Is Horseback Riding Really Exercise?

You may have heard some “non” horsey friends pose this query! Perhaps even express the opinion that the horse actually does all the work, with the rider being a simple tag-along. Those misguided souls need some enlightening…and The British Horse Society is here to help!

Burn Those Calories!

Riding a horse can provide a good level of cardiovascular exercise. The BHS commissioned a study which found that just half an hour of horse related activity, such as mucking out, is classed as moderate exercise, while trotting can burn up to 600 calories per ride!

You even burn calories when you’re back in the yard, whether you’re grooming, moving hay bales, lifting saddles onto the back of a horse, or carrying buckets. Studies have proven this can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up 35%!

Improve Your Balance & Flexibility

You’ll stay in shape by staying balanced to keep you from bouncing around in the saddle while you ride; you’ll primarily use your core muscles.

In addition to the core, you’ll get a good workout in your inner thighs and pelvic muscles. This helps improve your balance and coordination, works on improving your muscle tone and your level of flexibility.

Mental Health

Horse riding has been proven to help self-confidence; riders may gain an increase in self-esteem and self-image. The study completed by The BHS concluded that horseback riding stimulated mainly positive psychological feelings, with reducing depression by 30% as well as lowering the chance of dementia by 30%.

Cross Training

In my opinion, there is no better cross training for riding than Yoga. As a matter of fact I think of it as complimentary training.

What is Equestrian Yoga?

Equestrian Yoga is an integral and flowing Hatha Yoga practice that addresses the specific postures and movements of the horseback rider’s body. It focuses on balance, flexibility, core strength, lower back, shoulders, and hips.

I have been practicing yoga for over six years now, and it has definitely helped with strength and balance. My practice also incorporates meditation, which helps with focus and concentration.

Physical And Emotional

Horses pick up on the emotional environment, including our own energy and are a true mirror of our emotional state. When our energy centers are balanced in harmony, horses and humans lead a healthier life!

You can use your breath as an aid to stay in sync with your horse even when fear and nerves arise during a ride.

Equestrian Yoga is suitable for all levels.

The yoga poses practiced will help you:

• Develop a deeper seat and lower your center of gravity by opening up your hips and building a stronger core
• Open up your shoulders so your arms can move more freely with the reins
• Improve your balance, being able to put more equal weight into your sit bones and stirrups
• Stay connected in the saddle while looking at that next jump
• Use your body, mind, and breath, to build that deep connection and relationship with your equine partner
• Be the student – let the horse be your teacher!

Here’s a video to get you started!

You Might Even Want To Practice with Your Horse!

So stop those “neigh” saying non-riders in their tracks. Horsemanship is excellent exercise!

 

Happy Trails & Namaste!