If you’re new to horseback riding, chances are, you have a lot of questions. But luckily for you, we’re here with the answers! So, sit back and take a look at our answers to ten of the most commonly asked questions about horseback riding.
Is Horseback Riding Fun?
I mean, obviously we’re going to say yes since horses are kind of our whole thing. But we really mean it! If you love animals, nature, or trying new things, then horseback riding will probably be a lot of fun for you! Whether you’re trying it out for the first time as part of a vacation package or starting with riding lessons at a stable, you have the opportunity to test a fun new activity and learn the ropes before diving into the work of mastering a new skill. But even though it takes practice and effort to become an accomplished rider, many people stick with it because bonding with a horse and developing your skills is both timeless and enjoyable.
Does Horseback Riding Count as Exercise?
Yes, but in a fun way! If the word “exercise” raises anxiety-inducing flags for you, you might be encouraged to know that while horseback riding does bring a lot of physical benefits, it’s so much fun that you probably won’t think of it as exercise! The simple act of staying upright on a horse strengthens your core and works your muscles, so even if you’re riding at a nice, slow walk, you’re working out whether you realize it or not. Even a light amount of riding can burn five calories per minute, so once you learn to ride at faster speeds and longer paces, you’ll just increase the physical benefits! Plus, you’re also boosting your reflexes, memory, and hand-eye coordination all over the course of a simple ride.
Is Horseback Riding Expensive?
The short answer is: it doesn’t have to be! You may have heard horseback riding discussed in the context of country clubs and elite boarding schools, giving the impression that it’s not a hobby that’s accessible to everyone. But in fact, nothing could be farther from the truth! Although some types of lessons can be pricey and actually purchasing a horse yourself is definitely an investment, the truth is that you don’t have to own a horse in order to enjoy riding and you don’t have to break the bank.
Taking lessons at a local ranch is often a highly affordable option, and part-boarding can be a great alternative to owning your very own horse. If you’re not familiar with the term, part-boarding is an option offered by most local stables and it means that you can pay a fee to be guaranteed a certain number of lessons with a specific horse you’d like to ride at that stable. Think of it like “renting” a horse or maybe owning a horse “part time” in the sense that you get to bond with your horse and experience all the fun without being solely responsible for the fees and upkeep.
Is Horseback Riding Dangerous?
You might have heard the popular myth that horseback riding can be more dangerous than riding a motorcycle or that it’s one of the top ten most dangerous sports to engage in. But the truth is, horseback riding is only dangerous if you fall off, and there are plenty of precautions you take to protect yourself in the event of a fall. While you might not be able to prevent falling in the first place, you can prevent damage like head injuries by wearing a helmet and other safety equipment every time you ride.
Is Horseback Riding Hard to Learn?
This is perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions and the answer is simpler than you’d think. The fact is, as in the case of learning any other sport, horseback riding takes a lot of practice and effort. It’s just the same as learning to play soccer or football in that there are some basic skills you have to learn and follow in order to get involved. And while there is an extra element involved—learning to control the horse in addition to yourself— in practice, it’s not much different from learning to control yourself in relation to a ball.
Because in each case, you have to be skilled enough to make the ball or horse do what you want it to do. And just like any other sport, once you get those basics under your belt, you’re good to go! If you want to move beyond those basics, however, and master some more advanced riding techniques or ride competitively, you’ll definitely have to put in more time, effort, and practice.
What do I do if I’m Scared of Horses?
This is another common problem and the good news is that you might not have an incurable fear of horses. Many beginners love the idea of horseback riding at first but get intimidated at the thought of actually sitting on top of such a tall and powerful animal. Likewise, even an experienced rider can face some anxiety at the thought of riding again after a bad fall. The good news is that, in each case, these fears can be overcome with a little time, practice, and patience. Starting off slow with an experienced riding instructor can help a new rider build confidence and learning more about the way horses think can remove some of the fear factor as well. So, if you’re afraid of heights or simply worrying about that horse is thinking, don’t let it keep you from a fun experience! Nerves can get the best of all of us from time to time, but we can always overcome them.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list of the questions people have about horseback riding, they are a few of the most common, and we hope they’ve helped to make you feel more confident about taking up riding! Have other questions? Just let us know!
