When people think of teachers, they rarely think of horses. When, in fact, horses are excellent educators who can teach young children and teens a variety of skills that promote lifelong learning, success, and fulfillment. Many studies show that youngsters who ride horses generally get better grades because riding increases their ability to focus and ignore distractions. Thus, horses are unique educators because of the abundance and diversity of skills they teach.
Physical Safety
One of the first lessons children learn when working with horses is the importance of safety for themselves, the horses, and others. This is critical because horses typically outweigh young riders by a factor of ten. Being conscious of safety procedures around horses teaches children awareness of their actions and reactions, horses’ behaviors, consideration of others, and awareness of the surrounding environment.
Emotional Stability
Through horses children learn to calmly respond to a situation instead of reacting emotionally. They learn how to interpret their horse’s reactions and stay calm in order to cooperate with a large animal. Since one of the skills required to be safe is self-control, children learn to stay calm and patient when working with horses by properly riding and working with them. They also learn to control their reactions as their behavior immediately impacts the behavior of their horses.
Responsibility
Horses often dislike changes in their daily routines and their environment. Horses not fed on time may become so anxious they do not attend to their rider’s commands resulting in an unruly animal and unsafe ride. Thus, horses require those who are responsible for them to have good time management and discipline. As youngsters work with horses, they learn the importance of consistency in their routines, habits, and interactions with these sensitive animals.
Empathy
Interpreting the feelings of a horse teaches children empathy that enables understanding the feelings and situations of others. Much of modern interaction between children is with hi-tech media such as cell phones, tablets, and computers. As a result, their exposure to the appearance of others has significantly decreased in recent years which reduces their ability to be empathic. Through horses children become caretakers attending to the needs of their animals often before their own needs enhancing their ability to empathize.
Immunity
Recent studies have shown that regular exposure to a horse farm regulates the immune system, lowers stress levels, and improves well-being. Spending time with horses minimizes hours on hi-tech devices and increases time spent outdoors. The direct exposure to others and outdoor activities associated with involvement with horses improves the balance of a child’s daily life.
Physical Fitness
When children begin riding, they quickly learn that it is more than just “sitting in the saddle.” Proper riding techniques and habits require balance, coordination, flexibility, and control. Riders not balanced become uncomfortable which may cause the horse to misstep and increase their risk of falling off the horse and being injured. By maintaining proper riding form, children develop strength in their backs, legs, core, and upper arms as well as improving balance and elasticity by allowing their bodies to move with that of their horse.
Assertiveness
Proper riding enables children to communicate their expectations to horses through their body language. Horses teach youngsters how to set expectations of themselves and for their equine partner. Riders must be able to communicate with horses quietly, yet assertively, in order to be effective. These skills are especially helpful for children who are not confident or are introverted.
Confidence
Being able to control an animal the size of a horse allows children to develop confidence and problem solving skills while maintaining composure. Since horses have a mind of their own, problems can occur when a rider might be doing their best to communicate clearly and calmly. Falling off a horse is scary; it takes a lot of courage to get back on and perseverance to keep riding. This results in children learning to pursue their goals in spite of adversity.
Teamwork
Many sports involve moving an inanimate object like a football, tennis racket, or rowing oars that require significant coordinated effort and communication between teammates. However, most sports do not require constant interaction with a live subject like a horse. For example, the sport of polo requires interaction with many objects including the horse being ridden, a mallet, and puck as well as other riders and horses. Although horses are herd animals, some resent being crowded by other horses or dislike riding in unison, a must when playing polo. Training a horse to be comfortable and focus on these conditions requires skill from a rider who may experience similar feelings.
In summary, horses are incredible teachers and enable children who work with them to develop important life skills. Many studies have shown how horses enhance the health of young riders through strengthening core muscles, improving posture, increasing cognitive functions, and encouraging clear communication. Working with an equine partner requires dedication, determination and diligence. Most importantly, caring for a horse and creating a union with these emotionally intelligent animals opens a world of fun, adventure, learning, and love.
