Horseback riding is often associated with rodeos, the Old West, sporting events, and more. But when it comes down to the basics, horseback riding is a fun hobby!
It’s a great way to bond with an animal, particularly if you own the horse in question. It’s also a fun way to explore the great outdoors, practice an art that takes many a long time to perfect, and get some good exercise.
However, the investment of time and money may seem prohibitive. Are there good reasons to take up horseback riding? Our answer is an unequivocal yes!
We’ve assembled 7 benefits of horseback riding to convince you to try this fantastic sport.
1. Meet Up With Others
Social bonds are crucial to our emotional, mental, and social health. It’s important for people to have acquaintances, friends, and close confidants. However, it’s hard for many people to find those social bonds.
In the past, friends sprung up naturally through things like school or work. Many friendships arise from circumstances, forced continuous proximity, common interest, and mutual liking.
Without the constraints of work or school throwing us together with some of the most unlikely pals, how are you supposed to make friends? Many experts suggest participating in hobbies or clubs where you can meet people.
The best place to horseback ride for newbies is at a stable. You’ll learn how to ride, how to care for horses, and so much more. But one of the best perks is the fantastic people that you’ll meet over the course of your time at the stables.
2. Explore the Great Outdoors
Hiking, biking, walking, and running are all great ways to soak up nature. But sometimes, riding horses is the way to go. You can cover a lot more territory, have a fun adventure with your horse, and be able to explore terrain that’s not accessible in other ways.
If you work in a typical 21st-century job, whether you work in an office or at home, you spend a lot of time sitting. Lots of research has been done on the demoralizing effect of spending too much time inside, sitting around.
When you get into nature, it’s a proven de-stressor. The more time you spend getting some fresh air and exploring, the better!
3. Build Character
When you ride horses, you learn life lessons. You’re trying to control an animal that could kill you in a respectable, efficient manner. It’s a chance to demonstrate your love and respect for a knowledgeable horse that knows what they’re doing, while still exerting your control.
Riding a horse takes patience, commitment, respect, and humility. You won’t nail a hurdle jump on your first try. You won’t nail horse care without dedication and humility.
Building these character traits is crucial at any stage in life, and is a huge benefit of horseback riding lessons.
4. Get Exercise In
If you watch someone ride, it’s easy to think that you’re just sitting. The truth is, there’s a world of difference between sitting in an office chair and riding a horse!
In fact, new riders are often super sore. They find themselves with sore muscles that they never knew existed before. This is because riding a horse is often one long isometric hold.
These isometric holds occur in the core, pelvic, and thigh muscles. Keeping yourself upright and properly positioned on a horse, particularly for different riding styles, is definitely an exercise!
Riding a horse is hard on your body, too. And it’s a great way to burn some calories and build your core strength!
5. Get A Healthy Adrenaline Rush
Some riders, particularly young people, may find themselves seeking an adrenaline rush in unhealthy ways. Self-proclaimed adrenaline junkies may find themselves chasing a thrill through drugs, illicit activities, and dangerous actions that endanger themselves and others.
For some, replacing this adrenaline rush is necessary in order to keep themselves on the straight and narrow. This is one of the major benefits of horseback riding.
Galloping along a racetrack or through a field, or taking a hurdle at top speed, is quite the adrenaline spike! It could be just what you’re looking for.
6. Develop Problem-Solving Skills
When you’re driving, you have to make precise decisions in a split second. The same is true when you’re riding a horse. If a horse balks right before the jump, what do you do?
You’re responsible for your own welfare and that of the horse. You don’t want either of you to suffer an injury, destroy property, trespass on someone else’s land, or end up in a situation you can’t get out of.
Horseback riding helps you develop sharp instincts that help you make a gut decision at a moment’s notice. In the right situation, this can save your life! At Southern Trail Rides horseback riding, this is exactly what we can help you with.
7. Improved Mental Health
Like we already mentioned, getting outdoor can improve your mental health. But horseback riding itself gives you a great psychological boost, too!
There are a few reasons for this. The most obvious one is exercise. Many of us feel great, often referred to as a runner’s high, after strenuous exercise. This is true after horseback riding, too.
It may seem ludicrous to refer to a horse as a pet. But bonding with a pet, or any other animal we feel close to, can be a major mood boost. This is great for our mental health!
Benefits of Horseback Riding
If you’re interested in horseback riding, there’s no time like the present. Even if you don’t have a horse or land to own one or even previous experience, horseback riding lessons can equip you with everything you need. riding
With a riding helmet and the right outfit and footwear, you’ll be set to have fun with an activity that millions enjoy around the world!
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