Horse riding is a popular sport for many, but why do people love it so much? Here are some of the reasons why equestrianism is on the rise and reasons to love horse riding.
Reasons to love horse riding
1. Learn New Skills
No one simply hops up on a horse and knows how to ride. Handling, steering, and controlling a horse are skills that all have to be learned before becoming a proficient rider. From walking and trotting, all the way to cantering and galloping, there are techniques and methods which must be learned to handle your horse correctly and safely. For this reason, most people choose to take lessons with a rising school to learn the necessary skills.
2. Horse Intelligence
It has to be said that horses are smart. As an animal with an above-average intelligence level, many riders appreciate the ability of the horse to interpret and respond to instructions and commands. When horses are properly trained they can understand and react to hundreds of instructions and perform many different and complex manoeuvers.
3. Improve Balance and Strength
Horse riding requires more than just the knowledge associated with riding practices. Staying on a horse while it’s in motion will take strength and the ability to remain centred and balanced. Over time most riders discover that their strength and balance improve as they become more experienced riders.
4. Challenge Own Abilities
While riding a horse can be a thrilling experience it doesn’t end there. Once riders are proficient there are a number of other equestrian skills that may be learned that go far beyond standard rides or hacks. Dressage, jumping, and cross country are all advanced riding skills that riders may choose to specialise in, creating an ongoing challenge to their own capabilities.
5. Outdoor Experience
Horse riding has a great appeal for many people due to the fact that it’s a great way to spend time in the great outdoors. Riding trails, hacking, or trekking can allow people to get out into the fresh air and enjoy nature. New areas can be explored and you never know what birds or wildlife you might see while out on a ride.
6. Adrenaline Rush
It has to be said that riding a horse can provide a thrilling rush of adrenaline like no other sport. Sitting on a horse and feeling its power as it goes into a full gallop can be exciting and exhilarating. Many riders love to feel the rush of air and hear the pounding of hooves, and some ride for this reason alone.
7. Physical Fitness
In addition to gaining strength and balance abilities, many riders find that their physical fitness improves from riding. Stamina, endurance and fitness levels can increase as horse riding is a physically demanding sport. Many people find that their weight reduces and legs, thighs, and buttocks can tone and strengthen as the muscles are used with more intensity than normal.
8. Social Expansion
Horse people are generally nice people and riders are usually ready to provide help and advice to one another. Those who attend a riding club or school can benefit from connecting with like-minded people to share tips and stories. It is an opportunity to make new friends and expand your existing social circle.
9. Mental Health
Riding horses can provide many benefits not just physically but mentally too. Physical exercise in any form is good for fighting off things like depression and the adding bonus of being around intelligent animals is also fantastic for enhancing the mood. There is also some evidence to show that being around horses can reduce the chance of developing diseases like dementia.
10. Human-Animal Connection
As horses are intelligent, the connection between rider and horse can be a powerful one. Horses can recognise their owners and sense mood shifts or changes in emotion. This leads to an understanding and communication with horses that can create a strong and compelling bond for many riders.
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