Exploring the Fascinations and Challenges: Why Zebras Aren't Ridden Like Horses
A conversation over coffee with a colleague who is a trivia enthusiast had me contemplating an intriguing question: why don't we ride zebras like horses? While zebras and horses may look similar at first glance, they possess distinct characteristics that make them unsuitable for our equine endeavours. Let's delve into the reasons why.
The Distinct Characteristics of Zebras
Zebras are not domesticated as we know horses. Far from being mere horses with stripes, they are a unique species with their own set of traits. Unlike horses, zebras can be more aggressive, unpredictable, and difficult to train. Trying to ride one would be akin to attempting to mount a honey badger, as my colleague humorously suggested!
A Unique Social Structure
The social hierarchy of zebras is different from that of horses. In the wild, they do not have an equivalent to the lead mare or alpha system that horses possess. Establishing a leadership role with a zebra is more challenging, making it hard for humans to tame them.
The Physical Differences
Zebras and horses have noticeable differences in their physical structure. Zebras are generally smaller and less robust compared to most riding horses. Their backs are not designed to carry the weight of a human rider. Adding to this, their smaller size makes them less suitable for the job.
Historical Attempts and Limitations
While zebras have not been successfully domesticated for riding, there have been attempts in history. Some zebras were ridden and even used in zebra-drawn carts. However, these attempts were limited and often unsuccessful. For example, a racehorse trainer in 2009 managed to ride a zebra to the pub but ultimately failed in teaching it to jump, as no stripy Grand National winners have been seen since.
The Science Behind Zebras' Behavior
Zebras are more closely related to asses and have evolved in environments surrounded by larger, more dangerous predators. This has contributed to their nervous, flighty, and aggressive nature. The Swahili term for a friendly zebra translates to 'lunch,' highlighting the potential danger these animals present.
Evolution and Adaptation
Zebras' first instinct is to run away, but they are also capable of fighting back with powerful kicks and nasty bites. Their nervous and aggressive nature makes them less ideal for domestication. Some zebra breeds can be docile enough for riding, but as a species, they are not well-suited to being managed by humans.
Zebras in Human History and Culture
While zebras were not typically used in traditional riding, their unique appearance and behavior led to a brief trend of using zebra-drawn carriages in the late 19th century. Despite this, most people wisely opted out of riding these 'edgy' equines.
Potential for Future Domestication
While it is theoretically possible to domesticate zebras, it would be a challenging and time-consuming process. Horses were likely less agreeable during the early stages of domestication, but the effort might be redundant given the domesticated horse's widespread use.
In conclusion, while zebras are similar to horses in appearance, their distinct characteristics, wild nature, social structure, and physical attributes make them unsuitable for riding. These fascinating creatures continue to intrigue us, even as we cease to use them for the same purposes as horses.
Image Credit: Rare Historical Photos