Jessica Moreira, a well-known horse-riding trainer in the Vaal Triangle, emphasizes the benefits of horse-riding for children:
1. From a physical development side, horse-riding improves balance and motor coordination as well as hand-eye coordination. Core strength and muscular development also benefit from horse riding.
2. Horse-riding has been shown to improve cognitive abilities in some children. In some cases, an improvement in brain-based skills lead to enhanced learning, memory and problem-solving.
3. Studies show how the effects of horse riding can improve children’s learning ability. The movements of the horses during riding may improve learning in children by activating the sympathetic nervous system.
4. As a child progresses in their horse-riding skills, they develop self-confidence and self assurance.
5. Horse riding offers a great workout for both the mind and body, physically boosting the cardiovascular system and easing stress in the mind. Today, where children are exposed to so much external stimuli, they need healthy and relaxing down time, which horse-riding provides.
6. The therapeutic and psychological benefits of horse-riding can be of equal importance to your child as the physical benefits.
7. Horse-riding as a sport helps in creating a disciplined child. It teaches a lot of self-discipline and can increase your child’s patience levels as well as help define their focus and control.
8. There are emotional benefits to be derived from horse-riding as well. One of the first things that a young rider learns, is to act confidently in the face of fear and uncertainty. This is because if the rider appears scared of something, the horse senses this and will feel the fear as well. Horses are very sensitive to the emotions of their riders and will often mirror those emotions.
9. Riding is a brilliant way to bring shy children out of their shells. Children who are by nature timid, often open up to a pony. Think about it… ponies never judge or bully, instead they can seem especially in tune with a rider’s troubles.
10. The educational benefits of horse-riding are great for younger children. They are encouraged to count the ears and legs of the pony, the pony’s hoof-beats and their place in the ride.
* For more information about horse-riding lessons call Jessica Moreira on 072 286 1337.