NCC: Land Lines – Between two ears: How horse riding makes me a better conservation biologist

April 11, 2022 | by Megan Quinn

There is no one single way to enjoy time in nature. Some people like to go on multi-day wilderness camping trips and fully immerse themselves in the forest, while others enjoy sitting under a tree and reading a book. A person’s connection to nature is deeply personal, but the most important thing is to spend time doing something you love.

As the coordinator of conservation biology for eastern Ontario with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), I’m lucky to spend a lot of time outside. At the end of the day, I’m often tired, and the last thing I want to do is go for another hike, so I usually turn to my favourite way of experiencing nature — looking between the ears of a horse.

I’m a competitive horse rider, and scheduling six training sessions a week on top of my full-time job can be challenging. For both my and my horse’s mental health, it’s important we take time to relax and unwind in nature. At least once a week, I make time to hit the trails and ride outside (an activity also known as hacking).

When I’m hacking, I experience nature in an entirely different way. I’m fortunate to work with a wonderful horse named Vegas. He is affectionate, sensitive, brave and never fails to put a smile on my face. His presence in my life grounds me, and no matter how exhausting or overwhelming my day is, it doesn’t feel complete until I’ve spent time with him.

Having this balance in my life allows me to be a better conservation biologist, because it helps me focus my attention, and take time to slow down. Working in conservation can be overwhelming, so spending time with horses allows me to maintain balance and avoid burnout.

Logistically, I literally see nature from a different perspective from the back of a horse. I’m higher up, so I’m closer to the trees, birds and other natural features I usually have to look up to see. Riding is an activity best done with friends, so I’ve used that opportunity to teach fellow riders about the environment that they enjoy spending so much time in.

The way Vegas interacts with nature also impacts how I see it. Horses are prey animals, so they constantly scan the environment for potential threats. I might ignore a rustle in the bushes, or a bird crossing the path, but Vegas sees and hears it before I do. One morning, we were even lucky enough to spot a barred owl, who silently watched us walk past.

Riding inspires me to spend time in nature in all seasons. Although I spend more time outside in the summer, going for a winter hack is a great way for both of us to enjoy time outside and switch up our routine. It can get a little chilly, but as long as both of us are dressed warmly, then it’s a lot of fun. I make sure to wear a lot of layers, and I put an insulated sheet over Vegas’ winter coat for an extra layer of protection.

When I’m working as a conservation biologist, I usually have a specific task to complete, so there isn’t always time to just experience nature. Hacking is my favourite way to make sure I’m letting myself appreciate nature in a way that feels right for me. When participating in your preferred outdoor activity, it’s important to have as little impact as possible. While hacking, I ride only on designated trails, and thoroughly clean my horse before and after riding to remove any possible invasive species that may have come along for the ride.

I encourage you to find your nature activity, big or small. You could take up a new outdoor sport, or visit a local accessible trail at your favourite nature reserve. As long as it’s an activity that helps you to feel more connected to the environment, then it’s a good way to enjoy nature.