“The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.”
Horses make you happy and healthy
I’ve said it so many times! Even if you are not an equine enthusiast, you cannot help but be captivated by their majestic beauty, elegance, big kind eyes, and beautiful flowing manes and tails.
But did you know that horses can assist in making you happy and healthy too? Many a horse person will tell you that they cannot live without horses for various reasons, but here are 7 top reasons horses can assist with making you happy and healthy.
Horses can have a positive impact on children
Washington State University published a study that claims to be the first evidence-based research on the interaction of horses and children and their effect on cortisol levels.
The project was supported by a grant of $100,000 from the National Institute of Health. It assessed 130 children between 11 and 13 years old. Over 2 years, they participated in a 12-week-long equine-facilitated learning course.
The program consisted of 90 minutes per week of learning about horse behavior, care, and riding.
The saliva samples were used to monitor their cortisol levels. The results showed that the stress hormone levels of children who participated were significantly lower than those in the waiting list group. This was especially true in the afternoon when stress tends to increase.
According to Greatwood, an ex-racehorse charity that supports children with special needs, this research “makes perfect logic.” Sasha Thorbek–Hooper, a spokesperson for the charity, said that “one of the most important things we notice about our students is their decreased anxiety when they are around horses.”
Being around horses reduces stress
The world we live in is full of stress and can be vulnerable to the negative physical side effects. The Washington State University’s study found that horses can reduce stress hormone cortisol in children as mentioned in the exact study data above. Adults are no different.
Numerous studies have shown that riders are happier and more joyful after riding. Another example of how Horses make you Happy and Healthy.
Equine Therapy helps recovery in people suffering PTSD
Hippotherapy, a form of horse therapy, uses horses to move for speech, occupational, or physical therapy. It has been used to treat sensory and motor problems associated with stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Horses can also be a source of emotional healing. They form a connection with their riders that transcends human communication. Horses provide immediate feedback on their riders’ actions. This provides a mirror of their emotions, allowing them to recognize their emotions and help them achieve emotional balance.
Horses are honest and are not able to manipulate you. Horses can sense when a fly lands on them, so they can certainly sense if you are anxious, impatient, grieving or stressed. Horses have no expectations and can be a support system for you if you are not comfortable talking about your feelings.
Kathy enjoying that special connection with her horse.
Horse Riding can help your fitness levels
Horse riding is an excellent exercise that strengthens core muscles, improves heart function, and strengthens the muscles of your legs and arms. Horse riding is a great way to exercise, have fun, get outdoors and be productive.
Most people go to a gym or do some other form of exercise for fitness, and many don’t realise that Horseback riding can be a great alternative for regular exercise. You get a great workout, spend time with your horse, and it reduces stress.
Horseback riding is an accepted therapy to strengthen muscles in seniors, and it greatly improves symptoms for children and adults with disabilities.
Horses have a calming affect
Being around horses can affect brainwave patterns and make people calmer, more focused, and more centred. Due to this research alone, Horses are used to aid soldiers returning from war, autistic children, addicts, and people with disabilities.
Horses are able to show compassion and acceptance, which can help people heal from emotional and psychological traumas. Compassion for yourself and others is a powerful tool when faced with difficult situations.
Horses can improve one’s self esteem
It is a difficult job to care for an animal. However, it can be rewarding. Being able to control an animal larger than yourself is empowering. The ability to learn new skills can help increase self-confidence, and make it easier to deal with unfamiliar situations. Mastering new arenas and paces gives you goals to reach and encourages hard work.
To have a positive and healthy relationship with others, it is important to first have a positive relationship within yourself. Children can develop trust, respect and empathy with horses. This helps them grow their self-control, confidence, self-control, assertiveness, communication skills, as well as mutual trust.
Horse riding encourages mindfulness. You must respond to your immediate environment, and then focus on your horse’s needs. Horses can improve self-awareness, empathy, stress reduction, physical strength, self-esteem, and compassion toward others.
Professional captured horse photography offers you sweet memories for a lifetime
We are constantly changing and growing, and we are becoming the best version of ourselves right alongside our horses. By taking professional photos, I have the opportunity to see my clients develop as equestrians and can ensure that these memories can last a lifetime.
Decorating your home using images that you are passionate about is something that will always bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. You can even make your photos last longer by hiring a professional photographer to take your portraits. Nothing is better than sharing a professional photo of your horse’s special memories.
Jody Miller is a professional photographer specializing in Horse Photography, Equine Photography, and Equestrian photography. Her work can be viewed online here in her gallery section, and she is also featured at these Arizona Galleries: Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery on Whiskey Row in Prescott, AZ and Coops Coffee House at Talking Rock Ranch. Several images are also available at The Phippen Western Art Museum