Physical Benefits of Horse Riding

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.