In a recent fitness column, I talked about the many physical benefits of riding. But did you know the psychological benefits of riding are as equally amazing?
Being mentally fit is important, and regular riding and caring for your horse are activities that help promote good mental wellbeing. I’m not an expert on mental health, but from what I have experienced personally, and from what I have observed from my own children, the psychological benefits of being around horses are significant.
At the start of term three last year, my youngest son (then aged 7) would sit inside while my other kids rode their ponies. I started to become frustrated with his inactivity, so I told him that he needed to either play outside while the others rode, or that we would get him a pony so he could join in. Initially he didn’t like either option, but chose the pony.
Now, every morning he feeds and uncovers her, and after school he grooms her and rides her, feeds her again then puts her cover on for the night. Since getting his pony, the improvements in his overall attitude have been exceptional. He has gone from being an unconfident and unmotivated kid, who was struggling with learning at school, to being much happier and more responsible. His teachers at school are overwhelmed by the increase in his confidence and the improvement in his learning. They attribute the positive changes to him now feeling included, and having taken on the responsibility of a pony.
There are many advantages of horse ownership for teenagers and adults, too. Horses are a welcomed escape from the busy grind of life, and whether you ride as a hobby or are more serious with equestrian sport, there are many significant health benefits. Below are some of the psychological benefits from riding and/or caring for your horse;
Stress reduction
One of the biggest issues everyone faces in their life is stress; riding promotes emotional strength and improved mental wellbeing. Physical exercise is a scientifically recognised mediator of stress, and equine activities provide exercise. While you are riding, the chemicals released by your brain elevate your moods and release stress. In addition, it is a proven fact that even limited interaction with animals can provide a decrease in blood pressure and in the hormones associated with stress reactions. In a recent 12-week study, researchers found that teenagers who were taught how to ride and care for horses had significantly lower stress hormone levels throughout the day in comparison to other teenagers.
Improving happiness
Exercise, including riding, stimulates the endorphins which create feelings of happiness and euphoria, and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It gives you a positive feeling, which can help reduce the need for antidepressant medication. For this reason, doctors often recommend that people who suffer from depression or anxiety should regularly participate in enjoyable physical activities, such as riding.
Improving concentration
The same endorphins that make you happier also help you to concentrate and feel mentally sharp. Regular riding can stimulate the growth of brain cells which helps you to have better memory, improve your problem-solving skills, and to think quickly. Training your horse forces you to think creatively as well as solve problems. If something worked on your last ride, but it is not working now, then you need to come up with a solution to find out what works the best. Riding also requires balance, timing, and coordination. When your brain has to focus on all these aspects at once, it gives you a great mental workout and has a positive cross-over for other areas of life.
Improving alertness
A horse is a large, strong animal, and even a little mistake can be costly if you don’t stay alert. When riding you often make decisions about speed and direction, and you constantly need to be flexible and sharp enough to make adjustments. People who ride regularly usually develop alertness as a habit, and simply handling a horse on the ground requires you to be alert and watchful.
Improving responsibility and patience
If your horse does not comply with your aids when you are riding, you are responsible for administering the proper guidance, direction and discipline, so that your horse knows his job and obeys. Horses don’t always understand what is asked of them (especially not right away), so patience is a quality that develops with horse ownership. And when you make a commitment to own a horse, you are taking on a huge responsibility which often requires you putting your horse’s needs ahead of your own. Horses require a regular routine of feeding, grooming, and exercise; you can’t just go away on holiday or forget to feed your horse. The daily requirements of horse ownership make us more responsible, and punctual.
Building confidence
Working with horses is not an easy job; most people at one time or another have been fearful of a horse. Just taking care of such a big animal that can potentially hurt you requires bravery, because you are constantly dealing with the risk of falling and getting kicked, bitten or trodden on, especially if you make a mistake. The more risk that is involved in dealing with horses, the more confident, strong and powerful you feel.
Riding a horse is a unique skill, and when you work with horses there is always something new to learn. Learning new things can boost your confidence as well. The more things you know, the more confident you feel. When you have a high self-esteem from riding, you are more confident to take on other challenges in life.
Improving sportsmanship and social connections
Being part of pony club, an adult riding club, or a riding school is a great way of meeting friends with similar interests. Participating in riding clinics or group lessons are also a nice way of meeting new people. When you have friends with the same passion and devotion to horses, the mutual connection creates a stronger bond. Riding teaches you sportsmanship, as you are likely to compete against some of your best friends. Good friends support and encourage each other, and that is what good sportsmanship is all about.
Enjoyment of the outdoors
Riding gets you off the couch into the great outdoors, no matter what the weather! Being outside and enjoying the fresh air can do wonders for your mental health, and getting the added bonus of vitamin D from being in the sunshine, is essential.
In summary
There are so many great benefits of being around horses, we are so lucky to have an interest that makes us stay active and healthy – both physically and mentally. There are times when you may complain about the excessive costs or the many hours it takes to look after your horse. But the next time you have these negative thoughts; remind yourself of all the health benefits and the lessons learnt from your beautiful equines, because it really does make it all worthwhile!
