The Benefits of Horse riding
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Horse riding may be one of the most expensive hobbies and sports out there. However, it is worth every penny.
Horse riding really works the core muscles that stabilise your middle section: the abdominal, back and pelvic muscles. Horse riding is an isometric exercise, which means you use specific muscles to stay in certain positions. For example, it is important when maintaining balance for a long period of time whilst riding a horse that you use these muscles to stay in place, otherwise you would fall.
This is a full body workout that will force you to engage muscles you didn’t know existed, as your muscles will be constantly adjusting to the movement and form of the horse.
There are many movements that need to happen simultaneously while riding in order for the horse to be properly guided. This will improve coordination skills as you multi-task using all of your body to assist the horse with moving in the correct direction.
Along with core muscles, the inner thighs and pelvic muscles get the biggest work out. A rider has to maintain a squat-like position while they ride to sit comfortably with the horse’s movements. This exercise helps with good overall muscle tone, balance and flexibility.
Riding horses has no limits: riding for the disabled has been known to be therapeutic and hugely beneficial to those who have specific needs. Those with various disabilities may find horse riding beneficial as it can offer them a chance to maintain and regain mobility and remain active for longer.
Doctors recognise that there are significant therapeutic benefits for everyone; the warmth and three-dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider’s body, gradually making the rider feel more relaxed. Riding strengthens core stability, and improves balance, posture and coordination.
Whilst horse riding, you will be using your thinking skills. It is important to use quick thinking as you are riding a large, powerful and unpredictable animal that has a mind of its own. There are so many mental benefits to horse riding. Horse riding is a natural stimulator of the hormone serotonin. Serotonin is a natural mood enhancer, which leads to a feeling of well-being during and after exercise.
Horse riding is a great way to socialise and meet new people from all types of backgrounds. It is a very common and much-loved sport and hobby, where many people develop friendships simply due to having this interest in common.
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