Page 33 - Dainfern Precinct Living issue 7 2022

Health & Wellness

Young children and
beginner riders first learn
the basics while on a
lead rope with close and
careful supervision from a
trained instructor. Image: Dan Senior

mproved balance, coordination, and
healthy bone and muscle growth are Once confident and
just a few of the many benefits that capable, more advanced
regular sports and physical activity riders will canter, jump, and
Iprovide to children and adults alike. even train for shows with
However, horse riding comes with the their horses. Teamwork
bonus of increased self-confidence, self- makes the dream work!
esteem and sense of well-being. Besides,
who doesn’t love stroking and nuzzling
the gentle giants at any of the nearby
stables just outside of Dainfern.
Horse riding is no different from any
other sport in the way that it provides
benefits to your physical health. The
rhythm and movement of the horse
improve the rider’s circulation and help
to stretch muscles, promoting flexibility
and range of motion. Riders also have
increased balance and coordination, as
these critical skills are needed to stay
on the horse while learning to ride. In
addition to building muscle and bone problem-solving skills as you work With so much to gain from horse riding,
strength, you get an excellent core together with the horse to overcome it’s easy to see why there are so many
workout. The muscles that are mostly challenges and obstacles. No matter beautiful stables in the area where you
worked during horse riding are those whether you’re grooming, tacking can learn to ride and reap the rewards.
in your thighs, lower back, hips and up, leading, feeding or riding, there Many stables provide a wide range
abdominals – essentially, your core. are many mental and emotional
benefits in store for you and your of options and activities for the little
The mental health benefits of horse horse. Aside from bonding and the ones, from one-on-one lessons to
riding are plenty, and this is especially physical exercise provided by these group lessons, once off to multiple
why it should be considered as a hobby activities, you also improve your times a week. Pony camps provide an
that you should do regularly. Frequent memory, speech and assertiveness. opportunity for children to learn about
interaction with horses fosters love and It doesn’t end there, as studies have what it takes to care for a horse. This can
a sense of compassion towards animals shown that the vibrations produced by include grooming, tacking the horses
and teaches the importance of being a horse can activate the sympathetic and doing fun activities while leading or
gentle and kind to other beings. There is nervous system (responsible for the riding. These pony camps give them the
also a great sense of freedom associated body’s involuntary response to stress chance to do things that they might not
with horse riding as you feel the wind and danger), improving the cognitive have been able to do in a normal lesson,
blowing through your hair, hear the ability of the rider. With improved and they’re so much fun.
sounds of nature and see the open fields memory, communication and speech, Some stables also offer packages to
and blue sky all around you. problem-solving and attentiveness, couples, families and groups of friends
horse riding enhances learning and – that include a fun lesson together in
When riding, you have the opportunity can help your academic or work an arena or a scenic ride through the
to develop communication and performance. quiet fields.
30 DPL issue 7 2022 DPL issue 7 2022 31
DPL issue 5 2022 33