Saddle Up: The Physical, Mental, and Social Benefits of Horseback Riding

Physical Benefits

Horseback riding is a highly effective form of exercise because it’s fast-paced and targets multiple areas of the body. Some of the core physical abilities horse riding improves include:

Balance
Horse riding requires riders to maintain balance while in motion; to control the horse, they must sit tall while pressing their legs against the horse’s body. They also have to constantly adjust their posture to align with the horse’s movements. These actions tone and strengthen the core muscles, which are crucial to maintaining balance and good posture. Horse riders also quickly develop a better sense of equilibrium, which leads to improved agility and steadiness when walking.

Coordination
Another beneficial effect of horseback riding is enhanced coordination. Not only do horseback riders have to coordinate their movements with the horse’s gait, but they also have to look ahead while controlling the reins. Because these actions must be performed simultaneously, horse riding improves communication between the parts of the brain responsible for hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and fine motor skills. Novice riders typically notice improvements in coordination after six weeks of riding, with benefits increasing as they refine their skills.

Cardiovascular Fitness
Though experienced riders make horseback riding look effortless, it’s actually one of the most physically engaging forms of exercise. Riding a horse for just 45 minutes will elevate your heart rate and burn up to 200 calories, making it an effective way to build cardiovascular fitness. In terms of energy expenditure, horse riding is similar to jogging, but it places less strain on the joints, making it a better choice for older adults.

Riding horses for just a few hours every weekend can significantly lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and type 2 diabetes. It can also improve your bone and joint health.

Mental Benefits

Unfortunately, mental health issues are common in Canada, affecting one in three Canadians at some point in their lifetime. While the prevention of mental illness is complex, equine therapy shows promise as a complementary treatment. Likewise, even people who don’t experience mental illness report that regular horseback riding improves their mood and helps them manage tension and anxiety. Interacting with horses can benefit mental health in the following ways:

Stress Reduction
Spending time with horses in a tranquil, natural setting is among the most powerful stress relievers. Many people say that the rhythmic motion of riding is relaxing, along with the comfort of bonding with an animal. Plus, research suggests that spending just 20 minutes exercising in nature is enough to significantly reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Increased Focus
Riding demands concentration and teaches us to stay “present” in the moment, a core tenet of mindful thinking. Having to remain focused on a horse’s movements and behaviours is proven to improve concentration in other areas of life, especially in kids. According to research published in Frontiers in Public Health, horseback riding can boost several core cognitive abilities in children, including critical thinking and behavioural regulation skills.

Enhanced Confidence
Learning to collaborate and communicate with a majestic, powerful animal like the horse is a great way to build confidence. Similarly, overcoming challenges – like trail obstacles – and achieving learning milestones can be very empowering, especially for younger riders.

Emotional Bonding
The bond between humans and horses is one of the most successful animal partnerships in history, and it can be profoundly enriching. Horses are known for having intuitive, empathetic natures that allow them to connect deeply with their riders and form lifelong attachments. Beginner riders are often surprised by how quickly they develop a friendship with their horse – and how much horse and rider can learn from each other.

Social Benefits

Riding and caring for horses is a group effort that requires collaboration between riders, instructors, trainers, and stable employees. As such, it’s a great way to network and build interpersonal skills. The social benefits of horse riding are so profound that equine therapy is used to improve the well-being of kids with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Horseback riding contributes to social development and interpersonal confidence because it involves the following elements:

Community and Friendship
For many people, horseback riding provides a sense of community and belonging. When you join a riding group, you open the door to a network of like-minded individuals who share your passion for horses and equestrian sports. This cooperative atmosphere creates the opportunity to build lifelong friendships in a supportive, caring environment.

Teamwork and Communication
Horse riding, especially in group settings or during lessons, requires strong teamwork skills. Riders have to communicate effectively with both their horses and other riders to ensure the group achieves their goals and has a fun, safe experience. This process encourages the development of leadership abilities, responsibility, and cooperation.

Competition and Camaraderie
For those who choose to engage in competitions, horse riding builds a sense of camaraderie while inspiring riders to strive for their goals. Young people, in particular, stand to benefit from the personal growth that comes with friendly competition. Participating in equine events helps build resilience, motivation, and character – qualities that support success in many other areas of life.

Paso fino horses have several other traits that make them ideal for beginners, with their unique gait being foremost among them. Paso fino, which means “fine step” in English, refers to this breed’s natural four-beat gait, which lacks the jarring vertical motion of a trot. Instead of trotting, these horses move their feet laterally at precise, rhythmic intervals, with one foot hitting the ground immediately after another is lifted. This style of movement keeps the rider still in the saddle and creates the “smoothest ride in the world.” As such, the Paso Fino horse provides a comfortable, accessible riding experience for people of all ages, including people with back and neck pain.

The Paso Fino horse’s size and adaptability also make them a great choice for novices. Standing just 13-15.2 hands high, the Paso Fino breed is the perfect size for young riders. This horse also adapts well to various riding styles, making them a great “starter horse” with which to try different equestrian activities. Their history as ranch horses on Latin American plantations also imbued them with incredible stamina, making them one of the best trail-riding horses in the world.

Safety and Paso Fino Horses

Safety is often a top concern among novice horse riders, who may lack confidence in their ability to handle a large, powerful animal. Fortunately, this is another area in which the Paso Fino horse excels: As a working breed, the Paso Fino horse was bred to be calm, predictable, and dependable. These brave horses are neither timid nor reactive, and they’re extremely focused on pleasing their rider. These qualities give them a natural patience and willingness to work with novice riders.

Paso Fino horses also have physical traits that make them particularly safe for beginners. To navigate the challenging, mountainous terrain of their homeland, Paso Fino horses had to become very sure-footed, agile, and alert. On the trail, this allows them to anticipate and respond to obstacles and difficult terrain with ease, creating a stable, low-risk riding experience.

Remember that regardless of which type of horse you’re riding, proper training and supervision are critical to ensure a safe, enjoyable riding experience. Always choose a reputable, experienced Paso Fino horse farm for your first ride.

Before you attend your first horse riding lesson, make sure you have the following gear and equipment:
– Riding pants (often called breeches or jodhpurs)
– A light, breathable shirt that doesn’t restrict your movement
– Horse riding boots
– Chaps
– Gloves
– Helmet
– Safety vest

As you get more experienced, you may wish to purchase additional equipment, especially if you plan to lease or purchase a horse in the future. Other items to consider include a saddle, saddle pad and girth, stirrups, bridle and reins, grooming tools and fly spray, a horse blanket, and a first aid kit.

You should also set realistic goals and expectations for your horse riding journey. Like any sport or athletic pursuit, horse riding takes time, patience, and practice to master – so don’t expect to hit the trail or start jumping your horse on the first week! During your early lessons, you will learn how to mount, lead, and groom the horse and discuss horse tack. Depending on how much time you have, you may then learn how to ride the horse at a walk. As your lessons progress, you will learn how to handle faster gaits and, eventually, how to jump. Though each rider progresses at their own speed, most can expect to spend several months learning these core skills. However, taking lessons more frequently can help you learn more quickly.

Horse riding is one of the most enjoyable ways to enhance physical fitness, reduce stress, and connect with your community. With the help of a perfect “beginner horse” like the Paso Fino breed, horse riding will teach you patience and perseverance while deepening your love (and respect) for nature. It’s also a wonderful hobby for those hoping to make friends and boost their confidence.

To learn more about Paso Fino horses or find a horseback riding lesson provider near you, join the Canadian Paso Fino Horse Society today. Our passionate, welcoming community is here to help all riders – novice and experienced alike – discover the joy of the Paso Fino, the “smoothest riding horse in the world.”