Did you know that horseback riding is proven to improve the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of riders?

Research continually shows that horses have the ability to aid those who are disabled physically or mentally, as well as providing therapy for those who have battled addictions, abuse, or loss. According to Psychology Today, “Horses can help individuals (with) identifying their feelings. Addicts and other trauma survivors have to learn how to identify their emotions in order to work through them. Horses are a good tool for therapists to help clients do just that.”  

Horses are also wonderful for everyone dealing with anxiety - whether extreme or common daily-induced stressors. Riding a horse requires focus, which grants all those in need a reason to shift their frames of minds and find a moment of connection and triumph.

Benefits of Horseback Riding

“Horses are gentle and honest; they do not have the ability to manipulate or lie.” - Psychology Today.

This statement will impact each individual in a different way, but at the root of it all, a horse gives someone the ability to trust and be trusted without conditions.

Physical Benefits

Regular horseback riding improves:

• Balance
• Coordination
• Motor Function
• Muscle Tone
• Cardiovascular Levels
• Reflex Acceleration
• Joint Mobility
• Blood Circulation
• Self-Confidence

Going a step farther than riding, taking responsibility to lift the saddle, carry hay bales, and clean the stall will all provide ample opportunity to strengthen your core and increase your overall strength.

Mental Benefits

Regular horseback riding provides:

• Problem Solving Situations/Skills
• Improved Memory
• Improved Concentration
• Stress Release
• Increased Confidence

While you are horseback riding there is a chemical that is released by your brain that makes you feel happy. It will make you crave the sport - but it also releases the built-up tension from any stress you may be carrying.

Emotional Benefits

Regular horseback riding grants you:

• Human-Animal Connection
• Time to Breathe
• Human-Nature Connection
• Opportunity to Overcome Fears
• Opportunity to Learn and Practice Empathy
• A Place to Feel Safe and Loved
• Therapy
• Ability to Find a New Normal

Taking care of a horse permanently or for a few hours here and there still means that you must be responsible. With responsibility comes routine and habit. Creating new habits can help in balancing emotions and transfer to your human relationships. Do not underestimate just how impactful having a horse in your life can be.

If you are in need of looking into an emotional mirror to help identify or process your own feelings - or simply are in need of stress-release and true connection, carve out some time to go horseback riding. You may find yourself wondering why you didn’t start this years ago.