Horseback Riding for Fun and Fitness
If you don’t think about horseback riding as exercise, think again. While it’s true that the horse is the one doing the walking (or trotting, or galloping), you’re working hard too, gripping with your thighs to hold on, pressing down into the stirrups to rise up, and using your arms to control the reins.
In fact, depending on how fast you ride, horseback riding can be an equal workout to golf, badminton, or even squash. In particular, horseback riding builds strength in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. One study found that preteen and teenage girls who rode regularly had significantly stronger leg muscles than girls in the same age group who didn’t ride.
And if you need more convincing, just think about the fact that equestrian events were included in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
How to Get Started
You don’t have to live close to a ranch to take riding lessons; public stables can be found in city parks, at colleges and universities, and in many suburban communities. You can also sign up for a trail ride or pack trip with a guide service; these are easy to find in areas known for their natural beauty such as national and state parks and out in the countryside.
The best way to find riding lessons in your area is simply to ask around – chances are, someone you know will have heard of a local stable or riding club that offers lessons. If that doesn’t work, check Craigslist, Yelp, or other local search service websites for recommendations.
Choosing a Riding Style
Western or English, polo or dressage? There are many ways to ride a horse, and many types of training. Some will have you trotting in a lesson or two, others involve a complex set of skills and a much bigger commitment. But the short answer to the question of which to choose? It really doesn’t matter, all styles of horseback riding are fun, healthy, and help build muscle and stamina. Try several types of riding and see what suits you.
How Much Exercise Am I Getting?
The Compendium of Physical Activities measures the energy used by sports and other activities in METS, which are units that measure the amount of metabolic activity. According to this guideline, the METS used in horseback riding vary according to how fast you’re riding. Walking a horse uses 3.8 METS – the equivalent of bowling – while a full-out gallop uses 7.3 METS, similar to that burned in roller blading. In between these two, a moderate ride uses 5.8 METS, the equivalent of a round of golf.
