Riding, Dressage, and Horses in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Horseback Riding: A Hobby of the Past or a Profession of the Future?

In today’s world—filled with technology, artificial intelligence, and advancements in robotics—some activities seem anchored in the past. Is horseback riding one of them? Is it merely a romantic hobby destined to fade away, or a practice that will adapt to modern times? To answer this, it helps to reflect on the role of horses throughout history and their connection to our deepest human needs.

From Past to Present: Horses and the Transport Revolution

For centuries, horses were essential for transport, agriculture, war, and trade. Without them, much of civilization would not have progressed. However, with the arrival of the car in the early 20th century, their practical role was sidelined.

This reminds us of what happened to artisans during the Industrial Revolution: when machines began mass-producing goods, handmade objects shifted from being a necessity to a luxury. Today, a piece of handcrafted furniture or a work of art is valued not for its utility, but for the care and “soul” it represents. Similarly, riding has evolved from a necessity into an art form that connects humans to something greater: nature, time, and interspecies harmony.

What Does Riding Offer in a Digitalized World?

Psychologist Marian Rojas Estapé speaks about how we live in a constant state of “digital alert” due to social media and screen excess. According to her, the brain needs moments of disconnection to avoid chronic stress and achieve genuine happiness.

Rojas explains that happiness is built upon two pillars:

Love: Not just romantic love, but a deep bond with other living beings. Riding and practicing dressage offer a unique way to connect with an animal as sensitive and noble as the horse.
Self-Fulfillment: A sense of achievement and purpose is fundamental to our well-being. Training a horse, overcoming challenges, or simply achieving a harmonious session are experiences that offer a profound sense of fulfillment.

In this sense, riding is not just a sport or a hobby; it is a tool for finding real happiness in a world that often disconnects us from what truly matters.

The Future: Will We Ride More or Less?

As AI and robotics advance, many labor tasks will become automated, freeing up our time. This opens two possible scenarios:

Digital Dominance: We could spend even more time in front of screens, increasing anxiety and the emotional disconnection we already experience.
A Return to the Essentials: Conversely, we might seek activities that reconnect us with nature and ourselves. This is where horses and dressage play a crucial role.

In a future where the material and the digital are just a click away, real experiences will become increasingly valuable. Riding could become one of the most authentic ways to live in the present moment—a form of “emotional luxury” that reminds us of our humanity.

Lessons from the Past: The Transformation of Work

The relationship between humans and horses has changed before. When the car arrived, many believed horses would disappear from our lives, but they didn’t. They transitioned from work tools to partners in sport, therapy, and leisure.

Similarly, the internet transformed how we work, but it did not eliminate our need to connect, learn, or create. We can communicate across the globe in seconds, but that cannot replace the value of a physical and emotional experience, such as the one felt when training a horse.

Conclusion: Horses, Technology, and the Human Balance

In a world moving toward total automation, riding is not an activity of the past, but a bridge to the future. It allows us to disconnect from digital noise, reconnect with nature, and remember that, beyond machines, we are human beings seeking love and purpose.

Will dressage have a place in the coming centuries? Undoubtedly. Because in a world where almost everything will be digital, the connection with a living, breathing being will be an emotional luxury we won’t be willing to give up.