In the past, or now, did people need a license to ride a horse?

No, a license was not necessary either in the past or now.

Not that I ever heard of.

License for a car, yes. License for a horse, no.

No.

Well, technically not in the Netherlands. But in some parcs a license is needed when you want to use a horse to ride in that area. I think most senior and serious riders will get a license of skilled riding on horses, its considered a serious hobby here and you would miss a lot of nice places to go. We also have an excellent and extensive road system for car drivers, so horses are not used for practical transport.