Being a part of the horse community is a deeply rewarding experience. Horseback riding in particular offers a wide range of benefits for your physical, mental, and social health. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about what horseback riding is actually like.
That’s why we thought it was important to set the record straight on some of the most commonly perpetuated myths about horseback riding. Let’s take a closer look at what is fact and what is fiction!
Myth #1: Horseback riding is not a sport or a form of exercise.
Because the horse is the one doing most of the moving, some people who have never ridden mistakenly believe that the rider just sits atop the animal effortlessly. In reality, horseback riding actively engages a lot of your muscles and requires balance, coordination, and endurance. Not to mention all of the walking and heavy equipment-lugging you need to do before and after your ride!
Myth #2: All it takes to ride successfully is trust in your horse.
You can’t just hop on a horse and expect them to know what you want them to do. It takes a lot of training, skill, and understanding of the animal to ride a horse properly. Horses have a flight instinct—they’re programmed to look out just for themselves. You need to be the leader in this relationship, maintaining control over where you go, how you get there, and when to stop.
Myth #3: Horseback riding is dangerous.
People who have never ridden a horse or find the idea scary tend to carry around images in their head of riders falling off and smashing their head left and right. The truth is, with the right equipment and proper training, horseback riding is no more dangerous than any other sport or activity. As long as you take the time to practice and understand the basics of horse behavior, riding a horse is perfectly safe.
Myth #4: Only the wealthy go horseback riding.
Horseback riding is an activity often associated with the elite class—something that celebrity children do or wealthy businessmen bet on. But if you do your research, there are plenty of affordable lessons and programs for learning how to ride and/or competing. Depending on where you go, rates are comparable to other recreational activities like dance lessons or sports groups.
Once you’ve experienced the joys of horseback riding for yourself, you’ll be wanting to get your own horse in no time! The portable run-in sheds and barn structures we design and build here at Deer Creek Structures can provide the safe, comfortable, and affordable shelter you need to give your horse a good life.
Contact us today to learn more about our custom structures and in-stock options!