Horseback Riding!

On the surface, horseback riding might appear to be a rider just sitting there with the horse doing all the work, but there is much more to horseback riding than you might expect! And the benefits reach far beyond the enjoyment of a hobby, there are physical, mental and emotional benefits as well.

Riding develops balance, coordination and body awareness. Riding also uses many muscles and groups of muscles simultaneously. To stay mounted the leg, abdominal, shoulder and back muscles are all engaged. Strength and flexibility helps foster good riding, and good riding helps foster strength and flexibility. The more you do it, the more you get out of it and the better you become! Most new riders will find that their muscles particularly the inner thigh muscles become sore, but the muscles will quickly become stretched and strengthened.

Riding a horse at a walk stimulates the internal organs just as walking on foot does. This aids in liver function and digestion. You will also be burning calories while you ride as well as at “rest” as a result of increased muscle. Increase the speed and distance you ride and you will increase the intensity of your work out and burn more calories. Yes, horseback riding is exercise!

Horseback riding is a sport that people of any age can participate in. As many people approach their middle years they may finally have the time and resources to realize their dreams of riding or owning a horse. With lessons from a skilled and patient trainer, there is no reason why people in their forties and beyond can not learn to ride. Lots of seniors have ridden into their “golden years” with a favorite equine companion.

Grooming, cleaning stables, carrying saddles, and tacking your horse are also weight bearing exercise that help burn calories, build muscle, and maintain bone mass. Many riders, especially those who compete, find that exercises like those in yoga or pilates compliment the sport of riding competitively.

The mental challenges and learning opportunities are almost endless for any equestrian from beginner to very advanced, there is always something new to learn. Research has shown that lifelong learning may prevent memory loss. Just like your muscles, your brain requires exercise and stimulation to stay young! Riding provides many opportunities for building self-confidence and self-esteem. Every lesson, trail ride, exercise ride, or even just “barn time” with your horse provides a learning and personal growth opportunity.

Many riders speak of an indescribable connection with nature when they ride, whether in the ring or on our the trails. Many people find companionship and “balance” in their lives when working with their horse. Often special bonds develop between riders who affectionately become known as “horse people.” The camaraderie of the people in your barn or lesson group is similar to the bonds formed on sports teams. It’s fun to get together with friends for a lesson, some riders work in the arena, and some pick a trail ride for fun.

If you desire solitude, a meditative-type activity, or emotional balance, riding can offer that as well. Many riders feel their horse is an intuitive creature in tune with their own feelings and emotions, even more so than any human companion. In times of stress or chaos, a horse can be a quiet, non-judgmental friend.

At Westbrook Horse Farm, we take the time to work with you to define and realize your goals. Whether you are choosing to ride to become more physically fit, develop better equestrian skills, to achieve balance and relaxation or just to have fun, we can help you achieve those goals. Maybe you are a parent who would like to help your child work through self-confidence / self-esteem issues or foster emotional healing in a non-invasive, non-confrontational, therapeutic way…riding is the perfect therapy!

We are fortunate to have some of the best lesson horses in the area. WHF has lesson horses suited to every age and skill level. We also have horses available for partial on-farm leases.

When you are ready to make the leap into something physically, mentally, and emotionally wonderful, call us and we will help you on your way! Our trainer is ready to assist you!

I look forward to helping you reach your goals! Happy New Year and Happy New YOU!

Here is what some of our students say about our lesson program…

“We want to share that the lesson for our 7 year old, Jaynna, was beyond our highest expectation. Ali carefully paced the information so masterfully and had Jaynna actively engaged in not only the preparation as well as the lesson, but also, in the understanding of how things work. Ali’s love of teaching shined as she imparted the essentials of riding. Her expertise is to be commended!”

“My daughter and I started to take lessons at Westbrook Horse Farm in March and we are impressed how much we have learned so far! The facility and amenities are top notch!”

“WHF is not like other places we have gone to, where you show up, hop on a horse, ride, get off and leave. The instructor teaches you everything from horsemanship to safety, grooming, handling skills, tacking, un-tacking, horse behavior, riding skills, to taking the horse back to the stall. Ali is a wonderful teacher and the lesson horses are the best! Max is my daughter’s favorite horse and I have taken a liking to Hawk myself. Ali is very patient and supportive and always challenges us to achieve our goals while making it fun!”

“This experience has produced character development in my daughter that I see to be a lifelong benefit, namely instilling confidence, responsibility, and safety awareness. Our experience has been rewarding, positive and educational. We look forward to leasing a horse at WHF and then owning our own horse one day. We highly recommend the Westbrook Horse Farm experience and the fantastic lesson program. Thank you, Westbrook Farm – we are hooked!!”

“There are so many lesson facilities close to where I live, but I travel well over an hour to take lessons at Westbrook Farm. The facility, the horses, and the instructor make the trip worth every minute!”

“Whenever I go to a lesson, I always leave with a smile and I’m in a great mood. I always learn something new, in a way I can understand how to be a better rider.”

“My son takes lessons at Westbrook Farm and loves them! As a parent, I like that there is an observation area so I can watch him but I also love the heated air conditioned lounge where I can catch up on my reading and enjoy a cup of tea while my son enjoys his lesson!”

We’re with former NFL superstar Brian Westbrook in his Maryland home and ranch.