Page 27 - FWG Issue 8_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!

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.
Young children and beginner riders first learn the basics while on a lead rope with close and careful
Many stables provide a wide range of options supervision from a trained instructor.
and activities for the little ones, from one-
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:
it takes to care for a horse. This can include • Sun Valley Livery, Kyalami – 082 571 0309
grooming, and doing different activities while • Equidome Equestrian Centre Beaulieu – 083 457 7291
leading or riding. These pony camps give • Entwood Stables, Beaulieu – 072 274 6202
children the chance to do things that they
might not have been able to do in a normal Trail rides for groups and couples:
lesson, and they’re so much fun.
• Harties Horse Trail Safaris (Hartbeespoort) – 064 907 4827
• Horse Riding Adventure Pretoria (Cullinan) – 082 302 6564
Some stables also offer packages to couples, • SA Trails (Lanseria) – 082 533 4545
families and groups of friends, which may
include a lesson together in an arena or a scenic
ride through some quiet fields.

Fourways Gardens • 25 • September 2022