At one time or another, we all wonder: How many calories does horseback riding burn?
You probably love horses if you are here. You may be looking for a way to burn calories and get fit without dragging yourself to the gym every day.
You wouldn’t believe how hard riding is. Although you might have known this when you rode the stubborn mare and couldn’t get your legs moving, you don’t probably know how much.
My boyfriend had never ridden before I met him. He would tease me that riding was not a sport and that the horse did all the work. It was almost a deal-breaker, I’m sorry.
Finally, I persuaded him to try it at least once before he got so hung up on it.
He could not walk after his first trail ride because he was stiff.
Knowing you have a good workout takes an hour of riding after having not been in the saddle for a while. Let me tell you, and the soreness is actual!
I’m a regular rider, but if I try something new, it doesn’t take long to feel the difference, and start sweating.
- Horses with stubborn horses that require a lot of legs
- Cantering (going slow) for a short time
- Biking bareback
- riding with no stirrups
You can do it every once in a while on vacation or if you want to learn. If you are competing, horseback riding can be a great way to get fit.
You can lose weight and burn lots of calories by riding. You can tone your legs, bum, and abs while riding.
Your favorite hobby has become the best exercise activity.
Is this too good to be true? Let me explain how.
Calorie Count Breakdown: Horseback riding: How many calories do you burn?
If you want to lose weight and tone your body, even just an hour of horse riding can be very beneficial. Although it may seem unbelievable, sitting on a horse can slim you. Still don’t believe me? This fantastic news is backed by science.
A study by AgriLife Today was published in the International Journal of Exercise Science. It asked this question: How many calories can you burn riding horseback?
Horseback riding can be a very effective and enjoyable way to exercise. The study showed that riding could positively affect the primary functions of our bodies, including respiratory and cardiac health.
Horse riding can be exhausting for even the most avid riders, like me.
How many calories can you lose horse riding?
Horse riding is just like other sports and exercises. The amount of calories you can burn depends on your weight, riding style, and how much you ride.
Calorie Counts
A cantering horse can help a woman who is 150 lbs or less burn up to 93 calories per hour.
You can burn up to 74% calories riding at the trot.
You can burn 57 calories if you ride the walk for 10 minutes. You can still lose more calories even if your mare is stubborn.
You can eat up to 384 calories per hour in 10 minutes. It’s crazy.
These are the results you won’t see on an elliptical. You deserve big kudos for all the riding you did for fun.
The key to strong leg muscles is the glutes.
You must do it correctly to make it effective, just like with any other exercise. You will not see the results you want. Let me show you how horseback riding could help you improve your health.
Contrary to popular belief, horses do not perform all the work when you ride.
Your body should engage every muscle in the exercise. Your primary tools for burning calories are your legs.
Our thighs help us stay on the horse when we are riding. They are our stabilizing force around horses’ trunks, allowing us to keep going.
Your heels should be pointing toward the ground, and your entire posterior chain, including your glutes and hamstrings, should be activated.
Horseback riding is a great way to burn calories. Keep your heart rate high.
Don’t settle for just walking your horse. Try trot, canter, and gallop. You and your horse will increase their heart rate, which can help you burn more calories.
Many people with joint problems are unable to run or jog. They can still go horse riding. One of these people is me. My L5/S1 disc has herniated. Ouch, right? Many doctors told me to stop riding, but I wouldn’t listen. Not a chance!
It was easy to keep my muscles engaged, especially my abs. This is crucial for stability. I was able to ride without pain.
You need to take advantage of an effective way to control your horse’s body.
If you are involved in dressage, this technique is essential!
You’ll end up fumbling around on the saddle and banging your tailbone against the saddle. In case you weren’t aware, it is awful for a herniated disc.
Some people don’t like running but love riding horses. Some of you can relate. If you’re one of these people, don’t worry. Horse riding is THE best exercise for you.
Additional Health Benefits
Aside from keeping you slim, horseback riding brings many health benefits for you and your horse.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins (or “happy hormones”).
These hormones relieve pain and provide a feeling of euphoria.
Serotonin, another hormone that is great for your health, is produced during any exercise. It causes weight loss and a reduction in appetite.
Horse riding is a great way to strengthen your core and leg muscles. It will help your body to cope with tiredness and worn-out muscles.
Horseback riding can also help regulate blood flow and improve cardiac health.
Horseback riding is a great motivator to increase my ankle flexibility. Why and How I did it!
It’s incredible how many people suffer from poor ankle flexibility after sitting at a desk all day. It can lead to severe problems for your back and knees.
Others consider riding their horse as a form of meditation and therapy. I feel calmer and more peaceful when I ride horses. Most riders find it therapeutic.
Horse riding is also beneficial to horses! Not only are humans able to enjoy riding, but so is everyone else. Your riding companion will love your exercise routine.
Horses get enough exercise by riding regularly. It helps strengthen the horse’s bones and muscles. It also helps improve their lung and heart health. Your horse’s muscle mass can be increased by riding. It will help to prevent diabetic complications and improve insulin sensitivity.
Your horse will be happy if he’s well-exercised. Even horses can get anxious and stressed. Horses can release some stress and anxiety through riding or exercise. Rider and horse form a strong bond through riding.
For all the other benefits I listed, horseback riding seems one of the most effective workouts.
You are also burning fat!
Well, obviously but I just thought it deserved to be saidÂ
Have you ever seen a professional horse riding team that is overweight? Let me know if you have. I haven’t yet. They are all very lean. Unfortunately, I am not yet at this level because I cannot ride as much as I would prefer, but I am getting there.
Let’s sum it all up: Horseback riding is a sport. Don’t believe anyone who claims otherwise. )
Many people ride horses once in a while and then stop riding. Horse riding can help you lose weight if done correctly and regularly. Horse riding is a great way to burn fat. It is essential to take horse riding seriously.
You are less likely if you sit on a horse and do nothing but walk around the stable to lose weight. Horse riding can be a great way to lose weight.
You will lose weight if you ride your horse a lot.
You don’t need another reason to ride horses!
You don’t have to worry; I have more. Horseback riding can also be very beneficial for your mental health why Horseback riding is Therapeutic.
You’ll soon become addicted to riding if you’re anything like most people who begin to ride. You will likely be hooked for life. Riding better is a great motivator to improve my strength and flexibility.
I wrote a post about how to get fit for horseback riding. Exercise guide for horseback riding
There are no excuses for being lazy when you read all about the health benefits of horse riding.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and ride!