Improper_Username
06-08-2006, 09:06 AM
Contrary to what your old gym teacher said, it isn't the horse who does all the work. :p
Correct horseback riding is a very physical and limbering exercise that uses your entire body.
For hunt seat riders, "posting" uses tremendous energy and focuses on strengthening and toning the thighs and legs
For those of us who specialize in an event called "Western Pleasure", we must use our seat and legs to push-push-push the horse to collect and that is just as challenging as HUS posting in the beginning.
The arms and shoulders also get a workout.
Include cleaning the horse's stall, grooming the horse, moving bales of hay, unloading 50 pound bags of feed, and saddling and unsaddling the horse with a 40 pound saddle, and you've got a workout that doesn't seem like work at all because of the companionship of the beautiful animal.
If you've never ridden before, or ridden very little, begin with lessons from a reputable coach, someone who will teach you how to stay safe on a horse. And wear a safety helmet!
If you buy a horse, look for what is called a "pleasurebred" of the Quarter Horse, Paint, or Appaloosa breeds, because they are soft movers that are usually very calm, friendly, and tractable.
Correct horseback riding is a very physical and limbering exercise that uses your entire body.
For hunt seat riders, "posting" uses tremendous energy and focuses on strengthening and toning the thighs and legs
For those of us who specialize in an event called "Western Pleasure", we must use our seat and legs to push-push-push the horse to collect and that is just as challenging as HUS posting in the beginning.
The arms and shoulders also get a workout.
Include cleaning the horse's stall, grooming the horse, moving bales of hay, unloading 50 pound bags of feed, and saddling and unsaddling the horse with a 40 pound saddle, and you've got a workout that doesn't seem like work at all because of the companionship of the beautiful animal.
If you've never ridden before, or ridden very little, begin with lessons from a reputable coach, someone who will teach you how to stay safe on a horse. And wear a safety helmet!
If you buy a horse, look for what is called a "pleasurebred" of the Quarter Horse, Paint, or Appaloosa breeds, because they are soft movers that are usually very calm, friendly, and tractable.