| If you are reading this article, you are probably | | | | internet, or watching TV. Working with horses gets |
| wondering how a person can be healthy by riding | | | | you outside in the fresh air. |
| horses. There are many different ways and reasons, | | | | 4>> Working with horses is not only physically |
| but I will list what I feel are the top 5: | | | | challenging, it is mentally challenging as well. You have |
| 1>> Riding horses is a huge calorie burner. A typical | | | | to be able to think on your feet when you are |
| ride burns 150-200 calories per hour, with the harder | | | | working with or riding a horse. To be healthy, your |
| ride being more. Many people do not realize that | | | | mind needs stimulation as well. You will work out both |
| riding is a great workout. They think that the rider | | | | mind and body when you are working with or riding a |
| just sits there and lets the horse do all the work. | | | | horse. |
| That may be true if you are going on a slow trail | | | | 5>> There is a social aspect to riding horses. Studies |
| rider with a bunch of horses that are nose to tail, but | | | | have shown people need friends to be healthy in |
| if you are really riding, it takes strength and stamina. | | | | body and mind. I have met many wonderful friends |
| Your riding strength comes from your core | | | | at the barn. While we all came from different |
| (abdominal muscles). If you are going to be in riding | | | | backgrounds, horses have tied us together. Having |
| shape, you will have a strong core. | | | | something in common is the basis for many |
| 2>> General horse-keeping is a workout. Think about | | | | friendships. Horses provide that solid foundation that |
| it -- grooming a horse, carrying a haybale, turning | | | | have us all cheering for each other when we ride. |
| your horse out or catching him, tacking up, all of it is | | | | If you are searching for a fun way to be healthy, |
| a workout. There is no part of horse-keeping that | | | | lose weight, and find a lifelong passion, riding may |
| does not burn calories and work your muscles. | | | | very well be for you. If you loved horses as a child |
| 3>> Working with horses gets you outdoors. When | | | | but never really thought about it as an adult, now |
| you are working with a horse or riding, chances are | | | | may be the time to get involved again. It is truly a |
| you will not be answering your phone, surfing the | | | | worthwhile endeavor. |