"Riding and looking after horses can help ease stress, a new study has found. Looking after horses and riding can help to lower stress among teenagers, new research has found. A study showed that teenagers who spent time grooming, handling and riding horses had lower levels of stress hormones." ............................................................................
All ages KIDS Riding Lessons Anna's specialty are lessons for all ages and levels of riders. She develops a fun but also very focused and professional experience between her riders and horses.
Adult Riding Lessons
Riding Lessons for Adults wanting to try to ride for the first time or wanting to return to horse back riding. Confidence and core strength rides are offered on our smooth gaited horses, comfortable to sit the trot, easy on riders back. Lessons and more advanced sport training is also offered for adult riders wanting to show their horses. Trainer will travel to riders location as well!!!
Science behind the Horse Riding Core Strength: “Horseback riding is an isometric exercise, which means it uses specific muscles to stay in certain positions, in this case, keeping balanced on the horse,” Dr. Stout explains. “As a result, postural strength becomes very important in horseback riding.” Balance and Coordination: “Staying balanced becomes more challenging the faster and more quickly the horse moves,” she says. Cantering or galloping and jumping, for example, are much more difficult than a simple jog or trot. The rider must develop coordination skills to move the body with the horse in order to help the horse stay balanced. Muscle Tone and Flexibility: Along with the core muscles, the inner thighs and pelvic muscles get the biggest workout as a rider positions himself or herself. This exercise helps with good overall muscle tone and flexibility. In fact, Dr. Stout says the muscle strengthening can be as effective as a typical weight-bearing exercise. The arms and shoulders get a work out as well as they have to constantly gently communicate with the horses mouth, similar to dancing with a partner. Cardiovascular Exercise: Depending on the type of riding and the speed and agility of the horse, horseback riding can require more effort, energy, and cardiovascular capacity. Mental exercise: “There are many mental benefits to horseback riding,” Dr. Stout adds. “There’s a confidence that comes from learning how to handle and interact with this huge animal. You really learn about yourself as you experience time on a horse.” Additionally, horseback riding to be a very relaxing and calming experience. “Horseback riding grounds me. It takes me away from any other worries or issues because, for the time being, the only focus is on riding and staying on the horse. While horseback riding is a great exercise, the real benefit I get now is the connection with the horse and the peace of mind that comes with every ride,” she says.
Dr. Alison Stout; an expert in sports medicine at Evergreen Health Sport & Spine Care in Kirkland, WA. Call 425.899.1220