When they’re not busy ripping off their turn out blankets or rolling in mud, horses can evoke an undeniable majesty and loyalty that can be quite motivating. It’s no wonder Hollywood has made numerous movies that celebrate these creatures’ noble spirit, like War Horse, Hildalgo, Seabiscuit and, of course, Black Beauty.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite inspirational horse quotes in an attempt to convey just how we feel about our beloved equines and as a little reminder why we muck stalls, get our toes stepped on, and chase our horses around the field when they don’t want to come back in.
1. A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character. – Frederico Tesio
Italy has given the horse community a wealth of treasures, including top tier leather utilized by brands like Nunn Finer and Ovation. However, no Italian export has had greater sway on the equestrian world than Frederico Tesio. He is one of the most celebrated thoroughbred breeders and trainers during the early half of the 1900’s, as many of his horses remained undefeated throughout their careers. Having been orphaned at a young age and a soldier in WWI, Tesio clearly knew a great deal about perseverance and emotional strength; while he proved to be ahead of his time in regards to breeding genetics, he never underestimated the importance of an unbreakable spirit.
2. There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. – Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was a brilliant leader and, apparently, a huge horse lover! After WWI there were a huge number of war horses that were left on foreign soil where they were often being sold to local butchers or otherwise dying of starvation and disease. Churchill vowed to get them back home and return them to their original families, and get them back home he did! He believed that horses were special creatures that deserved more than the fate that awaited them after the war, and for that we thank him.
3. Closeness, friendship, affection: keeping your own horse means all these things. – Bertrand Leclair
A famous French novelist, essayist and playwright, Bertrand Leclair not only had a passion for words but a passion for horses as well– even devoting entire works to them with Les Chevaux en 1000 photos in French, and then 1001 Images of Horses in English. Like Leclair, we believe there’s nothing quite so special like the bond between a horse and their owner.
4. The wagon rests in winter, the sleigh in summer, the horse never. – Yiddish Proverb
Before cars and machinery, there were horses. During such times, horses were used more so as a necessity for transportation and field work than for the pleasure riding and companionship we have them for today. This Yiddish proverb tells the story of the horse’s dedication and heartiness in just a few well-chosen words.
5. When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: he trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes. – William Shakespeare, Henry V
Even ole’ Billy Shakespeare had something to say about horses, and his love and appreciation for them was written into many of his works. This English playwright took the time to name the horses in his stories and often had his characters portray intense emotions towards their equine companions. While his words may have inspired millions around the world, there’s no doubting that the most successful writer to ever live found his muse in horses.
6. Preserve his natural gaits. Preserve his personality. Preserve his instinct to go forward. Do this and you must be successful because you are respecting nature’s wisdom. – Franz Mairinger
Franz Mairinger was a well-known Austrian equestrian who went on to coach the Australian equestrian team for the 1956 Olympic Games in Stockholm, as well as pen the book Horses are Made to Be Horses. Mairinger had a natural gift for understanding horses and how their minds worked. We believe this quote accurately represents Franz Mairinger’s feelings toward horses as well as our own. You’ve got to trust your horse!
7. The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears. – Arabian Proverb
In Arabian culture — specifically that of the Bedouin people — the horse is a prized member of the household and was even brought into the family tent to protect them from theft and sand storms. Thought to be a gift from Allah, horses held a special place in the hearts of Middle Easterners, as is reflected in this inspirational quote.
8. There are only two emotions that belong in the saddle; one is a sense of humor and the other is patience. – John Lyons
John Lyons is a name known to many a rider. Known for his philosophy of natural horsemanship, he believes that a close partnership between rider and horse allows you to sense what your horse is thinking and feeling so you can train them with better results. Any rider can testify to the truth in this quote. Some days your horse moves so well it’s like you share a brain. Other days, you wonder if he’s misbehaving this to spite you. On those days, it’s definitely helps to have a sense of humor and some patience while seated in the saddle.
9. We will never have to tell our horse that we are sad, happy, confident, angry, or relaxed. He already knows — long before we do. – Marijke de Jong
A believer in ‘straightness training’ to improve the horses balance, Marijke de Jong is a highly respected trainer, instructor and rider. She has worked with many rider and horses, and is believes that ‘bad’ horses are simply misunderstood. We love this quote because it’s something that we see every day! Just like a best friend you’ve known for years, a horse can pick up on how you’re feeling even when you’re trying to hide it from yourself.
10. The hooves of horses!
Oh! witching and sweet
Is the music earth steals from the iron-shod feet;
No whisper of lover, no trilling of bird,
Can stir me as much as hooves of horses
Have stirred.
-William Henry Ogilvie
William H. Ogilvie was a beloved poet and horseman. A Scottish-Australian, he wrote mostly about his love of these animals and the wild outback, and drew from his experiences as a horse breaker, station hand, and drover. Though he is mostly popular in Australia and Scotland, we think his work can inspire riders all over the world.
So there you have it; our top ten favorite inspiring horse quotes! We love seeing what others have to say about their equestrian experiences, and put into words what we cannot. It’s hard to express the emotions that horse ownership and riding can evoke, but we think these people have done a pretty great job.