Sophomore Mia Bowles straddles her horse on November 12, her mind goes quiet, heart calm, stress disappears. The smell of hay, seeing an open field, and a bright blue sky. Horses sense your emotions; it’s essential to remain calm.
For many riders, horseback riding isn’t just a hobby; it’s therapy and even a lifestyle.
“It’s made me more determined and independent. Mentally, horses are my happy place. Being around them quiets my mind and makes me feel content,” Bowles said.
Students participate in horseback riding for various reasons, including barrel racing, show riding, training and preparing for competitions, as well as simply enjoying it as a hobby.
“My dad gave me the choice between gymnastics and horseback riding. I chose riding because it was already in the family, and I’ve stuck with it ever since,” senior Tabatha Short said.
Short competed in barrel racing, which consists of a rodeo-style event, where a rider runs a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. It requires patience, balance, endurance and focus. Short wanted to pursue her career and go professional, and even ride in the National Finals Rodeo. The NFR is a 10-night event held in early December. The rodeo includes events such as bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Whoever performs best in 15 riders wins a cash prize.
“It’s helped my mental and physical health. It keeps me in shape, and horses have taught me a lot about honesty, kindness and patience. Things you don’t learn in a classroom,” Short said.
Riding isn’t just a sport; for many, it can be a form of therapy. It builds strength and balance and mentally can build bonds with an animal. Riders have to train to stay patient with themselves and their animals and be strong not to fall off. According to Horsepilot.com “While horse riding is primarily a sport, it is also considered a way of life (especially for horse owners). It provides many benefits for riders, both physical and mental. This activity is generally practiced in the countryside or in a riding arena, with the utmost respect for nature and the horses.Discover the benefits of horse riding for riders’ health.Horseback riding is a gentle sport. It promotes muscle development in adults, but also stimulates the senses in young children. It improves muscle tone and balance and helps the body live longer.” People who have had injuries use riding as a way to heal their mind and body.
“Last year, I had two major surgeries and couldn’t ride for a month and a half. It was hard, but riding is physically demanding. It works muscles that most people don’t realize. It’s both challenging and rewarding,” Bowles said.
Riding is a very important aspect of many people’s lives. Bowles had deals with an injury that restricts her from participating in most sports, she found riding a therapeutic escape for her. Whether it’s chasing barrels or enjoying a peaceful trail, being around horses gives them balance, focus, and a sense of calm that stays long after the ride is over. Bowles wants to ride for fun even past her college life, and keep horses in her life forever.
“It helped me through family struggles and gave me a support system. The horse community feels like a family, and it’s helped me mentally and emotionally.” Junior Caylin Elwell-Stalnaker said.
Riding is a very important aspect of many people’s lives. For lots of people, horseback riding isn’t just something they do; it’s something that shapes who they are. Short, Elwell-Stalnaker and bowles have learned lessons, like patience, trust and determination, stay with riders long after they leave the arena. It’s more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle that builds strength, confidence, and a bond that can last a lifetime. If you want to learn more go to @_cailynrose on instagram.
https://www.countryfolks.com/the-importance-of-riding/
