Get on your hourse for your health
The recent launch of a government initiative to offer ‘fat tests’ for 40 – 74 year olds, reports that 13.5 million work days are lost due to workplace related stress and fears that 9 out of 10 children could be growing up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies suggests that the nation’s health, as well as its finances, may be struggling.
Yet there is a glimmer of hope for our health, with riding centres across the UK reporting increased numbers, especially adults, turning to horse riding to beat the bulge, blues and sometimes both – a concept wholeheartedly welcomed by the National Riding Festival as it kicks off again this summer.
Clare Newell, a GP from Stafford, who took up riding aged 30 after a short trek when on holiday in Wales, is a big advocate of the health benefits offered by the sport.
“Through experience, it’s absolutely pointless for me to tell patients who hate the idea of a gym to go to one, therefore I recommend riding to those who would benefit from a regular form of exercise, whether for mental or physical health. I’ve noticed that patients who have given it a go, tend to continue with the sport as it becomes a hobby, not a chore.
Personally, I have weekly riding lessons for physical fitness and consider my monthly ‘stress-busting’ weekend pony trek the equivalent of a spa break – I come back to the practice revived and ready to face the world again!’
The physical health benefits of riding are well documented. Every hour spent in the saddle not only burns 400 calories, but also tones inner thighs, stomach, arms and back and improves posture, but often overlooked is the ‘stress busting’ benefit. For strung out adults and kids, time spent riding means that the focus is on gaining a new skill, rather than concerns of school, home, family or work. It’s also a great leveller, meaning that those who learn to ride together tend to progress at the same pace. This shared learning, outside most people’s comfort zone, can break down traditional social barriers and strong friendships are forged.
The huge diversity of equestrian sports means there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s a calm and sedate hack on a shire horse in rolling countryside or fast and furious, ‘barrelling’ like a real cowboy on your own Quarterhorse.
To find out more about activities scheduled for the National Riding Festival throughout the summer, or for details of your local riding centre, call the National Riding Festival hotline on 0870 241 1481 or visit the website at www.nationalridingfestival.co.uk. (Back to news)
|
