RIDING MAKES YOU SWEAT
Horseback riding is a sport that has many physical benefits. A one-hour ride can burn similar calories to that of a 30-minute jog (6 mph) or cycle ride (9 mph). Therefore, all the health benefits associated with engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise are gained. After your first ride, you may feel muscles that you never knew you had!
Benefits include:
- Improved balance and muscle strength
- Improved coordination, faster reflexes and increased motor skills
- Stretching of tight or spastic muscle
- Increased range of motion of joints
- Improved respiration and circulation
- Stimulated sensory integration
- Improved visual-spatial perception
- Improved eye-hand coordination
RIDING MAKES YOU THINK
Horseback riding is a great activity to help exercise your mind. Controlling a large animal challenges you to pay close attention to your actions. Your horse will rely on you to make decisions and practice good judgement.
Benefits include:
- Increased vocabulary application and recall
- Increased verbal integration and participation
- Improved attention and concentration
- Improved sequencing and planning skills
- Improved judgement and critical thinking skills
- Improved flexibility in thinking
RIDING MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD
Horseback riding has been identified as an activity that can provide therapeutic benefits. Simply being outdoors and enjoying the countryside will boost your general well-being and act as a great stress buster. Furthermore, developing a relationship and sense of trust between yourself and a horse can have a profound effect on your confidence.
Benefits include:
- Improved self-confidence
- Improved assessment abilities
- Development of patience
- Improved emotional control and self-discipline
- Improved expansion of control
- Development of respect and care for animals
