Get a young woman on her horse and she feels free...alive. At the Diamond Mountain Stables in Calistoga, young women say riding their horses gives them a feeling of empowerment...like they can do anything. While many young men also enjoy horses, at virtually every horse stable you will find the majority of riders and jumpers are women!

What is behind this connection between horses and young women? Trainer Macella O’Neil says there are many reasons for the bond. She says that riding and jumping horses takes a great deal of commitment, patience and physical endurance. If a woman is able to control a horse, she is left with a feeling of strength and empowerment. It is quite and accomplishment to establish a long-lasting relationship with a horse.

O’Neil also points out that the very nature of horses is endearing to many young women. Horses are generous, emotional, loyal creatures. In many ways, horses possess all the qualities we would want to see in our closest friends...or even our spouse! The big joke around the horse stables is that women get more gratification from their horses than they do their husbands. While this is a joke, O’Neil says there may be some truth behind the jokes. Horses bring so much to a young woman’s life. Through horse training, a woman learns valuable lessons about dedication to a sport, discipline, and commitment. In their horse, they often find a loyal friend for life. 

If you have questions or comments about this story, please E-mail us at calheart@kvie.org.