Pursuing my joy in the stables allowed me to reap more health benefits than ever going to the gym.
Plasvi, I know. Especially come from a physical therapist. Take my license away.
I don’t hate working out, though, exercising, being healthy and fit, or being outside. I really don’t like boring gym based workouts.
So what does the girl do? Well, get creative, I guess. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of treating patients who promise to do their homework but don’t follow through, it’s this: If exercise doesn’t excite you, you won’t — and you definitely won’t stay with it long-term.
The fitness routine I chose may surprise you, but there’s only one activity that keeps me coming back for more—even after a 20-year hiatus.
back in the bareback
Ever since I was a little, carefree, and wild child, I have had a deep and deep love for horses.
I feel a connection to them, and love everything about them: the way they look, how they smell, the sound of skin and buckles, the sound of horse hooves on the ground, the sounds of nibbling straws, soft nose kisses, and the rhythmic movement of brushing teeth.
After a 20-year break to get married, get a Ph.D., finish residency, have kids, and move across this country for work, I finally found myself in the saddle at almost 40.
During those 20 years, I tried to replace horseback riding with other activities. Yoga, Pilates, running, triathlon, and spinning were short-lived experiences for me. I enjoyed them and felt good doing them, but something was missing.
Looking back, I think I was trying to convince myself that I like them. And we all know that the truth comes out in the wash. Nothing was able to fill the void until I stepped on a horse.
Making it look easy takes effort
The barn is my happy place, and I am able to fill my photography mug as soon as I am there. I’d rather spend my day in a hot (or freezing), dirty and smelly barn, clearing out stalls, cleaning buckets of water, sweeping barn aisles, oiling saddle and bridles, pulling rocks from pastures, and taking care of my horse than spending time in the gym. any day.
Aside from finding joy and being able to participate in something that is just for me (which is so important as a mom), horseback riding offers fitness benefits that most people never realize.
This is evident if you’ve taken a 20-year hiatus and then tried to drive around Target the day after your first ride back. Braid Bambi on an ice scene.
I’ve been told over the years, by non-riders, that the ride is “easy” and that you “just sit there”, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The best riders make it look easy and effortless, have a nice riding posture, and steady hands and legs.
It looks soft, strong and perfectly balanced. You know how they do it? Years of practice, hours upon hours in the saddle, and a remarkably strong core.
Horses respond to ‘calling’ or ‘helpers’. The slightest change in weight, a gentle flick of the bridle with one finger, moving your leg a centimeter behind your waist, or moving your seat all tell the horse what you want it to do.
Now imagine doing all of this on an animal in motion, at different speeds, while driving, overtaking obstacles, and staying balanced, without holding your breath, for hours at a time.
Riding offers a holistic approach to fitness
The best traits of all sports can be gained on a horse’s back: strength, balance, coordination, flexibility (try to ride a horse off the ground?), mental toughness, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, a clear mind, and confidence.
Riding requires an incredible amount of core strength, along with a high level of cardiovascular endurance. It has also been shown to increase static and dynamic equilibrium.
Studies have shown that healthy adults and older adults, who are not experienced riders, see improvements in balance, coordination, and strength after participating in riding programs.
These improvements can reduce the risk of falls, something we know can be dangerous for older adults.
But research shows that the benefits of equine activities extend to mental health as well. Equine therapy is the use of horses to help enhance neurological, sensory, and cognitive outcomes in rehabilitation settings .
Children with cerebral palsy, adults recovering from stroke, patients with psychiatric disabilities, and war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) all report reduced stress and anxiety, improved balance and strength, and report improved quality of life. Through horse riding therapy.
Studies have also shown improvements in mood and focus in adults and children with schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
These benefits are consistent with what I feel on a horse as well. I benefit from riding an hour a lot more than I do in the gym, both physically and mentally.
I leave the barn dripping in sweat, aching, exhausted, hungry, and happy. And I keep coming back for more, day in and day out, rainy or sunny.
Find fitness that brings you happiness
Horses, and the connection they provide, are magical. There is no other word for it. Sharon Ralls Lemon said, “The essential pleasure of being with horses is that they bring us in touch with the rare elements of grace and beauty, spirit and fire.”
I feel it in my bones when I ride my horse. When I ride, I feel really free and really myself. I got lost in my thoughts while cleaning the booth. The whole experience is meditative and fun, and I can’t get enough of it.
As a result, I am stronger, happier, more patient and fitter than I was just two years ago. I have hay in my car, dirt under my fingernails, white horse hair stuck to my clothes, and mud on my shoes. I wouldn’t have it any other way.