One of the most enjoyable outdoor summer activities is horseback riding. The relationship between a horse and rider is invaluable.
As with any other relationship, this relationship will take time and patience to build. The resulting trust and friendship provides many benefits to both horse and rider.
When one goes horseback riding they are improving their balance and muscle strength. As the horse moves down uneven terrain and changes gait, the rider has to adjust to stay on.
This takes developed balancing skills. In order to effectively balance on a horse it takes strong muscles to compensate for the way body weight is falling.
Horseback riding will also help improve coordination, reflex speed and motor planning. While horses are very smart, they do not always realize what could happen in various situations.
It is important for the rider to look ahead and anticipate what is coming. For example, a horse will go under a tree without thinking about the rider, but the rider must anticipate this and avoid any branches that might know him or her off.
If the rider does not anticipate this ahead of time, they might find themselves ducking at the last moment to avoid obstacles which improve their balance, coordination, and reflexes.
As the horse moves and the rider adjusts to the movement, the rider's muscles will be stretched in new ways. This can relieve the pain of super tight or spastic muscles.
As the muscles loosen and stretch out, the ability to move joints increases as well. Horseback riding is exercise.
When exercising a person's respiration and circulation improves. Likewise, respiration and circulation also improve through horseback riding.
Being out in nature is also very good for the soul and body. There is a lot of sensory integration that occurs throughout a horseback riding trip.
As the ride progresses, the rider is constantly adjusting how far away he or she is from things. This practice helps improve visual spatial perception and hand eye coordination, which is a very valuable skill.
In addition to all of these physical benefits to both the horse and rider, there are also many socio-emotional benefits that the rider will experience. As the rider is in command of the horse through the use of the reins, they learn how to be firm and yet compassionate towards the horse.
These traits are valuable leadership skills that can be used in daily interactions with other human beings. When the rider's relationship with the horse improves the rider will also experience greater self-confidence, risk-taking abilities, patience, emotional control and self-discipline, expansion of locus of control, and development of respect and care for animals.
These skills are invaluable in many social situations. There are many ways to get the opportunity to horseback ride for yourself or your children.
Sundance offers a variety of horses, their equipment, and several different horseback riding trails that are surrounded by beautiful scenery. The Elk Meadow Trail Ride passes through groves of aspen trees and gorgeous alpine meadows.
This trail is very low key and an ideal ride to take children on who are experiencing riding a horse for the first time. There is no need to worry about getting saddle sore on this ride because it only lasts an hour long.
The Stewart Falls Trail Ride is slightly longer at two hours in length and passes through the scenic Wasatch Mountains and over part of Mount Timpanogos. Stop at the end of the trail to enjoy the surging Stewart falls.
This ride is lead by a guide who will be able to tell you about the history of Sundance and the beautiful canyon you will pass through. This trail is also fairly easy and is a favorite of riders who visit Sundance.
A survey of riders who had ridden elsewhere in the world showed that this trail was their favorite of everywhere they had been. The Sunset Trail Ride takes place in the evening and misses the heat of the day.
This ride is very popular among those seeking to view wildlife as elk, deer, and moose usually emerge around this time of night. This ride is also about two hours in length.
Sundance's longest ride is their Great Western Trail, which is about four hours in length. Due to the length of the trail, this ride is only recommended for people who have ridden a horse before.
However, this ride features splendid wildlife and fantastic scenery and is well worth the trip.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels is a former travel agent and has written hundreds of articles relating to tourism and real estate, including Sundance homes. He has been involved in local travel and tourism for over 20 years.
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