Horse-riding as a sport

[Anonymous]

I have a 9 year old beginner rider, and do not ride myself. She does not like gym, biking, ballet, martial arts, competitive swimming, running, team sports. She does enjoy rock-climbing - but she loves animals, and much prefers riding horses. It makes her truly happy.
I'm wondering what value horse-riding brings, in terms of physical exercise? Financially, this is a real stretch.

[Anonymous]

You need to be fit to be a good rider. Riding itself is not a strenuous fitness activity but it does build muscle, and there's usually manual labor associated with horse care. It's more of a physical workout than, say, golf.

Ideally she will work in the stables (mucking out, hauling hay, cleaning tack, walking horses) and/or be motivated to exercise and stretch in order to become a better rider.

- Former rider who was not sporty

[Anonymous]

PP here, in my youth I volunteered at a therapeutic riding center. We did horse care and sometimes rode, but mostly jogged alongside the horse during therapy sessions. That was good exercise.

[Anonymous]

This is the most expensive activity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: This is the most expensive activity.

+1 But many people find it soothing/ therapeutic.

[Anonymous]

I rode growing up, starting at 9. I thought it was a physically demanding activity, especially once I learned to jump. Balancing, use of core muscles & leg strength to hold on. You have to be responsible, confident, and learn how to interact with a large animal. During college summers I taught riding at a camp. I usually made friends with others who liked horses, these were generally high quality peers. So if you can afford the expense, there are a lot of benefits.

[Anonymous]

Enormous value. Abs of steel, her legs will be muscular. Her arms will be muscular too. It is an expensive sport but it is a very physical sport. You should not worry at all about it not being an exercise! I had my best abs when I was riding.

[Anonymous]

Call Rock Creek Park's nature center.

[Anonymous]

it take a strong core and legs/arms to ride so it is a full body workout.

it is also very expensive to compete in shows and as lessons get more frequent.

[Anonymous]

Total body workout, especially as you get into cross country, jumping, and generally more advanced. Good cardio, too.
Not bad for the horse, either, lol.