Most non-riding people assume that the horse does all of the work during a horseback ride. This is far from the truth! Horseback riding is a good, full-body workout and can improve your life in many ways. Here are just a few of the benefits of regular horseback riding.
Strength Training
Horseback riding requires a significant amount of strength. Staying upright in the saddle requires quite a bit of core strength. Regular horseback riding can help tone and build strength in your abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles. It can also build strength in your thighs and other leg muscles. Many riders find that they have to exercise separately to build the strength for longer rides.
Cardiovascular Workout
Besides the strength building, horseback riding also provides significant cardiovascular benefits. The faster the horse moves, the harder your body has to work to stay upright in the saddle. This can significantly raise the heart rate and provide an excellent cardiovascular workout.
Coordination
When you are horseback riding, you need to coordinate the movement of multiple muscle groups to stay upright and in control. This is why regular horseback riding can help you develop your coordination. Horseback riding can also help you develop excellent problem-solving skills, because you’ll have to react quickly while riding.
Meditative
Besides all of the physical benefits, there are many emotional advantages to horseback riding. Focusing solely on the ride can help you achieve a meditative state, which can result in significant emotional benefits. Horseback riding has been shown to help with depression and anxiety. It also allows an individual to form an emotional connection with a horse.
Horseback riding has many benefits! It provides multiples benefits to your body as well as your emotional state. Caring for a horse has further benefits, including strength building and muscle toning.
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