All equestrians know that owning a horse is the best thing that can happen in someone’s life. There are actually a lot of positive benefits you might be interested to know when it comes to owning a horse. Nothing compares to the feeling of having a great companion, like all horses are, to share the good and bad moments in your life without judging you or taking advantage of you. Let’s take a closer look at the positive aspects of riding and owning a horse.
It helps you to be physically active
One of the best profits in keeping a horse is you get a lot of fresh air and physical activity. Horseback riding is definitely one of the best methods of exercise. It develops your equilibrium, coordination, elasticity, muscle tone, and overall core force. It is also a great cardiovascular workout. Riding is not only a physical exercise but a mental one too, as it requires a great deal of focus and awareness. You surely won’t have a sedentary lifestyle when you have a horse.
It improves your self-esteem and courage.
Horse riding, being an independent sport rather than a team sport, requires you, the leader, to be in connection with your horse, the one you are directing. The connection you can make with a horse will be a great and unique one because they are not the most trusting animals. They are very selective about who they trust. To earn that trust is an achievement in itself that reasonably costs a great deal of patience on your part. You get a sense of fulfillment when your horse listens to you, moves in a particular direction you want, and follows your commands. You are responsible for teaching him when your horse doesn’t comply.
It Teaches Genuine Honesty.
It is essential for kids and teenagers to learn the important concepts of teamwork and real dedication and horseback riding succeeds at it. Seriosity and commitment are some of the qualities of a real sportsman horse rider. Owning a horse teaches kids all these good characteristics and makes them well prepared for other sporting disciplines.
Your social connections will grow
Every horse owner knows that owning a horse opens up a world of opportunities for you. Your social network will expand as soon as you get your own horse. Your horse will guide you to new connections with other horse owners and equestrians. You’ll be circled by a lot of new people as you get connected in different equine groups by way of riding lessons, contests, and other clubs and activities that bring horses and their humans together. You can take riding lessons, meet new people with the same interests and why not even meet the love of your life.
You learn the real value of money
It is not a big surprise. Owning a horse is pretty expensive, and we’re not talking about some measly pennies. They can cost around $5,000 up. We haven’t even considered factors in maintenance expenses like feed, vet, farrier, tack, riding attire, equipment, lessons, and certain surprising costs. Part or full livery is usually the best option for people who don’t own their own lands. This can set you back a small fortune every month, depending on your situation. You surely gain a better perception of the value of money.
You learn to manage your time better
When you have a horse, you are required to prioritize your time and put the most significant aspects of your horse’s care first. Taking care of them daily takes a lot of time because they require a great deal of care, everyday feeding and exercising, shoeing or trimming, teeth floating, and vaccinations. You have to set a dedicated time for your horse and take care of your horse duties first before you can go and see your friends. There will be many times when your horse life and social life seem to mix, like when you go hacking with friends, attend horse events, and attend social occasions for your equine clubs and organizations.
It is good for your mental health
Science has proven that socializing with animals reduces stress levels by decreasing blood pressure and stress hormone levels. Nothing overcomes the excitement of sitting on a horse, and fresh air touching your face. You can find comfort from the stresses and obligations of everyday life that often put us down by spending enough time with horses. You can’t put a value on the serene and peacefulness it gives. One can get this sense of hope and satisfaction in life when you bond with your horse because working with horses it is not that easy, it lacks self-control and tolerance.
