11:00 PM, Mar. 2, 2012
Article from postcresent.com
Written by
Jennifer Hogeland
For The Post-Crescent
Horses have the ability to intrigue and to capture the interest of people of all ages.
These gentle beasts stole the heart of retired principal Bobbi Schmidt more than 30 years ago. She spent vacations taking trail rides, but it wasn't until two years ago that her dreams to own a horse came true with the purchase of Chase.
While she boards Chase at Meadowood Farm in Brillion — a 20-minute drive from her Appleton home — Schmidt is able to ride nearly every day. She said, "It has been the best thing in the world."
Avid riders can rattle off countless ways these animals have influenced their life. Schmidt and others passionate about horses outlined five benefits to horseback riding.
Form of exercise
Nearly every muscle group is engaged when riding or caring for a horse, from trotting and cantering to cleaning the stalls and filling the feed cart.
"When you are taking lessons and learning how to effectively ride a horse, you realize how much exercise you get," Schmidt said. "There is so much involved in being an active rider."
Even at a walk, the horse is constantly shifting its body with each movement. The rider has to attempt to balance to stay in the saddle. Once the rider graduates to trotting or cantering, all muscles are engaged to stay on. Arms even get in on the action as riders develop the strength to give the horse direction by moving the reigns.
"It's an incredible workout for your core muscles because that is where a lot of your balance comes from," said Schmidt, who describes the time spent with her horse as a functional fitness session because beyond the exercise she gets when riding, she also gets a workout as she helps with the barn chores.
Mark Holm, owner of Meadowood Farms, said horseback riding is a sport. But in this case your teammate is a 1,000-pound animal.
According to healthstatus.com, an hour of trotting on a horse or an hour of horse grooming for a 155-pound person burns more than 400 calories.
Relieving stress
The vision of wind blowing in the hair and riding off into the sunset comes to mind when people talk about horseback riding. While that is really only done in the movies, horseback riding is a remarkable stress reliever. Children learn how to manage emotions while adults find riding a way to relax.
"The feeling you get after you ride is incredible. It is a real emotional lift. All the stresses of the world disappear," Schmidt said.
Holm suggests horseback riding is often a getaway for adults. For one hour, they are able to escape life's daily pressures.
"Riders don't have to worry if their boss or spouse is mad at them. They don't have to fret over sick children," he said.
Another plus is the feeling of accomplishment, of completing a task.
"When people are done riding they clean the stalls and then they are finished. Rarely at home are we ever able to finish a task. Horseback riding is finite," Holm said.
Developing self-confidence
Horseback riding offers an abundance of emotional and overall wellness benefits. Both children and adults find a sense of self-confidence when succeeding at a new skill, including learning how to ride.
Suzanne Hitter of Appleton saw firsthand the confidence horseback riding gave her daughter, Chloe, 11. Hitter noticed Chloe's caring, compassionate heart early on. Around the age of 6, she decided to sign her up for horseback riding, assuming it would nurture her already strong love of animals. The once timid little girl became more daring.
"Since riding she isn't scared to try new things," Hitter said. "We've seen a willingness for adventure and an improved confidence level in Chloe."
While Chloe is more drawn to horses, she inspired her older sister, Claire, 14, to take lessons, too.
Schmidt believes the key to developing confidence and forging a bond with a horse comes from having a good trainer.
"They can keep riders interested and teach them how to ride effectively, which enhances all the physical and emotional benefits of riding a horse."
Learning patience and self-discipline
Horseback riders learn persistence, self-discipline and the importance of follow-through.
"Horseback riding doesn't come naturally," Schmidt said. "You have to practice and have patience with yourself and patience with the horse."
There is a great deal to think about when sitting on the back of a horse. Hands must be held a particular way. Moving the reigns a certain way guides the horse. Finding balance takes time.
"Riders are a little astounded at first when working with such a large animal, but it turns to joy when they realize they can control the horse," Holm said.
"To watch a child's or adult's face when it all comes together and they've ridden the horse successfully it is a real powerful feeling," Schmidt said.
Chaps Academy in Shiocton uses these clever animals to assist in therapy sessions with children.
"Everything we do has a therapeutic value," said Ann Dake, executive director of Chaps Academy. "Horses aren't always the most cooperative animals so we are able to give kids structured activities to create situations where we can address their frustration or deal with anger management."
Forming a bond
While they are big and majestic, horses have an affectionate, loving presence. They also have a way of sensing emotions. Horses by their nature reflect in their behavior the emotions of their human handler, a valuable tool for Chaps Academy.
But, for many other animal lovers, this means the time and care put into riding and grooming a horse is rewarded with an unbreakable bond.
"It is the same benefit of having any pet," Schmidt said. "You have that touch and sense of being with another living creature."
Horses are their own being. Just like people, some days they may chose not to cooperate or follow directions. Riders need to find ways to re-engage the horse.
"Sometimes horseback riding is hard or it doesn't go especially well, but Chloe realizes if she sticks with it the reward will be there," Hitter said. "She realizes you get out multitudes of what you put in."
Article from postcresent.com
