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Why You Should Take Horse Riding Lessons | Zippy

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Zippy Equestrian center
Why You Should Take Horse Riding Lessons | Zippy

Horse riding is a great way to exercise. It is also a good way to relieve stress. It is important to learn how to control the horse. It is important to remember that the horse is a large animal and can hurt people if they are not careful.

Most beginners will need help getting on the horse. They will need to be lead to a mounting block or taught how to get into the stirrup irons.

Balance and Coordination

Horse riding requires a high level of balance and coordination. The rider must remain balanced on the 1,000-pound animal, even as they maneuver it in a variety of speeds and directions. This skill is particularly important for more advanced riding techniques, such as galloping and jumping.

To achieve this, riders develop core muscles, especially the inner thighs and abdominals, as they sit in the saddle. Additionally, they build shoulder and arm strength as they hold the reins, which are linked to a bit in the horse's mouth.

It takes a while for the rider to learn how to use their leg and seat aids correctly. The horse will also need plenty of repetition to associate these commands with a certain response. This is why STAR encourages riders to continue practicing their skills outside of the arena to reinforce what they have learned during lessons and at competitions. This practice will help the riders retain their new skills for the long-term.

Flexibility

Many riders need improved flexibility. Tight muscles can cause tension or lead to injury. Riders often do stretches on horseback as part of their lessons that help keep them limber and flexible. This is particularly important for riders with weakened core muscles due to hypotonia, which is common in riders with ataxic cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or multiple sclerosis.

Riding teaches improved coordination. Riders need to coordinate leg pressure, rein pressure and body position all at the same time. They also need to learn that horses respond best when they are calm and relaxed. This translates to better coordination in school, sports and other activities.

Learning to ride is also a great way for children to get outside and gain Vitamin D. It is a fun activity that builds friendships and provides children with the opportunity to develop social skills. In addition, it teaches them responsibility by teaching them to care for and train an animal.

Strength

Children spend a lot of time indoors with electronics and horseback riding is a great way to get them outdoors to exercise. It also teaches responsibility, which is important to their overall health and well-being.

Horseback riding requires a certain level of strength, especially in the legs. Riders use pressure from their legs to impart instruction to the horse, and strong legs are essential for stability in the saddle. Performing leg exercises, such as push-ups can help increase muscle strength for horseback riding.

The arms and abdomen are also important for a rider to maintain their balance in the saddle. Performing exercises, such as push-ups or the “superman” can help improve arm strength for holding the reins. A good amount of stamina is necessary for horseback riding, particularly if the rider plans on taking advanced lessons such as trail riding or bareback riding (riding without stirrups). Stamina can be improved through regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, playing tennis, shooting baskets, and so on.

Confidence

Horse riding involves more than just physical skill; it also relies on mental ability. Being constantly worried that you're not good enough can rob you of confidence and it's difficult to ride well under these conditions.

If you're lacking in confidence it's important to start slowly and to build it up again over time. This allows you to avoid overwhelming yourself and can also help you to stay safe. It's also important to recognise that confidence is a bit like a building; it needs strong foundations.

Many people lose their confidence after a bad fall or injury, a horse that doesn't behave as expected or even simply taking time out from the sport. It's also common for riders to feel nervous when they first get back in the saddle, and this is nothing to be ashamed of. Spending time with horses is known to release the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin and it can actually improve your health.

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