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Horse Video Games: Lessons for the Equestrian Industry

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Horse Games Are Unrealistic-But Sometimes I​ Wish They Weren’t

The allure of virtual equestrianism ‌is strong, offering ‍a fantasy world far removed⁤ from the realities of⁤ horse ownership. while games ⁢like Rival Stars are ‌gaining ⁢attention for their in-game economies, they’re not alone in offering a simplified, and often financially rewarding, horse life. Howrse ‌allows ⁣players to establish an equestrian center​ and instantly receive 25,000 Equus, with ongoing income generated through jobs, competitions, and horse sales. Similarly, Horse Isle ⁤ provides significant ‍bonuses for‌ completing quests and unlocking​ new areas, alongside the potential for​ passive income through ranch management. This stands⁣ in stark ‌contrast to the financial demands of real-world horse ownership, where⁢ expenses consistently outweigh any potential “daily salary.”

You Can Have So Many Ponies!

The practical and ethical concerns surrounding horse hoarding ‍are well-recognized⁢ in the equestrian world. For many, ⁢responsible ownership ⁤means focusing on the well-being of a limited number of⁤ animals.⁢ However,virtual barns offer a different experience. Players⁢ can amass collections of horses, unrestricted​ by the limitations of space, time, or‍ finances, and often featuring breeds⁣ and‍ colors that defy real-world possibilities.

This echoes the simple appeal of classic ⁣games like Herd Your Horses, where the core‍ objective was⁤ simply ​to acquire more horses.‌ In these virtual environments, increasing the number of animals ‍translates to increased success, money, and prestige – a far cry from the complexities of ​managing a single horse’s needs.

Everyone is a Perfect ⁣Trainer!

The process of horse ‍training in reality‍ is often incremental, marked by progress and setbacks. Virtual games frequently bypass‍ this nuanced process. Frequently enough,⁢ a single action ‌- a ‌button press – can instantly unlock advanced maneuvers like a piaffe.This raises a ⁢wistful question: what if achieving confidence ⁣over a ⁣3’6″ course were that simple?

The intricacies of real-world riding, such as lead changes and maintaining ⁤proper distances, are often absent from these games. Developers face the challenge of realistically animating‌ these complex movements, and frequently enough prioritize gameplay over precise replication. ‍While a real rider relies ‍on subtle aids⁤ and ‌body positioning, virtual riding often boils down to a simplified “kick and pull” system. Though​ undesirable ⁢in a real-world context, animated pixels​ don’t suffer the consequences of insensitive hands or desensitization.

You Have So Much Staff Support!

The success enjoyed‍ within games​ like​ Rival Stars is frequently enough supported by a comprehensive team. Players benefit from a virtual staff including property owners, managers, flat racing trainers, cross-country‌ trainers, and even social media​ managers. This ​contrasts sharply with the reality for‌ many equestrian professionals, who often juggle multiple‌ responsibilities independently.It’s likely that many⁢ real horse trainers simply don’t have the time to engage in⁢ virtual horse⁣ games alongside their demanding careers.

Shows are Full of Cheering⁢ Fans & Sponsors!

Perhaps the most appealing, and unrealistic,⁤ aspect of horse‌ video games is the excited ​support.Virtual competitions are consistently filled with cheering spectators, and​ sponsorships are readily available, often in exchange for ‍watching advertisements ​or completing⁢ simple tasks. While the prospect of having training ‌time halved isn’t realistic, the⁣ desire for⁤ increased sponsorship and funding within the equestrian world is very real.If video games can envision such enthusiastic ⁤support, ⁣it offers a glimmer⁣ of hope that reality might follow ‍suit.

Ultimately, no video game ‌can ⁣replicate the challenges, dedication, and emotional investment of real horse life. However, these virtual ⁢worlds ⁣offer a welcome escape – a place where ponies remain healthy, finances​ are always positive, and‍ success is readily attainable. While we may not be able to ​convince reality ⁢to mirror Rival Stars or Howrse,a rider can always‍ dream.

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