When you picture “Mommy and Me” classes, you may think about sitting on the floor with your toddler on your hip and getting them to interact with other children. However, if you are going to spend time and money on extracurricular activities with your children, why not spend them on horseback riding lessons? Here are some of the benefits of this great activity.
Skill Building
Horseback riding lessons help you develop and improve your communication skills. You and your child will get to practice healthy communication with each other in a fun and encouraging setting. This hands on learning and interactive experience can help enhance patience, discipline, empathy, and compassion. Your child will have an opportunity to improve his or her confidence and leadership skills as she or he take charge of leading the horse. In 2013, researchers conducted a study of horse education for children with a group of students from 5th through 8th grade. The findings were that children’s self-awareness, self-management, personal responsibility, decision-making, goal-directed behavior, and relationship skills had all made positive gains.
Bonding time
In this busy life, it can be challenging to set aside time for a dedicated family moment. Horseback riding lessons can be a great way to carve out time in your schedule for a special hour with your child. You can take an hour to pause, be present, and make meaningful memories together. One important perk of dedicated parent and child time is the bonding that happens. The love between a parent and child is unparalleled and getting to know each other warms the heart. You get to share the experience of learning while seeing some beautiful trails and outdoor scenes. Also, you can remain with your child the entire time through this private and interactive experience.
Open Communication
By having dedicated activities for you and your child, you set the standard that conversations about anything are accepted in your family. This can be helpful to establish early so that when they are exposed to new people, ideas, and circumstances as teenagers, they feel comfortable chatting with you about anything. Also, if you are having trouble connecting with your teen, trying something new together is a great way to reconnect.
Technology Free
Other than the obvious photos you want to take of these fun experiences, there is not much room on a horseback riding lesson for texting or browsing social media. Studies have shown that people are happier when they have some time to disconnect from phones, tablets, laptops and televisions. Unplug for an hour, get some fresh air in the great outdoors, and see how much better you feel. Along with helping the entire family unplug, other benefits of spending time outdoors with family include a vitamin D boost and stress relief.
Discover Your Inner Child
As an adult and parent, you have responsibilities that can lead to stressful feelings and occasionally being overwhelmed. Horseback riding can be one of those activities to make you feel like a child again and break the routine of your daily stresses. Having these moments to connect with your child can also improve the parent-child bond.
Alternative to Horse Ownership
Due to the upkeep, cost, and space needed to own a horse, it is not realistic for everyone. At only $65-70 per lesson, horseback riding lessons are a great alternative to give everyone a chance to experience life with horses. If you are considering horse ownership, this can be a way to see how committed your child may be to this interest as you explore the possibilities.
Ready to Ride?
Take the next step and book your private “Mommy and Me” horseback riding lesson. If your son or daughter is interested, riding is a fantastic way to spend time together. Any age and any level can ride together given the right environment. Your riding lessons should always be focused on safety, conducted in a nurturing environment, and teach overall horse awareness and appreciation. Your little ones will thrive and grow as they are exposed to hands-on horse care and time in the saddle. Check out this post for tips on how to choose the ideal riding school.
