Horse Riding Options

Benefits of HorseRiding

Horseback riding comes with many mental and physical benefits for adults and kids. You can also apply the strength you develop from this activity to other areas of life. Mental health benefits Interaction with horses has been known to have therapeutic benefits. The emotional benefits of therapeutic horseback riding have been known to directly help treat those suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, depression, dementia, and other mental health conditions. Reduces stress Horseback riding allows you to take a break from life’s stressors and experience the fresh air. Spending time with animals and exercising releases a hormone called serotonin, which can improve your mood and reduce your stress levels. Mental exercise Like your muscles, mental exercises improve the function of your brain. Horseback riding provides a form of mental exercise by requiring you to think on your feet while in the saddle and through learning a new skill set. You also have the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills as you communicate with your horse and overcome obstacles together. Memory, assertiveness, and speech are all improved in the process, and these mental developments can be applied to other areas of your life. Both fine and gross motor skills are also improved through horse care processes, such as grooming and tacking. Feelings of relaxation Many regular riders describe the experience as the most relaxing part of their day. According to Rheta D. Connor, a certified therapeutic riding instructor, this relaxation comes from circulation and joint and muscle movement while riding. Moreover, simply being in the great outdoors enjoying a change of scenery with fresh air and foliage can provide a relaxing effect. Physical health benefits Along with its mental health benefits, horseback riding also serves as a form of exercise. Not only are you burning calories through regular movement, but you are also performing an isometric exercise by using your muscles to stabilize yourself on the horse. Improves core strength The stabilizing muscles that make up your core include your abdominals, hips, and lower back. A strong core comes with many benefits that are useful in everyday life, such as preventing injury, improved sports performance, decreased lower back pain, and better posture. Horseback riding helps develop these areas for everyday use but also to make you a better rider. Improves balance and coordination Not only do you have to keep yourself balanced on the horse while riding, but you are practicing coordination as you direct the horse in different directions. Increases muscle tone and strength There is not a muscle horseback riding does not strengthen. Outside of the core muscles, for example, riding engages your chest, arms, and legs. Improves circulation and flexibility Like many forms of exercise, horseback riding improves circulation. The rhythm of movement your body does while riding a horse promotes healthy circulation and stretches many of your muscles.