“Horsing around” is a playful and spontaneous activity enjoyed by people of all ages, often involving physical play and items like balls. The term originated from watching young horses play, and it can promote bonding and mental health benefits. Some people continue to enjoy horse games throughout their lives.
The English idiom “horsing around” refers to boisterous and silly play, particularly play with a childlike appearance. This can also be called a horse game, using a closely related term. This type of play tends to be improvisational and spontaneous and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from toddlers to mischievous adults. People often use the term endearingly, though it can also be used as a form of chastisement, as in “boys, stop hanging around!”
People started using the term “play horse” in the late 1500s. It appears to be related to the concept of young horses at play. Foals and fillies tend to play hard and rough, especially when they are taken out to pasture, and many people enjoy watching young horses play as they explore the outside world. Applying the description of “playing horses” to playing children was probably natural, given that both children and young horses show great curiosity and a love of entertainment when in the company of their own kind.
Getting around usually involves a physical appearance. People may develop elaborate games or simply engage in mock fights and mock fights that promote bonding while also building strength and dexterity. Items can also be involved in the horse game, especially if they can be used cooperatively. For example, people can play a modified version of a ball game with a large inflatable ball in the backyard.
In addition to being a good form of exercise for people of all ages, horseback riding appears to confer some mental health benefits as well. Play, laughter, and enjoyment appear to promote a more even, calm, and happy state of mind. For highly stressed people, a little play can help relieve tension and unhappiness, especially when it comes to friends. Children’s playgrounds are often designed to promote horse riding, with as safe an environment as possible so children don’t get injured.
Some people never lose their taste for horse riding, taking the opportunity to play whenever they get the chance. Others may channel their enjoyment of horse games into something like physical comedy, improvisational sketches, or developing more disciplined martial arts, yoga, and other activities. While some societies frown upon play among adults, putting your feet up occasionally can actually be a very beneficial activity.
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