One has a mind of its own, the other can reach speeds of 100mph, but both are considered by travellers as the ultimate way to travel.
Horse riding and car riding have much in common despite being very different modes of travel. In many countries around the world they are two most convenient modes of transport.
In this post we look at the similarities and differences between the two types of horsepower.
Both modes of travel have their dangers, which is why they are attractive to those who like to live on the edge. A horse has a mind of its own and while the rider can use their strength and experience to direct the horse they are never 100% in control.
Outside influences can cause a horse to bolt, buck, or stop and a rider has to have the confidence to be able to deal with the unpredictability. Car riding is safer in that a vehicle does exactly what you want it to do, yet is much more dangerous due to the speeds they can reach and the other automobiles on the road, especially in countries where the rules are more like mere guidelines.
Despite being completely different beasts there are many similarities between the two. The first is trust. A horse rider has to put trust in the horse in the same way that a rider has to put trust in the other drivers on the road and on the racetrack. Both can be unpredictable and dangerous.
It’s also believed that the “connection and feel” that riders have with a car and horse’s movement is comparable. A confident rider is one who understands their ride completely, knowing when to push on the pedal or pull on the reins at the right moment. In both sports the thrill of riding is doing it well.
A real world example that shows how similar car racing and horse riding are is to look at former Olympic athlete Victoria Pendleton. While she doesn’t race cars, per se, she did win a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in her cycling event. The overall idea of racing and casual driving has very similar qualities that can be transferred to horse riding. After retiring from the sport The Telegraph reported that Pendleton was sponsored by Betfair Horse Racing who cover notable events such as the Grand National, to become a competitive jockey within 12 months and compete in one of the UK’s hardest races.
Not only did she complete her training and compete, she also came fifth beating many jockeys who had been riding all their life. The skills she learnt on the bicycle were hugely important in her ability to carry out this feat.
We have looked at how they compare, now let’s take a look at how they differ. From a motorcycle enthusiast standpoint, Dirt Rider compared horsepower to horsepower in the only way they could: a competition. They put two horses with riders against two dirt bike riders and challenged them to multiple tests.
Speed, turning, and rider control were all judged. An example of one challenge was a test of direction and speed. Three barrels were set up in a triangle and the riders had to navigate around them as fast as possible.
Dirt Magazine reported that while the horses appeared to do it quicker, because they can turn a lot sharper, the bikes ultimately won as they could make up for lost time on the straights. After several more tests the site wrapped up that both challenged the rider and required a strong skill set to ride.
In conclusion, if you are thinking of travelling either by horse or car or motorbike, it is best to know the advantages and disadvantages. Yes, they are exciting ways to see the world and will allow you to meet many different people compared to flying on a plane or travelling by bus or hopping on a passenger ship.
