Horse Riding is an outdoor recreational activity
that is gaining popularity because it is healthy and beneficial to the rider.
Contrary to the common misconception, horse riding is a sport that is far from
an idle and passive activity. Horse Riding
is an exercise by itself which is both cardiovascular as well as muscle
conditioning, and it improves many aspects of the rider’s life. There is little
limitation of age and abilities, making horse riding accessible and enjoyable
to adults and children alike. Everyone can start horse riding to be more
healthier.
Physical Benefits of Horse Riding
There are lot of
benefits of horse riding.
1. Being a form of exercise, horse riding improves
respiration and blood circulation as all exercises do.
2. What makes it different
is that the activity involves having a good posture on the back of the horse
for an extended period of time, which translates to better posture overall for
the rider.
3. It promotes balance and coordination during the movement of the
horse and the motor function of the rider improves as a result.
The rhythmic gait
of the horse induces a constant need for the rider to adjust accordingly, and
different muscle groups, especially pelvic muscles and postural muscles are
actively being worked on. At higher speed, other muscle groups such as
quadriceps and hamstrings are being worked on intensively.
The constant
adjustment and counter-reaction towards the horse’s natural gait, coupled with
good riding posture strengthen the spine, increase joint mobility, and
condition various muscle groups.
A seasoned
horseback rider will also develop great sensory integration with the
surroundings, developing alertness and able to perceive and handle emergency
situations better.
