Six ways that horse riding can aid rural children’s development
Having spent a good amount of time in the company of retired racehorses this month, we can only but agree with Katie Allen-Clarke, Head of Marketing from Horse & Country TV, whom shares six ways that horse riding and spending time around horses can benefit everyone - not just our children.
For many children who adore animals, learning to ride a horse or pony is a dream come true. But, if
you haven’t spent a lot of time around horses yourself, you might feel a bit nervous about the
prospect of your children getting in the saddle.
However, riding is much safer than you might think. As long as you work with a certified teacher or
reputable riding school and kit your little one out with the proper protective gear, there’s really
nothing to worry about. Plus, it’ll encourage your kids to get out of the house and into the fresh air
— and what parent doesn’t want that these days?
With the right preparation and guidance, horse riding can be a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding hobby
for children. But, in case you need a little more persuading, here are just some of the ways that
horse riding can support your child’s mental and physical development.
1. Physical strength and coordination
If you’ve ever been on horseback yourself, you’ll already know that riding can be a full-body
workout. And, it’s just as good for little ones as it is for us adults. Riding a horse requires the rider to
constantly adjust to the animals movements to stay in the saddle. This demands the use of various
muscles, especially the core, which can strengthen and improve balance over time. It’s also great for
improving posture — ideal for reversing the ‘slouch’ that hunching over phones and tablets can
cause over time.
Riding a horse also helps refine fine motor skills and improve coordination. For example, managing
the reins while holding a riding crop and learning to multitask to control the horse all help in refining
motor skills and coordination.
2. Mental skills
Horse riding supports the development of a whole host of key mental skills and abilities, including
concentration and problem solving. Learning to ride and communicate with a horse requires
significant attention and patience. Children also learn to remain calm and to wait for the desired
response from the horse, which can improve concentration and patience in other areas of life.
Additionally, encountering unexpected challenges with a horse teaches them to think on their feet
and solve problems.
3. Empathy and communication
Even though riding may seem like a solitary activity, it teaches children about teamwork as they
work in tandem with their horse. They also interact with trainers, other riders, and even the animals,
fostering their ability to empathise with others.
Horses respond to non-verbal cues, which can help children become more aware of their body
language and tone. This awareness can improve their overall communication skills, making them
more effective at expressing their thoughts and feelings.
4. Emotional regulation and well-being
Like many sports, riding is a physical activity that releases endorphins, promoting feelings of
happiness and well-being. Spending time outdoors around nature is also a well-known mood-
booster, as is spending time around animals. The rhythmic motion of riding and the bond formed
between the rider and horse can also be very therapeutic. So, when riding, children can forget the
social and academic pressures of school and family life and simply enjoy the moment, alleviating
stress and anxiety and improving their overall well-being.
5. Discipline, work ethic, and resilience
Becoming a competent rider doesn’t happen overnight. If your little one has aspirations of
competing in events or even owning a pony of their own someday, then they’ll need to work hard
and stick to a routine. This instils discipline and a strong work ethic, helping children understand the
importance of consistency and dedication when mastering a skill and taking care of another living
creature.
Additionally, learning to ride will likely involve a few setbacks, at least at first. So, it’s essential that
children learn how to pick themselves up and get back on the horse (to use an apt expression!). This
builds character and teaches emotional resilience.
6. Respecting animals
Another important lesson that children will learn while riding is how to properly care for and respect
animals. During riding lessons, little ones will bear a degree of responsibility for the horse they are
riding and will need to earn their pony’s trust by handling them gently.
Riding can also teach children how to behave responsibly and respectfully around large animals.
While this is a valuable lesson for all children, it’s an especially important skill for rural youngsters to
learn, as they are much more likely to encounter horses, wildlife, and livestock in the countryside.
Horse riding can play a transformative role in shaping a childs mental, physical, and emotional
development. So, if your little one loves animals and is keen to learn to ride, why not enrol them
in lessons today?