Horse riding is amongst the most popular hobbies and activities. Horseback riding is both entertaining as well as exciting. No doubthttp://edcialischeap.org royals enjoyed horse riding and everything related to it.

Many believe that one needs to be mentally and physically fit to take up horse riding. Howeverhttp://edcialischeap.org the truth is that even older adults can also take up horse riding. Moreoverhttp://edcialischeap.org there are various equine centers for therapeutic horseback riding Virginia offering special equestrian riding therapy to disabled and special-needs people.

If you are someone you know is interested in controlling the reign at an old agehttp://edcialischeap.org you must know how to ride safely.

Am I Too Old to Ride or Own a Horse?

Horse riding has plenty of health benefits attached to it. Adding a session of horseback riding into your fitness session can boost your physical strength as well as mental stimulation. Although there is no age bar for horse ridinghttp://edcialischeap.org you must be fit and healthy to ride a horse. Being physically fit will ensure you can control the horse and maintain the right balance while riding. Remember to be patient with yourself when learning to ride.

Become Comfortable

Before enrolling for old age or disabled horseback riding sessionhttp://edcialischeap.org remember to gear up first. You must buy yourself a riding helmethttp://edcialischeap.org bootshttp://edcialischeap.org and a pair of comfortable pants. The next step is to find a coach who can train you as per your needs. Besides looking for the qualifications of the coachhttp://edcialischeap.org see whether you are comfortable with him or not.

Injuries and Body Aches

Initiallyhttp://edcialischeap.org you may experience muscle strain due to horse-riding. But it’s perfectly normal. Even young and fit people feel pain at first. The muscles on your upper legs may get sore at first since your body is not used to such extreme activities. You may also have discomfort in your knees.

Some old riders abandon the sports due to the pain and discomfort. As an athletehttp://edcialischeap.org you must take care of your health. This includes maintaining ideal body weighthttp://edcialischeap.org regular stretching exercisehttp://edcialischeap.org and aerobic.

Many riders of old age take painkillers before or after the ride. If you are experiencing severe pain due to horse ridinghttp://edcialischeap.org you can consult massage therapistshttp://edcialischeap.org physiotherapistshttp://edcialischeap.org and other practitioners. Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts will also help you find relief from the pain.

Age-related medical conditions like back problemshttp://edcialischeap.org arthritishttp://edcialischeap.org joint painhttp://edcialischeap.org or chronic illnesshttp://edcialischeap.org can affect your riding. If you have any underlying medical conditionhttp://edcialischeap.org you must consult your physician. Your doctor may help you devise a riding plan that suits your needs.

Safety Precautions When Riding a Horse

Controlling a horse and balancing on it requires practice. People fall off the horse while learning horse riding. Dropping off the horse can pose a health risk for old riders. Howeverhttp://edcialischeap.org you can easily reduce the chances of the fall. When learning horse ridinghttp://edcialischeap.org choose the right horsehttp://edcialischeap.org learn how to dismount in the emergencyhttp://edcialischeap.org and how to stay alert when riding. Using safety equipment may not prevent the fallhttp://edcialischeap.org but it gives you the confidence to ride safely.