Page 19 - Blue Valley Issue 4_2022

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Once confident and capa ble, more advanced riders will canter, jump, and even train for shows with their horses. Teamwork makes the dream work!

matter whether you’re grooming, tacking up,
leading, feeding or riding, there are many
mental and emotional benefits in store for you
and your horse. Aside from bonding and the
physical exercise provided by these activities,
you also improve your memory, speech and
assertiveness. It doesn’t end there, as studies
have shown that the vibrations produced by
a horse can activate the sympathetic nervous
system (responsible for the body’s involuntary
response to stress and danger), improving
the cognitive ability of the rider. Through
improved memory, communication and
speech, problem-solving and attentiveness,
horse riding enhances learning and can help
your academic or work performance.
With so much to gain from horse riding, it’s
easy to see why there are so many beautiful
stables in the area where you can learn to ride
and reap the rewards.
Many stables provide a wide range of options Young children and beginner riders first learn the basics while on a lead rope with close and careful
and activities for the little ones, from one- supervision from a trained instructor.
on-one lessons to group lessons, once off to
multiple times a week. Pony camps provide an
opportunity for children to learn about what LESSONS AVAILABLE CLOSE BY: TRAIL RIDES FOR GROUPS
it takes to care for a horse. This can include AND COUPLES:
grooming and doing different activities while • Bluestone Equestrian in Centurion
leading or riding. These pony camps give – 072 570 9281 • Harties Horse Trail Safaris
children the chance to do things that they • Cornerstone Equestrian Centre and (Hartbeespoort) – 064 907 4827
might not have been able to do in a normal Stud, Centurion – 084 350 7238 • Horse Riding Adventure Pretoria
lesson, and they’re so much fun. • Sun Valley Stables (Beaulieu) (Cullinan) – 082 302 6564
– 082 571 0309 • SA Trails (Lanseria) – 082 533 4545
Some stables also offer packages to couples, • Shepherd’s Fold Stables (Lanseria)
families and groups of friends, which may – 084 220 2657
include a lesson together in an arena or a
scenic ride through some quiet fields.

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 4 2022• 17