Horseback riding dates back thousands of years. For one thing, it was the primary mode of transportation in many countries until automobiles took over.
While that’s not the case anymore, many people still ride for personal enjoyment. Equestrian sports such as vaulting, show jumping, or reining are a thing as well.
Thinking of getting into it? Want to learn more about equine assisted therapy and how it works? If so, you’re on the right page.
We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about the topic below. So make sure to read till the end!
Benefits of Horseback Riding
Horseback riding can benefit your health in more than one way. Here are a few things that it can do.
It Can Strengthen Your Muscles
Horseback riding targets the core muscles that support the trunk. More specifically, it works the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles.
Not only will it strengthen them, but it’ll also improve your coordination and stability. If anything, you just need the right equipment, which you can get from Country & Stable.
It Can Relieve Stress
Horseback riding can help lower stress. Ultimately, this has to do with the release of endorphins—chemicals produced by the body that can enhance your mood.
Not only that, but the natural rhythm of the horse’s trot can also be relaxing.
It Can Improve Your Stability and Balance
Riding a horse requires you to keep your balance regardless of the terrain that you’re covering. Over time, this can improve your stability.
In other words, you’ll be less likely to fall and get hurt—even when you’re not riding.
It Can Improve Your Coordination
Horseback riding requires significant coordination. After all, you have to be able to control your leg pressure, body position, and rein pressure simultaneously.
Only then will you be able to ride properly.
What Is Equine Assisted Therapy?
Equine therapy is a type of experiential treatment that involves horses. For example, you may be asked to feed a horse, walk a horse, or groom a horse under the supervision of a mental health professional.
While it has been used for decades, it has only gained popularity in recent years.
Benefits of Equine Therapy
Equine therapy can be used to treat various conditions such as attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, depression, eating disorders, and anxiety. Not only that, but it can help those with behavioral issues as well.
Other potential benefits include increased independence, self-esteem, adaptability, social awareness, and distress tolerance.
Note: Equine-assisted therapy is often used in combination with traditional treatment—that is, it’s rarely used on its own.
Getting Started in Horseback Riding
Hopefully, that gives you a better idea of what equine assisted therapy is and how it can help. As you can see, there are several potential benefits!
For more similar posts, visit the rest of our website!
Writing allows me to pour my heart out in words. So, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past 6 years. I strive to bring in a change in the world by taking tiny steps of curating the right message that needs to be conveyed.
