How Does Horseback Riding Benefit Someone’s Health?

Equestrian activities have many benefits for the body and health. These include increased self-esteem, improved balance and coordination, and reduced muscle spasticity. It may be beneficial for people with disabilities as well. While it may be uncomfortable for some people, this activity can help them get more exercise and be healthier—just enough reason to convince you to buy horses for sale in Wisconsin. However, there are risks associated with horseback riding, so you should seek medical advice before embarking on an activity.

Increased self-esteem

Some studies have examined the role of horseback riding in improving girls’ self-esteem. These studies rely on qualitative data to identify which specific self-efficacy beliefs are improved in adolescents after engaging in horse-assisted activities. For example, one study in Florida suggests that riding horses significantly enhances self-esteem. The study found that participants’ self-efficacy increased by more than 10%.

Researchers surveyed more than 500 adolescents involved in horsemanship activities and found a significant positive relationship between their perceived social support and their overall self-esteem. The study also found that perceived social support significantly predictor horse handling skills. Overall, this study indicates that the benefits of horsemanship activities can contribute significantly to increased self-esteem. However, the authors caution that further research is necessary.

Improved coordination

Practicing equestrian sports can improve coordination, but there are a few things to remember before embarking on a regimen. While riding, the body must be aware of its movements, and coordination with the horse is crucial to the successful communication between rider and animal. In addition to developing body awareness, riding also improves coordination in other ways, including movement. A therapeutic riding program aims to develop coordination in riders with various disabilities, including those with physical limitations and chronic physical conditions.

According to Rheta D. Connor, a certified therapeutic riding instructor, many regular riders describe their horseback riding sessions as the most relaxing part of their day. She claims that these benefits are due to the equine movement and being outdoors.

Riding a horse also improves memory and assertiveness. The various processes involved in caring for a horse also develop fine and gross motor skills. The horse’s movement mimics that of walking, and riders are forced to rebalance themselves from time to time. 

Improved balance

Various studies have shown that horse exercise can help people achieve better balance. Horseback riding has improved stability, postural adjustment, and pelvis movement. As a result, patients with neurological disorders can also benefit from exercise. The same is true for individuals with various physical limitations. In addition to enhancing stability, horseback riding can improve motor functions, vestibular sense, and muscle strength. These findings support the possibility of horseback riding as an alternative treatment for balance disorders.

Properly aligning your center of gravity with the center of the horse’s center of gravity is crucial to maintaining good balance while riding. To achieve this, practice rising in a walk. Raise yourself slightly off the saddle and keep your weight through your heels. This exercise will improve balance and engage the core. When you are rising in the walk, make sure that you maintain contact with your reins and do not lean to one side or the other. It would help if you remain as upright as possible.

Reduced muscle spasticity

There is considerable evidence that hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding reduce muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Another benefit of horseback riding is its therapeutic benefits. The horse’s movement in all three spatial directions allows the rider to stretch and exercise the hip joints and legs, which helps reduce pain in the leg muscles. Moreover, the horse’s pelvis mimics human walking, making the rider’s posture more upright and less prone to leaning to one side. Therefore, horseback riding improves motility in patients with cerebral palsy.