Horses have a unique ability to increase wellbeing

But riding has health benefits that go far beyond the physically measurable. The close relationship with another living being creates a deeper dimension that is both beneficial and therapeutic for the soul. This creates a uniqueness in equestrian sport. Horses possess an exceptional, well-documented ability to increase human well-being while reducing stress, anxiety and worry.

Have you noticed how just spending time in the stable is enough to make you feel better? Engaging with horses requires complete presence in the moment - a form of ‘mindfulness’ that dispels negative thoughts and lifts the spirit.

Horses bring calm and balance

The relationship with the horse involves so much more than the time spent on horseback. This sport and/or leisure activity - at any level - engages the whole person: mind and spirit, body and soul. The care and attention towards the health and well-being of the horse often requires hours of physical labour in the stable. But it is at least as important to build a trusting relationship, a partnership, between horse and human.

The possibility of creating deep emotional bonds with a living, sentient, powerful animal is a hallmark of equestrian sport - and one of its most health-promoting aspects. The horse's presence is soothing and comforting. Pressure, stress, anxiety and negative thoughts are reduced: what really matters is happening here and now. The horse offers a respite in life, something that is often experienced as strengthening and healing, even in the long term.

Active awareness in the present moment

Many equestrians emphasise the importance of being present in the moment, both when riding and when interacting with the horse. There are several reasons for this. The most obvious is pure self-preservation; horses are big, strong and heavy. It is important to concentrate, to read the horse's body language and signals, in order to anticipate its movements and reactions.

But horses are themselves intuitive beings that are constantly in the process of reading the emotions of the people around them. It is therefore perfectly possible to transmit your own nervousness, frustration or bad mood to the horse.

Since horses pick up on human emotions, and even mirror them, it is obviously best to stay calm and collected ourselves. By consciously focusing on the present moment, ‘mindfulness’, you can reduce the influence of negative emotions and thoughts and clear your mind. In this way, you can develop the ability to take control of your inner reality.

Sharp focus or stress-relieving meditation 

Horseback riding - with all that it entails - is a truly multi-faceted activity, giving riders the opportunity to train their mental capacity and stamina in a variety of ways. As mentioned, in the presence of a horse, you need to give your full attention to what is happening in the current moment. This, in turn, can both demand intense concentration or offer relaxing rest for the mind.   

Either way, the interaction, communication, emotional exchange and care of the horse has a beneficial effect on psychological well-being. Working alongside a horse is often perceived as calming and meditative. Moreover, caring for a horse is a concrete, practical act that produces meaningful results.

Challenges, hardship and setbacks also tend to be concrete and tangible - something that can promote both perseverance and problem-solving skills. It is therefore not surprising that study after study shows a clear, positive impact on the mental health of equestrians.

A social context  

Both humans and horses are social creatures. We are both herd animals - but the horse is also a flight animal. Over the course of evolution, the horse's body and mind have been moulded for one single purpose: to quickly identify threats and take flight with explosive force at maximum speed. Human influence has not significantly reshaped the nature of the horse.

Yet, despite our differences, it is possible for us to achieve a high degree of mutual understanding, communication and responsiveness. Ideally, we form a trusting partnership, where horse and rider bring out the best in each other. Developing as a rider often goes hand in hand with growing as a person

The relationship with the horse also benefits other relationships. Involvement in the equestrian world creates a social context that includes both horses and like-minded people. And therein lies another reason why horseback riding is exceptionally beneficial for mental health and well-being.