Benefits of horse riding
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There are many equestrians all over the world that ride for fun, to compete, to feel freedom and several other reasons behind it. This blog will feature a few points of why horse riding is beneficial to maintain a healthy body and having fun.
Physical Excercise
Horse riding is a great way to get fit and maintain a physically healthy body. The core muscles, inner thighs and pelvic muscles get the biggest workout while riding. Balance and coordination are also are a major part of riding exercise. Cantering or jumping is much more difficult than a walk or trot. The rider must "develop coordination skills to move the body with the horse in order to help the horse stay balanced". Trotting, however, is very difficult by either using your inner core to sit trot or the thighs and calves to stand up and rise to the trotting beat. Aside from riding, being an equestrian still has a major impact on the body. Cardiovascular exercise is targeted by the hours spent walking through paddocks and around the grounds. Lifting hay, scooping feeds and shovelling manure uses certain muscles
Responsibility Values
Horse riding is very beneficial for all ages however this point is generally targeted at teenagers. When working around horses and often on top of them, you develop responsibilities when taking care of them and fulfilling duties such as grooming, feeding and exercising. Teenagers, in particular, are known for getting into trouble etc however being involved at a barn takes up time and will keep you away and out of trouble. This also contributes to time management skills as you have to be organised to get all the jobs done plus have the time to tack up, ride, cool down/untack, feed and rug etc and the list goes on.
Mental Exercise
There are thousands of equestrians all over the world that ride regularly and own horses. So there must be something that's keeping us so addicted to it right? Many people ride for the feeling of freedom and peace. There are always serious competitors however many people pleasure to ride for the fun and enjoyment of it. Horses have a therapeutic value that relaxes and brings happiness. Such a great way to chill after school exams or a busy day at work.
Friendship Opportunities
After taking lessons or even buying your own horse, you may start looking around for groups or clubs to join. Many equestrians are part of a pony club which involves regular meetings that offer a chance to learn about the welfare of horses, to ride with friends and participate in activities together. Depending on where you live, there are generally a few events around such as pony club gymkhanas, jump clubs and a variety of ag shows. The more events you attend, you will meet many people who participate in the same ones and appear often around the grounds. It is great to have riding friends, whether they're close or if you just say hi in the warm-up ring, it is always fun to know they're around. Horse riding offers so many different opportunities to meet new people and create long-lasting friendships.
So if you're looking to take up a new hobby over the holidays or just want a fun, relaxing activity to do, why not contact a local riding school and experience the benefits of horses for yourself?
Physical Excercise
Horse riding is a great way to get fit and maintain a physically healthy body. The core muscles, inner thighs and pelvic muscles get the biggest workout while riding. Balance and coordination are also are a major part of riding exercise. Cantering or jumping is much more difficult than a walk or trot. The rider must "develop coordination skills to move the body with the horse in order to help the horse stay balanced". Trotting, however, is very difficult by either using your inner core to sit trot or the thighs and calves to stand up and rise to the trotting beat. Aside from riding, being an equestrian still has a major impact on the body. Cardiovascular exercise is targeted by the hours spent walking through paddocks and around the grounds. Lifting hay, scooping feeds and shovelling manure uses certain muscles
Responsibility Values
Horse riding is very beneficial for all ages however this point is generally targeted at teenagers. When working around horses and often on top of them, you develop responsibilities when taking care of them and fulfilling duties such as grooming, feeding and exercising. Teenagers, in particular, are known for getting into trouble etc however being involved at a barn takes up time and will keep you away and out of trouble. This also contributes to time management skills as you have to be organised to get all the jobs done plus have the time to tack up, ride, cool down/untack, feed and rug etc and the list goes on.
Mental Exercise
There are thousands of equestrians all over the world that ride regularly and own horses. So there must be something that's keeping us so addicted to it right? Many people ride for the feeling of freedom and peace. There are always serious competitors however many people pleasure to ride for the fun and enjoyment of it. Horses have a therapeutic value that relaxes and brings happiness. Such a great way to chill after school exams or a busy day at work.
Friendship Opportunities
After taking lessons or even buying your own horse, you may start looking around for groups or clubs to join. Many equestrians are part of a pony club which involves regular meetings that offer a chance to learn about the welfare of horses, to ride with friends and participate in activities together. Depending on where you live, there are generally a few events around such as pony club gymkhanas, jump clubs and a variety of ag shows. The more events you attend, you will meet many people who participate in the same ones and appear often around the grounds. It is great to have riding friends, whether they're close or if you just say hi in the warm-up ring, it is always fun to know they're around. Horse riding offers so many different opportunities to meet new people and create long-lasting friendships.
So if you're looking to take up a new hobby over the holidays or just want a fun, relaxing activity to do, why not contact a local riding school and experience the benefits of horses for yourself?