Dear mothers and fathers,
Your daughter has discovered a special passion: a love of horses. For centuries, horses have held a special attraction for people, especially young girls. This fascination can lead to a deep and meaningful relationship that goes far beyond simple riding. As someone who has cycled half an hour to the riding stables on a folding bike and returned home with shaky legs after the riding lesson, I would like to share some insights and thoughts, from my current perspective as a psychologist, on why it might be worthwhile to support this passion, or rather, curiosity and desire for development .
The fascination for horses
Horses are powerful and sensitive animals that captivate us with their beauty, strength, and intelligence. For many young girls, the love of horses becomes a valuable and formative experience. The relationship with a horse is something truly special and can enrich your daughter's life in many positive ways.
Many girls are fascinated by horses because these majestic animals offer a blend of curiosity, adventure, and companionship. The stable becomes a place where they can immerse themselves in a completely different world—a world where they can take on responsibility and escape the worries of everyday school life .
The horse doesn't chatter at you
Working with horses allows them to get to know themselves better. Even if it's sometimes difficult to find the right words, they don't have to talk much in the stable. Horses respond to their inner voice and the sense of empathy that many girls possess. A special connection develops: The horses know them and hear them, even if they don't say anything. This wordless communication can be very liberating and empowering.
Living with horses encourages girls to step out of their comfort zone . Horses respond without judgment, which helps them develop confidence in their own feelings, even if they don't understand everything. When learning at school is difficult, quickly mastering riding skills can provide tremendous self-confidence. Successes in working with horses strengthen their self-belief and foster a deep sense of self-efficacy and resilience.
Riding strengthens the connection with nature
Additionally, interacting with horses strengthens their connection to nature. In the stables and while riding, girls experience the seasons up close – from the fresh green of spring to the warm, sunny days of summer, the colorful leaves of autumn, and the quiet beauty of winter. Observing and experiencing how nature changes around them sharpens their awareness and appreciation for the environment. The close bond with their horse and the shared experience of nature foster a deep understanding of natural cycles and strengthen their sense of responsibility for caring for the environment.
The benefits of equestrian sports
1. Physical fitness and health:
Horse riding is an excellent physical activity that offers numerous health benefits:
Condition and endurance: Riding and caring for a horse requires physical exertion, which improves overall condition and endurance. From trotting to cantering, each gait of the horse challenges different muscle groups and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
Physical strength: Riding strengthens the muscles, especially the core muscles, thighs, and back. Maintaining balance on a horse requires continuous muscle work, which increases physical strength.
Coordination and balance: Working with the horse's movements promotes body coordination and balance. This not only improves riding skills but also general motor skills.
Flexibility: The various movements involved in riding and caring for the horse promote flexibility in the joints and muscles, which improves overall mobility.
2. Emotional and mental health:
Working with horses has proven positive effects on emotional and mental health:
Stress relief and relaxation: Horses have a calming effect on people. Spending time in the stable and riding helps reduce everyday stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Self-confidence and self-esteem: Learning new skills and successfully interacting with a large animal like a horse will boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Your daughter will be proud of her progress and achievements.
Therapeutic Benefits: Horses are often used in therapy to help people with various emotional and psychological challenges. Bonding with a horse can provide comfort and support and promote emotional healing.
3. Responsibility and discipline:
Horses require daily care and attention, which will teach your daughter to be responsible and disciplined:
Daily Routine: Caring for a horse requires a daily routine, including feeding, cleaning the stall, brushing, and hoof care. This routine teaches your daughter the importance of keeping commitments and completing tasks regularly.
Time management: Responsibility for a horse requires effective time management. Your daughter will learn to organize her time well to balance school, homework, leisure activities, and horse care.
Reliability: A horse relies on its caregiver. Through daily care, your daughter develops a strong sense of responsibility and becomes more reliable in her tasks.
4. Social skills and teamwork:
Riding and caring for a horse are often team activities where you work together with other riders, trainers, and stable staff:
Communication: Regular interaction with other horse lovers, trainers, and stable staff will improve your daughter's communication skills. She will learn to communicate clearly and effectively, giving and receiving instructions.
Teamwork: Many equestrian activities require teamwork, whether it's stable work, riding lessons, or competitions. Your daughter will learn the importance of cooperation and mutual support.
Friendships: A shared passion for horses encourages friendships. Your daughter will meet many like-minded people who share her interests, which can lead to long-term friendships.
The practical aspects of riding
Safety while riding
Your daughter's safety is of utmost importance. Make sure she always wears a riding helmet and appropriate clothing and footwear. Find out about the riding stable's safety standards and the experience of the instructors. A good riding stable places great emphasis on safety and ensures that both riders and animals are well protected.
Costs and time
Equestrianism can involve considerable costs, whether for lessons, equipment, or horse care. It's important to set a realistic budget and be open about financial aspects. Time commitments should also be considered—riding and horse care require regular, often daily, commitments.
Support and encouragement
Your support and encouragement are crucial to your daughter's success and well-being. Show interest in her hobby, attend riding lessons or competitions, and share her enthusiasm. Your positive attitude and support can make a huge difference. Shared experiences at the stables and while riding not only strengthen the bond with your child but also create precious memories.
Riding and horse love: A valuable life lesson
The experience your daughter gains through working with horses is invaluable. She'll not only learn the practical skills of riding, but also develop important life skills such as patience, empathy, perseverance, and a sense of responsibility . These lessons aren't limited to working with horses, but will support your child in many areas of her life.
Horses can be a wonderful addition to your daughter's life. They offer not only a source of joy and passion, but also valuable lessons that will stay with her throughout her life. Support her journey with horses, and she will be grateful for the unforgettable experiences and valuable skills she learns along the way.
Kind regards, Michaela and the STEINKRAFT team
Check out our offers for happy horses >>>
