The Ups and Downs of Horseback Riding

I have been riding horses for almost seven years and have competed for five of them. When I first started riding it was merely a fun thing to do once a week. As I became more and more interested in the sport in became a 2-3 times a week event. Eventually, I purchased my own horse, and with my birthday pony came an everyday responsibility.

Horseback riding it far from just fun and games. It has its perks but it also has its downfalls....

Good workout: When "actively" riding a horse, primarily in a lesson, you can burn anywhere from 200 calories to 500 calories per hour. Beside a good cardio workout, horse equipment isn't light. Saddles weigh anywhere from 15-50 pounds and considering the fact that a horse's back is typically eye level with you, thats a pretty good weight lifting excercise! Riding at a competitive level requires core, arm, and leg strength.... core strength to jump, arm strength for the young horses that "gotta go go go", and leg strength for the stubborn ones!

Enjoyable, Something different: Horses are very interesting and sincere creatures. They are quite amusing to watch out in pasture as well as while being ridden under saddle. There are so many avenues of riding to do such as jumping, dressage, rodeo, trick riding, etc. One day of riding might include a few jumps while the next day may include a ride up the mountain. I enjoy riding for its variety and for its uniqueness. It could be an acquired love for the sport I have but I just can't seem to get enough of it!

Falling happens: So, the saying goes “You can’t call yourself a cow[girl] until you’ve fallen off ten times.” Well, I am definitely a cowgirl then! Luckily for me, my falls have never been too detrimental. Once you get used to the feel of dirt being pounded into your side, you start to just get a laugh out of it. Now I am not saying that it is something I enjoy doing or even ever want to do again but horses are unpredictable creatures and it’s a fact that I will continue to fall off every so often. As a rider, you have to accept the fact that horses are bigger than you and that you have limited control over them. No rider has absolute control over their horse, it’s simply impossible.

Money, money, money: Horse back riding may not be the most expensive sport out there but it can sure be close by. The financial cost of riding depends completely on the rider's committment to the sport. My parents were not about to buy me a horse the first time I came back from my lesson asking for one. However, due to liability and cost of equipment lessons aren't cheap. Riding equipment can be quite costly too when it's time to get a saddle, etc. It's not untill you purchase a horse that a significant dent goes into your wallet. Horses are extremely expensive. Not only is the initial payment of the animal costly but upkeep of the horse after purchase adds up as well. Horses require multi-annual doctor visits, dentist appointments, new shoes, boarding, etc.

Sometimes I think my parents just wish they kept me at the dance studio away from the mud, smell, money, and quick obsession horses tend to create with people. However, their money didn't go to waste and they know that. I have recieved over 100 ribbons in my competing years as well as a state title. Now, I train other peoples horses for a very nice amount of money and maybe one day will be able to reimburse my parents for all those checks written!