Question:
If it brings both me and my horse happiness, can I horseback ride on the Yom Tov days of Succot?
Answer:
It is permitted to ride a horse on Chol Hamoed, but not on Yom Tov itself, even if it gives you happiness. The rule regarding riding a horse on Yom Tov is the same as on Shabbos- we don’t ride on any animals. It is true that we are supposed to be happy on Shabbos and Yom Tov, because H-shem wants us to be happy on these days sincethey are holy. Therefore aside from being happy, we have to make sure that these days stay holy, and we therefore have to be careful not to voiolate them halachically.
Have a good Yom Tov
