|
|
Horses & Ponies
|
Horse riding is an excellent exercise for:
-
strengthening the back and legs
-
improving your posture
-
encouraging you to sit up straight and look ahead
-
Getting fresh air
-
pushing you out of your comfort zone
-
burning calories, especially if you ride fast
Horses and ponies are fun to be around, and once you’ve mastered the walk, trot and canter, there are lots of holidays for you to enjoy, such as:
-
Pony trekking: usually walking with the occasional trot
-
Riding holidays: faster work, cantering, galloping, possibly even jumping.
-
Visiting places of interest relating to horses. In France, for instance, there are the National Stud Farms to visit. You stay on your feet and walk.
-
|
|
"All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of food and hay, and he’ll listen to me any day.”
Author Unknown
"I've got fantastic listening skills...."
|
|
You can find a riding school to learn at by visiting the British Horse Society and finding one of their approved riding schools.
Tips for booking a ride
-
Be honest about your weight so that the school can be sure it has a horse for you.
-
Be honest about your experience.
-
Check to see what equipment is available for hire from the school - do they provide hard hats, for instance?
-
Think about what you want to do, whether you want to have a riding lesson or just a ride in the countryside (i.e. a hack) Push back your comfort zone
Horses are very emotional animals. They do unpredictable things.
To progress and push back the boundaries, you will fall off. Falling off and getting back on again is a key lesson to learn in life. Be willing to come a cropper, and you’ll find a wonderful world open up to you.
Take courage in both hands, find it in your heart and go outside of your comfort zone. Fall off, welcome the experience - and get back on and have another go. |
|
For pony mad girls, what about a pony theme for a sleepover or bedtime?
|
TIP:
One of the great unknowns about riding horses is that you get a terrific view of other people’s gardens. This can give you some great ideas for your own.
"A canter on a horse is a cure for every ill."
Benjamin Disraeli |
|
However, if you prefer to remain on the ground, why not get involved and help the horse?
There are lots of horse charities who need help, and we've listed just some of them opposite
|
|
|
Always consult your doctor before
starting any exercise programme or wellbeing change
|
|
