When everything aligns, there’s an alchemy like nothing else between a horse and its rider. I had a few flashes of it in this week’s lesson, and it feels good.
Team work makes for good horsemanship; the art of riding, handling, and training horses. As I ease myself back in to the equestrian world, I’ve got the support of a fantastic, enthusiastic instructor, Amelia, teaching me on trusty horses at a leading equestrian centre near Chichester, I couldn’t ask for more.
First up, I’ll confess that despite having what I’d consider a good level of fitness, I was walking like John Wayne for about three days after the first of my riding lessons. My inner thigh and pelvic muscles reminded me firmly of their existence, my coach sympathised and recalled how she felt when she rode again after being grounded by pregnancy. Phew, it wasn’t just me.
Popcorn, a gorgeous palomino pony, was my ride.
Progress is far quicker if the fundamentals of riding are well rooted and my coach wanted to do different schooling exercises to work on this, including some without stirrups. Yikes.
After only five minutes I was berating myself for being sloppy. My coach said I shouldn’t fret about that until we’d both warmed up and worked each other out. It was liberating to allow myself to be imperfect and just go with it.
Working on using my leg, seat and hand aids correctly to communicate with Popcorn, we enhanced his performance by improving his flexibility. Combining balance and hand-eye coordination is a cognitive challenge as well as a physical one.
I found myself achieving one thing whilst forgetting about another, all of which my coach said would come together with more time in the saddle.
‘No hour of life is wasted spent in the saddle’ – Winston Churchill
“Horse riding is so beneficial for both your mental and physical well being, not only riding but simply being around horses is relaxing. We have several members who say they forget about the rest of the world and their worries when they come for their riding lesson. We’re open 6 days a week until 7.30pm and we will match you with the perfect coach on a day and time that suits you.”
Amelia Ayling BHSII
Your core is called upon as the abdomen, back and pelvis work together to stabilise your body. Coordination is improved as you master the many movements that need to happen simultaneously as your riding progresses.
Motor function and reflexes develop as you become increasingly responsive in the saddle and your cardiovascular system has a boost – an hour’s horse riding can burn between 200-450 calories depending on the intensity.
It is a sport that is suitable for many, including those with limited mobility. Age is no barrier, with Queen Elizabeth II being a fine example of this, still regularly riding aged 93. Lessons at Lavant Equestrian can be as mellow or challenging as you desire.
Some riders have no aspirations to even break into a trot, let alone a canter and that is just fine. Lavant’s qualified and experienced instructors have plenty of activities to help build confidence and physical condition at walking speed.
I didn’t see much walking during my lesson, filled with trot/canter transitions, no stirrups and pole work. I did say I wanted my coach to push me. As for next week, could there be a jump in my midst?
Book your introductory ride today.
Or if you’ve any questions/subjects you’d like her to address in the blog, get in touch by emailing us at riding@lavantequestrian.co.uk