10 Great Reasons To Take Up The Horseback Riding For Good Health

Equestrianism (from Latin equester, equestr-, equus, 'horseman', 'horse'),commonly known as horse riding (British English) or horseback riding (American English), includes the disciplines of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses. This broad description includes the use of horses for practical working purposes, transportation, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, and competitive sport.
Horseback riding is a sport that many people typically filter under “not a real sport.” However, it is quite the opposite. Horseback riding can be a very intense sport or a leisure activity for the weekends. Horseback riding also has been found to “enhance self-confidence, behavior, and communication in children and adults suffering from physical, neurological and emotional difficulties”.

Here are 10 health benefits of traditional horseback riding:

1. Develops core strength.
One of a horseback riders’ strongest muscles is her core. Maintaining proper riding posture requires exercise of the core muscles in addition to the back and chest muscles. Also, it takes an engaged core to stay balanced on the horse.

2. Improves coordination

Coordination is an important skill for horseback riding. Not only does the rider need to coordinate her movements with the horse’s, she also needs to direct the horse in the right direction and over or around obstacles such as barrels and fences.

3. Encourages trust

In order to be a successful horseback rider, the rider must develop a trusting relationship with her horse. Horses, like any animal, can be unpredictable. If a rider has ever been thrown or injured while riding, it takes a great deal of effort to rebuild that trust. Learning to build trust isn’t just important between horses and riders, but in all human relationships.

4. Exercises the mind

Unlike idle activities such as watching TV, horseback riding exercises you physically and mentally. Mental exercise is an important benefit of horseback riding. As you continue to learn new things, your brain will store the information so you can perform the task again, and perhaps even better the next time.

5. Develops problem solving skills

As you become more advanced in your horseback riding ability, you might take on the challenge of a jumping course, trail ride, or horse show. You’ll have to master problem solving skills as you direct your horse. If your horse is unwilling to submit to your directions, you’ll have to think quickly about how to remain safe and in control of your horse.

6. Increases socialization

Horseback riding can increase your social circle. You’ll get to know your horse, instructor, other riders, and staff around the barn. The horse community is very social and full of people who will help each other learn about horses. Group lessons not only enable you to learn from your instructor but from your peers as well.

7. Creates time to relax

Horseback riding has an inherent relaxing effect. The natural rhythm of the horse aids in circulation and relaxation while gently exercising and massaging the rider’s joints, muscles and spine. These physical motions bring about feelings of relaxation naturally without any thought on behalf of the rider.

8. Provides opportunities to compete

There are many different types of horse competitions. From racing to jumping, Dressage to rodeo events, horse competitions provide a variety of ways to put your skills to the test. Training for a show and setting a goal can increase motivation and provide a healthy competitive outlet for riders. Riders who compete may even notice that they feel more driven and confident in other areas of their life outside of horseback riding.

9. Increases muscle tone and strength

Horseback riders develop a special strength known as stable strength. Even when not on the horse, riders are likely to engage in demanding physical activity around the stables. Mucking out stalls, carrying tack, and grooming horses increases muscle tone and strength. A new rider may have trouble lifting a heavy saddle, but after developing stable strength the rider will be able to lift it with ease!

10. Improves mental state

In addition to increasing feelings of relaxation, horseback riding can improve a riders’ mental state in other ways as well. Spending time with animals is believed to raise levels of the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin. With all these amazing health benefits of horseback riding, you can feel great about the time you spend riding, caring for, and enjoying the company of horses. Share these great benefits of horseback riding with a horse-loving friend.