Horse riding on Sandown beach by Garry Knight
Horse riding isn’t always the first thing on people’s minds when they think of going on holiday. There are many reasons for this, but the most prominent is that not many people have experienced it before, so they’ve got nothing to relate to. Considering the fact that horses were our main mode of transport less than 100 years ago it’s surprising that we’ve lost touch in such a dramatic way. One excellent way of reconnecting is as simple as just having a go. As it’s something you might not normally do, why not try it out when you’re on holiday? Below are 10 reasons why it makes perfect sense.
1. Exercise
When you’re riding a horse at speed you’re exercising without realising it. Not only is it fun, but it leads to fitness as well. Controlling a horse really does take human involvement, so don’t think of it as just sitting down – it’s much more physical than you expect. Don’t be surprised after a day of hard riding if you’ve got a few aches and pains!
2. Be Outdoors
Too often in our modern world we’re trapped indoors. Be it in the office, school or our own homes, we don’t get much of an opportunity to be outside, and what better way to experience the great outdoors than on horseback? The fresh country air will make you feel as good as new and ready to go back to your usual routine.
3. Get in Touch with Nature
Many of us are used to living in big, grey, crowded cities with green patches few and far between. Going horse riding reconnects you with the world in a way that nothing else can. Taking in the outdoor atmosphere and taking an active part in the scenery rather than just looking at it is a very rare experience indeed.
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Elizabeth Veitch
4. Personal Challenge
Learning to ride a horse is no easy task, but with perseverance and practice you’ll notice a sharp increase in your skill in no time at all. The feeling you get from taking on a challenge such as this is really quite something. If you’re feeling game then you should have a look over on the new Visit Wales site where they have all the information you need regarding the best places to go on horse riding weekends and how to go about organising one.
5. Reconnect to the Past
Once upon a time our sole mode of long distance transportation was the horse. We looked after them with the utmost care and, unlike the car, we had an unspoken bond with them. Learning how to ride a horse will give you some perspective on what it must have been like to rely so heavily on them every day.
6. Spirituality
Horse riding can be a very spiritual experience. There are many people who believe that horses understand more than we give them credit for – this is something that can be put to the test when riding a one. The way a horse will respond to even the most subtle suggestions is telling of this.
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