Re: Riding isn't an exercise?!?

I get it as well that riding isn't exercise as you just sit there and the horse does all the work!  These sorts of comments come from people who have either never ridden or been out on a nice walk with a few steps of trot, riding school hack.  These also tend to be the same people who say that owning a horse is a 'hobby', which really raises my hackles and I always have to explain that owning a horse is a way of life.  Going to a riding school for a lesson once a week is a hobby!!!  I need to wind my neck in now because I can feel myself getting started again.

Re: Riding isn't an exercise?!?

 My GP once told me riding isn't exercise!  We were laughing about this whilst watching a very fast and furious group lesson last week - 6 very good, fit, adult riders being put through their paces!  They were all exhausted by the end of it (horses were puffing a bit, too! )

I thought the definition of good exercise was that which raises your pulse rate for a sustained period - which riding certainly does!  Ask someone who doesn't ride to mimic on the ground the movement you do in rising trot for more than a few seconds!  Unless they already do some targeted leg work, they won't be able to, I bet!  When I started pilates again recently, I could do things with my legs that the instructor couldn't do , because they are so strong!!

My OH is a bit of a fitness expert and says he always thought 'you just sit there' 

Untill he came to watch me!  He says it is very good exercise - core muscles, legs, heart/lungs etc.  As well as getting you out in the fresh air and having fun (most important thing - you won't continue doing any exercise if you don't enjoy it!)

Re: Riding isn't an exercise?!?

GAIL35 - well done for dropping 2 dress sizes! I wish i could say that lol! xx

Re: Riding isn't an exercise?!?

Riding is definitely an exercise, its certainly improved my fitness levels and helped me maintain them. Its one exercise I find really valuable. Its helped me tone up and I've lost weight since I started last year.  

Re: Riding isn't an exercise?!?

Well, i have to say, if it isnt exercise, id like those who say that to come and have a ride.  When i was a youngster, i didnt think anything of vaulting onto a riding school pony at the bottom of a field and cantering up bareback with a piece of baling twine ready to start the days lessons.  A few years on and i managed to still vault on the racehorses i was working with as a jockey, but the amount of focus, and intense concentration required during schooling is a real cardiac workout.  I have now returned to riding after 5 years without a horse and i did an assessment for half an hour........i was red as a beetroot, dripping wet and the following week, was not without lots of intense pain.  I spend hours on my feet stewarding for judges at shows .....run back and forth at the yard doing stable duties.  You only need a horse that doesnt like to be caught to give you the run around and you are totally shattered before you even start (Bronnie was such a horse for the first two weeks)......i spent that time looking like id overdone it on a sunbed.  In the roundpen, walking round and round in circles........boy did my calves ache.  And.......thats without having got on board and done any riding.  Once youre up there.......it is a true physical work out.  We are doing flat work at the moment........I am definately going to shed a few stones in the coming months.  Yep horse riding is definately a sport to keep you fit, both physically and mentally.  My quote "Dont knock it if you havent tried it".