How an Equestrian Workout can Benefit Physical and Mental Health

Horses have long captivated the hearts of individuals around the world.

From the exhilaration of galloping across an open field to horse therapy for anxiety, horses offer more than just a thrilling experience. In fact, it provides countless benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Together we will explore the remarkable advantages that equestrian sports offer.

Physical Health Benefits:

Whether mucking out a stable or schooling for your next dressage (stressage) test, riding horses requires a lot of physical effort. Exercise for equestrians offers an exceptional full-body workout. As riders we must maintain strength and flexibility. Sit up, shoulders back, leg long- easier said than done! Riding requires us to use our core, legs, arms and back muscles; to name a few.

We have all heard it, “You just sit there, the horse does all the work...” the phrase that will boil any equestrian’s blood. Talking of- riding elevates our heart rate increasing blood circulation, along with our respiratory rate strengthening lung tissue, leading to enhanced cardiovascular and respiratory health, a nice horse riding exercise.

Riding encourages a wide range of motion in our joints, particularly the hips, knees, and ankles. The need to isolate movements requires flexibility and coordination.

Mental Health Benefits:

When riding, there is a lot to think about- “Inside leg to outside rein, look up, shorten your reins, thumbs on top, Leg, Leg, Leg!”- things we have all been told at one point. This heightened level of concentration promotes mindfulness, allowing us to clear our minds of distractions and be fully present in the moment.

The sense of achievement that comes from mastering new skills and building a bond with the horse can greatly boost mood and self-confidence. The accomplishment of overcoming challenges while working with these animals spurs a sense of pride and joy.

EC Pro opens accessibility to riding centres through an easy-to-use online booking platform, allowing people to book sessions to spend time with horses and engage with in equestrian activities which can be incredibly therapeutic. Being around such beautiful animals and caring for them creates a calming effect that helps reduce stress levels and promotes relaxation.

Some riding centres offer horse therapy for mental health, utilising interactions with horses as a therapeutic tool which has proven to be effective for individuals with various mental health conditions. Equestrian activities have shown positive results in treating anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. The unique bond between horse and rider can facilitate emotional healing and personal growth.

In conclusion, the therapeutic nature of spending time with horses offers a multitude of benefits. EC Pro makes horse riding accessible to more people, this enables a greater volume of people to benefit from the therapeutic nature of spending time with horses. Riding centres also offer private sessions allowing the development of valuable skills, boosting self-confidence and overall health. Therefore, it is clear to see that horses are invaluable in the pursuit of both physical fitness and mental well-being.