If you have ever jumped on the back of a horse after having a bad day, then you probably already know that riding a horse can turn a bad day into a good one. Horseback riding is therapeutic and there is nobody who would agree with such a statement more than horse riders themselves. However, horseback riding can do more than emotional healing. It is now actually being used as a type of physical therapy for those with disabilities. Furthermore, there are people out there benefiting from the therapeutic value of horses without even having to get in the saddle. Below we are going to explain seven great reasons why horseback riding is one of the best therapies out there.
You Need Focus to Ride a Horse
There really is no better way to forget about your problems than getting up on the saddle. Riding a horse is something that requires you to focus completely. As soon as your mind starts to wonder, you will find that your hose has decided to wander too, which can lead to some dangerous situations. If something is troubling you and you have the option of going horse riding, you should snatch at that opportunity with both hands as it gives you the chance to forget about your worries for an hour or so.
It Will Make You Strong
When you are on the back of a horse you need to be emotionally and physically strong. You need intelligence and understanding to ride a horse properly, but you also have to be able to stand up and take control. The strength that you will develop when riding a horse is something that you can apply to other areas of your life.
It Teaches You How to Control Your Emotions
When you are on that saddle, there really is no room for anger or fear. As a horse rider, you will learn techniques to control your emotions that you will be able to use in your day to day life. Whether you are dealing with an energetic horse or heading back to the barn after a poor showing at an event, experienced horse riders will know how to control all of their emotions.
It Teaches You to be Patient
Sometimes when you are riding you need to learn to take a breath, sit back, and try again. Learning the art of patience is something that can be really therapeutic, and patience is something that will always come in handy in other aspects of life as well.
You Will Learn How to Forgive
One of the greatest benefits of riding a horse is that you will learn to forgive the horse and yourself. You will soon learn that nothing is ever perfect while riding and you will quickly learn to forgive your horse for any mistakes it makes. Remember that the horse does not want to make a mistake, so please never be too harsh on it. Riding will teach you how to let all of the little things go and to appreciate what is actually important.
You Will Learn to Trust
When you are sitting on a horse, you are entrusting your safety to a 500-kilogram animal. However, at the same time, the horse is trusting you enough to allow you to climb onto its back. The fact that a magnificent creature trusts you so much should be a rewarding realization.
You Will Feel Accomplished
There really is no better feeling than executing the perfect jump or slow Western jog, for example. Horse riding is a skill that requires a lot of discipline, but this is what makes your reward so much sweeter. Horse riding will make you feel that you have accomplished something in life, and it can make you feel a lot more confident about yourself.
Watching Horse Racing Instead
However, if you fancy yourself more of a spectator rather than an aspiring jockey, there are a number of excellent horse racing events that happen year in, year out. If you’re interested in following horse racing, then our list of the best horse racing events should help you get started!