Horse Riding is one of the most majestic, noble, proud, magical, powerful, beautiful, living breathing art, the embodiment of grace, athleticism and strength, are just a few ways we humans describe horses, since man’s romance with horses has been rather brief. It was at some obscure moment that man’s relationship with horses
was born.

The heart of man was stirred and his hunger aroused, but it was not for food, it was for an experience partly of physical exhilaration, the thrill of dominating or becoming one with a strength many times his own, partly aesthetic and mystic and partly composed of elements which present day psychologists have not yet finished studying. The fact that the horse holds a mysterious fascination for many human beings has enabled him to survive into this modern age. It was in the sphere of war and transportation that the horse became a silent but potent director of human ways of life. The horse himself is one of natures, expressions of fluid Poetry. At his best the horse himself is a dashing and romantic creature. Thus much of his dash and glory brushes off onto the riders, since it has been influencing mans life to the best
of his silent ability.

Qualities such as loyalty, integrity and honesty are a part of the horse’s natural being. A horse always gives us an honest response of what is represented to it. It has no ego to cloud its perception. Through interaction with horses we can learn to know ourselves better as the feelings of trust are learned by children and horse the same way. Horses are totally honest. They never lie, they are incapable of doing so since they are more forthcoming in
their feelings, physically and emotionally as they are not concerned with an “Image”. Horses prefer peace as by nature they are prey animals; always wary of a possibility of a nearby predator which makes them know and understand terror.

Horse riding teaches us to communicate, learn patience, timing, institution and awareness. Riding horse’s entails much more than just sitting on a horseback and waiting for the horse to take you for a ride. It is not about winning or losing like many other sports, it is about being in touch with one’s self and finding one’s unique talents and abilities. Just think of horse riding as a metaphor for empowerment, a metaphor for concentration, a metaphor for the strength we all have but do not think we have. Mastering horse-back riding and doing it well gives people a strong sense of self confidence and achievement.

Just learning to care and tend to horses helps develop a strong sense of responsibility and the meaning of commitment. Horse riders benefit from the exercise without having to endure the boring repetitions of going to the gym as you can burn over 400 calories an hour. Horse riding also affords us the opportunity to work muscles and muscle groups we rarely use or develop in other sports. The calories burnt in various forms of riding are (a) Walk-400, (b) Trot-450, (c) Canter-514 (d) Gallop-558. It is the only sport where the body and the mind are exercised together. Hacking out in to the countryside offers a wonderful healthy escape from the usual hectic schedule and mundane life. Just being with horses reduces the stress level in human beings.

Horseback riding is a physical therapy is a rapidly growing concept the world over. The benefits have proven to be enormous for individuals with all types of disabilities including cerebral palsy, spinal, bi fid an autism and mental retardation. Research has shown that therapeutic riding gives physical, emotional and mental rewards. Horses provide a great deal of emotional and spiritual healing. Children faced with acute illness need mental as well as a physical deprivation from their pain, the horse provide children with the much needed outing and gives them an identity outside being ill.

7. Some very strong reasons why people must take on horseback riding are

(1) It provides great mental relaxation.
(2) It exercises the mind.
(3) It exercises emotions.
(4) It exercises feelings.
(5) It inculcates a sense of responsibility.
(6) It inculcates a sense of commitment.
(7) It develops qualities such as honesty, integrity, loyalty.
(8) It improves communication skills.
(9) It helps one to understand one’s self and others better.
(10) It teaches patience, institution and awareness.
(11) It helps overcome fear.
(12) It exercises the complete body.
(13) It helps develop every muscle.
(14) It burns 400 calories an hour.
(15) It increases muscle strength by up to 50% without adding bulk.
(16) It improves blood circulation.
(17) It helps tone your body.
(18) It develops better coordination and team spirit.
(19) It gets you up and out into the fresh air.
(20) It is a great way to relax, unwind and beat stress.
(21) It gives you access to some beautiful countryside and people.

8. The unique relationship that forms between the horse and rider leads to an increase in ones confidence courage and self- esteem. It indeed ordains man with a glory beyond any figment of imagination. For the very sight of the rider and the horse manifests a spectacular sight of supreme power as they glide past the enthralled spectators. Yes it is this quest for power that entices all the onlookers to be an integral part of this great feat. 

Develops core strength.
One of a horseback riders’ strongest muscles is her core. Maintaining proper riding posture requires exercise of the core muscles in addition to the back and chest muscles. Also, it takes an engaged core to stay balanced on the horse

Improves coordination. 

Coordination is an important skill for horseback riding. Not only does the rider need to coordinate her movements with the horse’s, she also needs to direct the horse in the right direction and over or around obstacles such as barrels and fences.

Encourages trust.

In order to be a successful horseback rider, the rider must develop a trusting relationship with her horse. Horses, like any animal, can be unpredictable. If a rider has ever been thrown or injured while riding, it takes a great deal of effort to rebuild that trust. In a horseback riding lesson, you might work on trust building exercises with your horse. Learning to build trust isn’t just important between horses and riders, but in all human relationships.

Exercises the mind.

Unlike idle activities such as watching tv, horseback riding exercises you physically and mentally. Mental exercise is an important benefit of horseback riding. As you learn to communicate with your horse, execute movements, and overcome obstacles, your brain will store information on how you completed these tasks. As you continue to learn new things, your brain will store the information so you can perform the task again, and perhaps even better the next time.

Develops problem solving skills. 

As you become more advanced in your horseback riding ability, you might take on the challenge of a jumping course, trail ride, or horse show. You’ll have to master problem solving skills as you direct your horse. If your horse is unwilling to submit to your directions, you’ll have to think quickly about how to remain safe and in control of your horse.

Increases socialization.

Horseback riding can increase your social circle. You’ll get to know your horse, instructor, other riders, and staff around the barn. 

The horse community is very social and full of people who will help each other learn about horses. While private lessons are an excellent way to gain centered attention and work on specific skills, group lessons provide a social experience. Group lessons not only enable you to learn from your instructor but from your peers as well.

Creates time to relax. 

Horseback riding has an inherent relaxing effect. According to certified therapeutic recreation specialist, rheta d. Connor, “the natural rhythm of the horse aids in circulation and relaxation while gently exercising and massaging the rider’s joints, muscles and spine”. These physical motions bring about feelings of relaxation naturally without any thought on behalf of the rider.

Provides opportunities to compete. 

There are many different types of horse competitions. From racing to jumping, dressage to rodeo events, horse competitions provides a variety of ways to put your skills to the test. Training for a show and setting a goal can increase motivation and provide a healthy competitive outlet for riders. Riders who compete may even notice that they feel more driven and confident in other areas of their life outside of horseback riding.

Increases muscle tone and strength. 

Horseback riders develop a special strength known as stable strength. Even when not on the horse, riders are likely to engage in demanding physical activity around the stables. Mucking out stalls, carrying tack, and grooming horses increases muscle tone and strength. A new rider may have trouble lifting a heavy saddle, but after developing stable strength the rider will be able to lift it with ease!

Improves mental state. 

In addition to increasing feelings of relaxation, horseback riding can improve a riders’ mental state in other ways as well. Spending time with animals is believed to raise levels of the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin. 

To back up these claims, the british horse society conducted a study on the health benefits of horseback riding. Through a survey of over 1,200 horseback riders, they discovered that more than 80 percent of survey participants reported that horse riding made them feel ‘quite a lot’ or ‘extremely’ cheerful, relaxed, happy or active.