The Designed Rider: Uncovering the Purpose of the Horse

The Mystery of the Horse's Purpose

The horse-human partnership, spanning millennia, remains a source of fascination. From ancient battlefields to modern arenas, horses have served humanity in countless ways, shaping civilizations and accelerating progress. Yet, a fundamental question lingers, surprisingly unexplored: were horses *designed* to be ridden?

This very question has been bafflingly overlooked by scientists and equine experts alike. Despite the deeply intertwined history between horses and humans, the potential for intentional design in this remarkable relationship has remained largely unexamined.

The Scarcity of Research: A Design Dilemma?

Existing literature often dismisses the concept of horses being designed for riding. Works like Equine Science offer blunt statements claiming horses weren't designed to carry weight but provide no supporting evidence.

Similarly, Cherry Hill in How to Think Like a Horse suggests that while horses can carry weight due to their "suspension-bridge" anatomy, they weren't designed for it. This dismissive stance is echoed in numerous online articles, often citing the horse's back structure as the primary reason.

A Design Implication: Challenging Evolutionary Thinking

The reluctance to explore the possibility of design stems from its inherent implications. Acknowledging a design suggests a Designer, a concept at odds with evolutionary principles. However, if a Creator intentionally equipped horses for riding, it becomes another testament to the intricate interplay between humans and the animal kingdom, fitting seamlessly within the dominion mandate described in Genesis.

The Undeniable Historical Impact of Rideable Horses

History unequivocally demonstrates the long-standing practice of horse riding, dating back thousands of years. Horses' strength and rideability fueled human advancements, impacting transportation, communication, and warfare. As Carolyn Willekes noted in The Horse in the Ancient World, the moment humans realized they could harness equine power changed the horse-human relationship irrevocably.

A Menagerie of Mounts: Beyond the Equine

While horses stand out as the quintessential riding animal, history shows humans have utilized other creatures for transport. Camels, elephants, even reindeer and ostriches have served as mounts, albeit with less widespread impact than the horse.

Debunking the Objections to Riding

Arguments against horse riding often center around perceived "poor design," citing back pain and conditions like Kissing Spines. However, these arguments fail to consider the context of equine activities and the rigorous demands placed on these animals in competitive settings.

Poor Design or Mismanagement?

Contrary to claims of fragility, the equine back, fortified by the powerful Longissimus Dorsi muscle, is remarkably strong and well-suited for carrying weight. While not solely responsible for supporting a rider, it functions as part of the horse's intricate system in transferring force and supporting posture when working in unison with the other muscles of the horse's topline. Claims of "poor design" often overlook factors like age, training, and overall horse management, which play significant roles in equine health and well-being.

Christa Lesté-Lasserre, in her article "The Healthy-Backed Horse", affirms this, stating, "The equine back is an intricately designed structure, capable of supporting the horse's body mass and shape—as well as a rider."

Pain and Irritability: A Misunderstood Language

Attributing equine pain and irritability solely to riding is a flawed oversimplification. Horses experience discomfort for various reasons, many unrelated to carrying a rider. Careful observation and veterinary expertise are crucial to identifying the true source of any behavioral changes.

Kissing Spines: A Multifaceted Condition

While Kissing Spines is a genuine concern, its exact cause remains a subject of ongoing debate. Factors like genetics, saddle fit, and rider technique all contribute to this complex condition. As DVM Erica Lacher points out, "just because we see [Kissing Spines] doesn’t mean it’s a problem.”

Scriptural Support: A Prophetic Ride

While the Bible doesn't explicitly state horses were designed for riding, Revelation 19 offers compelling evidence. The depiction of Christ and the armies of Heaven returning on white horses strongly suggests that horses hold a divinely ordained role in this momentous event. Would Scripture depict Christ misusing His own creation? This prophetic image serves as a powerful affirmation of the intended purpose of the horse.

Conclusion: The Horse, a Designed Partner

Despite the limited and often dismissive research on the topic, evidence points towards the horse being intentionally designed for partnership with humans. Their historical impact, anatomical features, and even their symbolic representation in Scripture all support this conclusion. The horse, far from being a victim of "poor design," is a testament to the ingenuity of the Creator and a powerful symbol of partnership and purpose.