Horse riding is increasingly being explored as a hobby and sport with many health benefits. This is true for people of different age groups, whether or not they have any health problems. Some recent studies on the health benefits of horse riding have found that horse riding improves general physical condition, helps in relaxation, and even contributes to treating psychological problems. That is why horse riding is now used as a physical therapy for different health conditions.

The most evident contribution to horse riding in keeping one physically fit comes through muscles and joints. A regular rider develops a more flexible and well-toned musculature in response to the horse’s movements. This effect is more pronounced in leg muscles, up to thighs, though the entire body receives the benefit. For people with underdeveloped muscles and those with tense musculature, horse riding is the most natural and enjoyable therapy.

Another attraction of horse riding is the improvement and command in balance and movement that horse riders generally enjoy. Through the horse’s movements and the contact of the rider’s body through the hips, every step of the horse moves the rider automatically to the best achievable natural balance. After good practice of horse riding over time, the rider attains a greater degree and range of balanced movements – something highly desirable for players.

Recently, horse riding has been found to relieve back pain and boost self-confidence of the rider. Published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, a study led by Swedish researcher Margareta Hakanson recorded the effect of horse riding and other equine therapy techniques on patients of back pain. The results showed significant improvement in both physical and psychological condition of the patients. The research also confirmed that horse riding increases self-confidence, mainly through the experience of steering and managing a large animal as a horse.

More hopeful, and somewhat happily surprising, are the findings of another research conducted by Ruth Dismuke-Blakely of New Mexico. Her analysis of people’s interaction with horses and its effect on people’s mental health arrived at the discovery of beneficial neurological impact resulting from the horse’s movements. The research found that horse riding serves as a natural treatment for autism. An interesting case in this regard is that of a second-grader autistic boy Rowan whose neurological condition and social interaction improved dramatically after he went through horse riding therapy in Mongolia.

Horses are ages-old companions of humans and their ecological bond has great health benefits for us. The fact that horses suffer from neglect and poor care in many developing countries, therefore, remains a matter to be considered by caring people. Donations and voluntary organizations are needed in these parts of the world so as to ensure better equine care, and thus ensure better human health.

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