It’s no secret that little girls love horses. They’re drawn to these animals because of their beauty and grace, but as it turns out, horses can offer your children many benefits that can last a lifetime. Here are five reasons to consider taking your little ones to the stables:
Confidence: Few things can build a young girl’s confidence like learning to ride a horse. Mastering a trot, how to properly care for a horse, and the skills needed to guide the horse around a practice ring or on a trail can be foundation blocks for confidence-building. This is especially true for young girls ages 7-14 who are beginning to experience peer pressure, insecurity and other negative emotions associated with ‘coming of age.’ Horseback-riding can combat these pressures and instill confidence in a child, which can translate into her standing up for what she believes is right amidst peer pressure.
Discipline: Anyone who works with horses can tell you that this type of activity is one that requires commitment. Children quickly come to understand that horseback riding is something that takes practice and discipline. Leisure riding is a wonderful activity, but even leisure riding requires discipline in learning how to properly guide the horse to follow your child’s instructions. The discipline it takes to ride a horse can translate into the discipline needed to help her complete that tough homework assignment on time.
Instilling Responsibility: In addition to riding the horse, the children may be asked to assist with getting the ‘tack’ and saddle ready, brushing and washing the horse she is preparing to ride, and feeding the horse carrots, oats and hay. Children learn the importance of caring for a horse, and this skill can then translate into their caring for friends and family as well.
Patience: Children have a reputation for having little patience, which is completely understandable at this age. However, patience is a skill, and this skill becomes stronger with practice. Horseback riding provides a regular opportunity to develop patience. It takes time to care for a horse before climbing into a saddle; it takes patience to learn how to properly hold the reigns and ‘steer’ a horse around an arena. This one skill can prove to be incredibly valuable as your child grows and enters the next stage of her life.
Exercising in Nature: It’s no secret that today’s kids spend less time outdoors than previous generations, and much is lost as a result. After a full school day, getting outside to a stable and riding a horse can help your child clear her mind and enjoy being outdoors. This activity can also help her better focus on her homework later because she’s had a chance to exercise and enjoy nature. This is a benefit for adults as well—have you ever noticed that you often get your best ideas or discover a solution to a problem when you’ve been outside or gone for a walk? The mind needs nature to think, dream and create. Your child needs this, too!
The next time you pass a stable, stop in for a visit. You may find that the horses in that pasture can help your child in ways you never imagined…
