To the casual observer it may look like all the rider has to do is just sit there, be happy and enjoy the horse ride. Clearly, the horse does all the work! If you’re a rider you will know that this isn’t the case and that there is much more to both riding and caring for a horse than one might expect. If you think about it, properly looking after and caring for a horse, takes a lot of time, love and dedication. Of course the benefits of caring and riding a horse are immense enjoyment, physically and mental fitness and a chance to enjoy the open countryside. Horse riding is an enjoyable hobby and sport for adults and children alike, whilst teaching children the importance and responsibility of caring for an animal. So where to start on the clear health benefits a horse can bring you? Physical There are a whole host of health benefits from caring and riding a horse, ranging from helping your internal organs to work better for you to losing weight. Horse riding improves balance, coordination and motor function. These in turn helps to strengthen muscles, reflex acceleration, prevention of muscle cramps, increased joint mobility, boosting the cardiovascular system, improving blood circulation, stimulation of sensory integration and improved visual perception of space. Of course all this physical exercise will also help to stimulate internal organs, aiding liver function, digestion and a healthy heart. Now the calorie bit – as you groom, clean stables, carry saddles, equipment or bales of hay you are also doing weight-bearing exercise that helps maintain bone mass. Together with increasing the speed and ride duration will increase the intensity of your work out and burn more calories. Clearly a good thing ready for the summer season!
Mental As you progress with riding and horse ownership you will always have questions and problems. Even at www.scottishhorsehelp.co.uk , where we are experienced equestrians, we admit there is always something new to learn, hence the reason we launched our Equido Training programme, http://www.equidohorsemanship.co.uk the only government recognised qualification in natural horsemanship, to help and educate people. This continuous learning will keep your brain active and exercised.
Emotional We have always found, like many people companionship and solace while working with the horses we care for. We understand that horses are a kindred spirit in tune with our own feelings and emotions; more so than any human companion. Therefore, in times of stress a horse can be a quiet friend, who is without judgement. For more information please feel free to call Morag on 01698 886 492 or email on contact@scottishhorsehelp.com.