Dogs and horses

Although there is a fundamental disproportion between dogs and horses at a first glance, this difference may be misleading. What about ponies? For instance, my favourite wolfhound or other specimen of huge breeds can easily compete with them in height. Besides, even among the dogs themselves, there can be a great difference in size (and weight), and still it doesn’t exclude their friendship and mutual affection. Even so, a lot of dogs, including mine, is afraid of horses, or their presence is at the least unpleasant to them.

Who cherishes love to both of these four-legged creatures certainly knows very well, how important it is for neither of them to have bad experience with the other. By nature, horses are very suspicious towards dogs. And you can’t blame them! Just take it into account from their point of view: dogs (that is canines), epitomize a predator, while dogs are their prey. But fortunately, this is a matter of the past.  And today, not only do we find numerous areas, where these animals cooperate side by side, but even strong stories of a friendship between a dog and a horse. I recommend looking up some of the videos on the internet, for instance, how a dog and a horse are running around a paddock together. It really is worth it :-)!

Horses and dogs have much more in common, than it could seem at first glance. So, for instance, both dogs and horses can boast that they serve as assistance animals. You might be wondering that this applies to horses as well. It is true, that it isn’t as common in our country, but in the United States, even a small horse is recognised as an assistant for handicapped people. But dogs and horses are also faithful servants in police and emergency units, where each of them plays a different role, but of same significance. And not in the least, they help us when we are not feeling well mentally: in therapy. With dogs, this is called a canistherapy, with horses, we talk about hippotherapy.

At the end, however, we have to ask ourselves a question, that I’ve started at the beginning. How do dogs react to horses? Same as horses may be cautious when they meet a dog, even dogs may not feel in their own skin. Therefore, there can be an uncertainty at the beginning on both sides. Advice from people who are in contact with horses and take even their dog fellows with them, say: Advance gradually, it is necessary to properly socialise  the dog, ideally from the youngest age, that is, from a small puppy. So that they get to know the scent of horses and stables. Definitely wait with letting them out into the paddock to horses or with a walk together, before the animals are really used to each other. Besides, it is still necessary to watch the dog in the stables, so that they don’t get injured. Indeed, it is not a pleasant thing to be kicked with a hoof, not even for a human. For a dog, the consequences can be fatal. But even if the dog befriends the horses, it is better not to leave them alone. You know dogs, when they gain self-confidence and are fidgety, they could easily cross a line of what the horse is willing to bear.

And what dogs are suitable for horses? A horse person is going to say, that it always depends on why are you taking the dog to horses. Different breeds are suitable for riding – for this occasion, rather endurance dogs and with a more athletic build are recommended. Ant others as guarding dogs. But generally,  cattle and shepherd breeds are recommended.  And not even the company breeds come short, mainly due to their easy-going and conflict-free nature.

And one final, important advice. If you’re planning to go with your dog to horses, it is a good idea to have them vaccinated against tetanus. It takes a small injury of the dog and in contact with horse manure, the risk of an infection is too high.

And on how to go for a ride with your dog, maybe some other time.