Many people say that horseback riding is not a sport. They think all you do is sit and the horse does all the work. They think that you should not exert any physical effort and anyone can ride a horse. These people either never rode or only rode a pony when they were little. Horseback riding is indeed a sport, and a very difficult one. It is even one of the oldest sports. Then why do people think it's so easy? They see people riding in the woods or on television who have been trained in such a way that riding is smooth and effortless. Here are some reasons why horseback riding is a sport.
You have to train harder
To be able to ride a horse well you will have to train and take lessons for many hours and even years. It takes riders longer to learn the sport well and possibly participate in competitions.
You can lose weight
American research has shown that if you walk, trot or canter for 45 minutes, you quickly burn about 200 calories. This can add up to more if you put in more effort in the different branches of horse riding.
It makes you mentally and physically strong
If you are serious about riding a horse, it will make you incredibly strong. Horseback riding requires strength in different parts of the body. So you have to develop strength if you want to become a good rider. In addition, you must be mentally strong to control the horse. Skill, strategy, reasoning, and confidence are necessary for driving.
It makes you athletic
Sport requires and builds muscle strength, balance, flexibility, agility and overall body awareness. Even after a short ride, non-riders will find that certain muscles are sore, and that it is quite a mental challenge. Control is needed to use the bridles, legs and saddle to control the horse. Don't forget that a horse is very heavy.
You can get hurt
From scrapes and bruises to injuries and broken bones, these are a part of riding just like any other sport. After all, you learn by trial and error.
If you are still not convinced that horseback riding is a sport, take a lesson, and you will surely understand.
