The physical and psychological health benefits of horseback riding have been studied by many and proved by countless riders around the globe. Since humans began domesticating horses around 4000 BC, the valuable health benefits from the association with horses -in the old world and the modern one- are massive.
Studies have suggested for years that the impact that nature and/or animals have on humans is profound. Usually we interact with either our pets at home or go out once in a while to enjoy nature; still, the well-being we attain from it will leave us with a positive psychological feeling that will motivate our personal and social lives. Horseback riding, as a hobby or as an Equestrian sport, combines the best of both of these worlds in a wholly relaxing experience; and therefore the benefits we get from the interaction with animals and nature -at the same time- are a total gain for your body, your mind and your well-being.
So without further ado, here are the 7 Health Benefits we can get from horseback riding:
- Builds up your Core Strength: The core includes your abs, lower back, and obliques; and horseback riding develops and strength these muscles. Studies have shown that the whole body trunk (including the pelvic muscles) stabilizes and helps you out with rhythmic coordination that it is instinctively attained when the body is adjusting and learning how to move with the horse.
- Coordination and Balance: Isometric exercises are the activities that use specific muscles to stay in certain positions. Horseback riding is an isometric exercise that develops your trunk muscles and posture strength to achieve extreme coordination and balance. Your whole body moves at the same time and you are part of a whole synchronized beautiful equilibrium.
- Toned and Flexible Muscles: As you may have noticed already, horse riding is a complete workout. Equestrians must keep balance and a squatting position when riding, so this exercise strengthens not only the core muscles; but also the inner thighs and the pelvic muscles helping us keep an overall muscle tone and flexibility.
- Don’t worry, Be happy!: Studies have also shown that due to the interaction with animals and nature, a rider’s brain engages in a meditative state that translates into a happy, relaxed, and active individual. It also helps with negative feelings related to anxiety and depression. Many equestrian feel calm and relaxed after riding their horses. And what’s more, these benefits will be present long after the session is over. Even if you do not ride regularly, the fact that you are outdoors and in contact with nature will impact your brain positively.
- Mindfulness: We are constantly hearing about the benefits and importance of being aware of ourselves and our surroundings; well, horse riding helps you attain that exponentially. We have talked about how riding stimulates mainly positive psychological feelings; but besides that; it has been proved that the mental activity that riders experience when they are riding helps them forget about all other problems and just focusing on the environment, the horse and the self. Each riding experience creates such a state of peace and relaxation that is hard to compare with other activities.
- A Quick Mind: This one we have to see it coming, after giving your body a complete workout and the ease of mind that comes from the interactions with nature and your horse; you are helping and training your brain to develop a mind with rapid problem-solving skills. For equestrians, quick thinking is vital, each ride demands concentration and strength. You need to interact and communicate with a powerful animal, so your mind is in constant developing, and as you are sorting this out, within seconds, you are expanding and creating new cells. Welcome new neurons!
- A Beautiful Community: Finally, we have to encourage new riders and aficionados to come and enjoy the wonderful San Juan Capistrano’s Equestrian Community. Our team of instructors and their students have created a supportive community, where you will meet not only warm-hearted people who are also active, happy and welcoming. Horseback riding certainly opens a brand new world and a new community for riders. It also provides you with opportunities to compete within a healthy atmosphere of enthusiastic friendship. There are tons of gorgeous trails in San Juan Capistrano where you can get in touch with nature and bond with fellow equestrians.
If you would like to try Horseback Riding Lessons in San Juan Capistrano feel free to learn more about Reveal Equestrian in San Juan Capistrano here or call us at (203) 906-3479. For competition updates, check out our blog.
