Riding horses may improve your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health! As a result, it is an excellent option for retired individuals living independently in a retirement community with an active lifestyle. Getting out of the house, meeting new people, and establishing social circles are also crucial at any age. Learning a new ability, such as horseback riding in a retirement community in Tulsa, OK, at 60, is certainly plausible. And you’re not too old to ride; in fact, 60-year-olds compete in the Olympics!
Health benefits associated with Horseback Riding for Retired Individuals
As long as you can do it safely, horseback riding has many health advantages if you’re in good physical condition and feel at ease around horses.
- Physical Strength – You need to use your core and your leg and back muscles to maintain good posture.
- Better Coordination – Your coordination will improve as you coordinate your actions with your horse’s movements and guide it in the desired direction.
- Mental Health – In addition to learning how to interact with your horse, carry out commands, and master obstacles, your memory, and reasoning also improve.
- Like-minded Friends – Spending quality time at the barn will help you make new friends. You’ll get to know the other riders and your instructor. Many individuals assist each other and take care of horses in the horse community. It is a great place to socialize.
- Relaxation – Depression and anxiety have long been treated with horseback riding. In one study of the elderly population, horseback riding had a calming effect on the mind and body, lowering mental stress and boosting focus and comfort levels.
Here are some of the best-rated horseriding lessons near Tulsa, OK:
- Horn MR Ranch Riding Lessons – Marlene is passionate about horse riding and offers lessons for children and adults. She also works with people with disabilities, stroke recovery, and therapy for anxiety. They have horses for lessons at every level, from novice to expert. You would learn how to take care of a horse, examine its hooves, saddle it, mount it, and direct it in the direction you want it to go.
- Saddle Time – With 20 years of experience as a riding instructor, they enjoy introducing people to horse riding as a sport. Saddle Time has a well-maintained, long-standing equestrian business that offers riding lessons and school horses for riders of all skill levels.
- Southern Hills Riding Academy & Heavenly Halo Horse Ranch – They impart lessons from basic to advanced stages in western and English disciplines. All riders receive training in horse care so that the horse will bond with them. Every rider can find a horse here. Weather is not a concern because they have a beautiful indoor arena. In addition, they have cross-country trails, a barrel arena, a dressage arena, an outdoor arena, and a jumping stadium.
- West Equestrian Ranch – They are certified instructors with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship and the Certified Horsemanship Association. The USDF Bronze Medalist is their top Instructor. They cover the hows and whys in their class, enabling students to comprehend all facets of horsemanship fully. West Equestrian Ranch offers various riding styles, including English, dressage, western, and other styles.
- SaddleBack Equestrian – They are a full-service equestrian business. They offer a welcoming and informal atmosphere that guarantees a satisfying and secure experience for both rider and horse. For those who don’t already own a horse, there is a large selection of knowledgeable, secure school horses available for lessons, showing, and partial leases.
Regardless of your age, the best part is that you can still log enjoyable miles in the saddle as long as you approach it thoughtfully and sensibly.