the world go ‘round, right? There is room in this world for all of us: cowboys, hunter jumpers, dressage queens, rail riders, trail riders, and the kids who love the freedom of riding bareback with just a halter and lead rope.

Hmmmm. . .maybe horses are still a necessity.

Their roles may have changed, but the human desire to connect with them and the freedom they bring us remains unchanged. For those passionate about horses, their necessity will never fade. Let’s hope it stays that way.