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How to Get Fit The Fun Way !
Just go HorseBack Riding!
Lets face it, we can’t all be a gym bunny and for some of us, the idea of running anything other than a nice long bath, sends us into a miserable state of gloom. So, if you’re stuck for ways of keeping active that bring a smile on your face, read on …
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How do you feel about horses? Ok so they are pretty big, have a mind of their own and 4 rather big looking feet (hooves, they are called hooves) but horse riding is one brilliant all over fitness boom that you have probably underestimated.
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Most of us will have seen some kind of horse racing on the TV so will be familiar with the position jockeys adopt whilst their horses are running. Remind you of anything? Think about the dreaded squat, getting it now? Jockeys spend an awful lot of time holding a squat and that is just the start of it.
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Of course we aren’t suggesting you tack up and take on the next championship hurdle but getting into horse riding is fun, therapeutic and extremely good for your body. So before you opt for Liposuction or a Tummy tuck why not give riding a go?
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So, where do you start?
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The first step for complete novices, is finding a good local riding school. Pretty much everything is taken care of from the horse to the riding hat. Learning the basics usually happens in a riding school and at a pretty slow pace, so don’t panic if you are nervous.
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For those who have experience or, once you have gained enough confidence to go it alone, you may consider looking for a loan pony or sharing a horse with someone who owns their own but doesn’t have the time to ride everyday.
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You’ll be amazed how much upper body strength you use shifting hay and carrying water buckets around the yard. If you are loaning a pony make sure you take out insurance and ensure you have a good quality riding hat, back protector and most importantly some high vis equestrian wear.
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Riding on the roads, even during the day, can be a risky business depending on your level of experience and on the horse’s confidence in you.
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An hour of riding can burn as many calories as a 30 minute run or swim and is much more exciting! When you ride for the first time you will feel muscles ache that you never knew existed.
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This is due to the way in which the horse moves meaning you have to work harder to balance which in turn means the deep postural muscles of the trunk and pelvis and the adductor muscles of the thighs are continuously being conditioned.
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Which means a stronger core and toned inner thighs. Riding also has huge benefit on your overall mental health and is scientifically proven to help put us in a positive and calm mood. Horses are often seen as a spiritual animal and are very good listeners too!
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So, saddle up and get fit the fun way!
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