Benefits Of Horseback Riding

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Everyone has different motivations for wanting to horseback riding. There are countless advantages to riding a horse that all horseback riders can enjoy. You might believe that you don’t need this knowledge if you already ride. But I do hope you’ll keep reading. I’m sure I’m not the only equestrian to have encountered someone who was wondering why I enjoyed riding so much. Please share this blog post if you must the next time this occurs. And if you’re thinking about taking up a new activity, perhaps the details provided below can persuade you to join the ranks of riders.

When I was five years old and saw the first time, “The Black Stallion” and “The Black Stallion Returns,” I got the horse bug. I was five. Reading every book I could get my hands on about horses after that. I was able to begin taking riding lessons when I was 10 years old.

Eventually, my parents caved into the constant pleading. My primary pastime has always been horseback riding. As a result, I have direct knowledge of several advantages of horseback riding. I am aware that my involvement with horses has shaped who I am today.

Let’s talk about some advantages that frequent horseback riding can provide.

horseback riding
horseback riding

Positive Personality Qualities

Riding a horse teaches responsibility to both individuals who ride and those who care for the horses. Horse owners need to be knowledgeable on how to treat their animals when they are ill or injured.

It takes a lot of time and effort to learn everything there is to know about horse health, along with tack and farm maintenance, in order to use that information on a daily basis for the horse’s benefit.

Additionally, horseback riding teaches self-control, patience, discipline, understanding, empathy, and compassion. The rider will not succeed in their study of horsemanship without these qualities.

 

Physical Fitness From Horseback Riding

Physically hard horseback riding can keep you in shape. In fact, since the 2011 publication of research commissioned by the British Horse Society (BHS) to examine the physical health, psychological benefits, and well-being advantages of recreational riding, it is now regarded as moderate-intensity exercise.

Together with Plumpton College, the University of Brighton conducted the study.

Researchers found that riding three times a week for at least a half-hour is moderate-intensity. This level of activity exceeds England’s guidelines for the minimum amount of activity.

Furthermore, riding-related activities burn energy at a moderate intensity. Along with grooming and saddling, riding a horse can burn hundreds of calories. Note that actual calorie expenditure depends on body weight, exercise intensity, level of training, and metabolism.

Psychiatric Wellness From Horseback Riding

The BHS study found that riding horses primarily elicited favorable psychological reactions. According to more than 80% of rider survey responses, riding a horse gave them the feeling of being “quite a lot” or “very cheerful, calm, happy, or active.” Building confidence and self-esteem via riding is possible.

Feelings of “I can do this” have a significant impact when a rider learns to stay on while simultaneously achieving goals established by themselves or a riding instructor. In any case, biking is not simple. And not everyone is capable of doing it. The ability to ride well is one that not many people possess. Riders may experience an improvement in their self-esteem and self-image in addition to their self-confidence.

Also read about: 6 Best Types Of Blue Parrots

Companionship

Like humans, horses are sociable animals. People who participate in therapeutic riding programs have already reported feeling better as a result of being able to converse and connect with animals. As a former volunteer for therapeutic riding programs, I have observed kids who were reserved around strangers. However, they relaxed and communication was easy when they were among horses.

The therapy horse served as a friend and confidant to the kids. The BHS study found that “contact with horses” was one of the main drivers behind equestrian riding. Many equestrians consider their horses to be their closest friends since they make such amazing companions.

 

Competition

Those who enjoy competition can participate with their equine partner in a variety of disciplines and horse sports. The possibilities are virtually unlimited, ranging from hunter/jumpers through reining, dressage, driving, eventing, vaulting, polo, trail classes, gaited contests, and western sports like reined cow and barrel racing.

 

Transportation

Let’s not overlook the primary purpose for which mankind initially domesticated horses and started riding them: transportation. The decision to use horses as a means of transportation significantly altered the direction of human history.

This is why horses are still used in many civilizations. And ultimately man learned how to drive horses for others who didn’t enjoy riding.

Getting Back to Nature

We get outside and are more in tune with nature when we ride horses. Our culture spends a lot of time inside. Every chance we get, we should go outside with one of our most beautiful animals to get some exercise and fresh air.

In fact, survey respondents from the BHS study stated that this is the reason many riders began riding.

horseback riding
horseback riding

Lifestyle Of Horseback Riding

A distinct lifestyle can result from riding horses. However, it is up to the rider to decide what kind of horse-related lifestyle they want to have. For instance, some people enjoy living rough and free on a ranch with working horses. The rider who attends numerous shows in an effort to earn ribbons and establish themselves as the greatest in a circuit or show series may be on the other extreme of the spectrum.

Or perhaps you only want to bike occasionally as a weekend warrior. Additionally, there are a variety of lives and modifications as well as the option to design a completely original lifestyle.

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