Is horseback riding fun, expensive, difficult, dangerous or hard to do? Here are the answers to the ten most frequently asked questions about horse riding.
Is it fun to ride a horse?
Yes, horse riding can be a lot of fun. Many people will be introduced to horseback riding on a vacation, as they ride a leisurely trail horse. While this is a lot of fun, you’re not much more than a passenger. Becoming a good driver, while fun, is also a lot of work. Once you have mastered the basic horse riding skills, you have many opportunities. You can decide to barrel race, or field hunt, show riding, or distance horse riding. There is a world of possibilities. You also meet wonderful people, along with horses. Many people love horses so much, they make them their life’s work, whether as a veterinarian, trainer, trainer, dealer, or professional rider. There are many careers in the horse industry.
Is horse riding difficult?
One could spend a lifetime perfecting one’s riding and never achieve perfection. So while sitting on a horse may seem easy, learning to ride well is just as difficult as learning to play any other sport well. Topendsports.com lists equestrian as the 54th most challenging sport, based on ten athleticism components.
Is it the exercise on horseback?
Horse riding is exercise. Burns calories, muscle, requires strength, balance and body awareness. It can be aerobic exercise and requires flexibility. Even on foot, horseback riding is good exercise, which is why therapeutic horseback riding is good for people who are wheelchair-bound. Horse riding builds confidence, reasoning ability, memory and analytical skills as well for mental training. Horse riders can actually become better riders by doing strength and flexibility training off the horse as well.
Is horse riding a sport?
If the definition of a sport according to dictionary.com, is an athletic activity requiring physical skill or ability and often of a competitive nature, and governed by a set of rules and customs then horse riding can be a sport. There is recreational driving and competitive driving, just like swimming, sailing, golf, skiing, cycling, or many other activities have their recreational and competitive participants. Horse sports have been contested for thousands of years and are still part of the modern day Olympics.
Is horse riding expensive?
Horse riding can be expensive, but not out of reach. There are many ways to enjoy horse riding without owning a horse. By taking lessons, riding dude ropes, leasing or part-boarding you can get in the saddle without the expense of owning a horse. Of course, if you want to be highly competitive, costs go up, as you need a more expensive horse, along with trucks, trailers, and all. Many competitive riders have sponsors who help offset the expense.
Is horse riding bad for your body?
Falling off a horse is bad for your body. Horseback riding is bad for your body if you already have health problems that are exacerbated by the activity. If you have problems like your back or knees, it’s probably best to see a doctor or physical therapist (most of whom will know little about horse riding) and take their advice into consideration. A study conducted in 1996 indicated that rotator cuff, knee, hip and lower back problems were more common in motorcyclists.
Is horse riding dangerous?
Some sources say that horse riding is one of the ten most dangerous activities. It’s more dangerous than riding a motorcycle and you’re more likely to ride upside down than any other sport. Learning to ride well and wearing safety gear like a helmet and riding boots can go along the way to keeping you safe on your ride.
Are the rides hard to learn?
Horse riding is like many other sports in that there are many skills to learn. There are basic skills that you must learn to be confident and in control of the horse. However, once you’ve mastered those basics, there are advanced riding skills that allow you to control the horse to finer degrees, and actually make it easier for your horse to carry you.
Is it difficult to start riding again after a long absence?
Many people travel when they are young but leave the sport while going to school or starting a family. If you’ve returned to riding after a long absence, it may take a while for your body and mind to get used to handling and riding horses again. The older you are and the longer the absence, the longer it might take.
Is horse riding more difficult than other sports?
Horseback riding can be a riskier sport than others. And there’s a misperception that you’re just sitting around and letting the horse do all the work. Few non-riders understand the full body and mind effort required to ride truly well, to keep the horse balanced and in control. Not only do you have to be in control of your body, but that of the horse as well. Good pilots take years to develop.
