5 GOOD REASONS TO START RIDING

Strengthen rebel zones with horse riding

Gallop, not, trot ... All the paces make work muscles rarely used elsewhere. Mainly the adductors - inside the thighs - who must follow in suspension the impulses of the horse (about 100 / min, at pace). No risk of "swelling": the rhythm of the contractions is such that the result is appreciated in terms of shape rather than volume. Clearly, we quickly thigh tapered! Other deep muscles to work hard: abdominals and dorsals.

Win a nice posture and a beautiful head wear

The permanent movement of retroversion of the pelvis, essential to hold the "plate", forces to straighten the back and raise the head. But the bonus is that, once acquired, the reflex to stay upright keeps itself, even on the ground. And a haughty port, not only ultra-chic but visually lengthens the silhouette! There is only to watch Princess Charlotte Casiraghi herself a riding champion.

Quadrini Marco / Olycom / ABACA

Getting closer to nature

An equestrian hike has nothing to do with a "classic" ride in the forest. The relationship with the environment is changed. First, because we do not see the same things in height; then because the feelings of the horse - (vibrating as soon as he hears a bird, that he sees a deer or if he is wary when approaching a grove ...) also become ours.

Cultivate your relationship

It is a primordial aspect of this discipline of couple (the horse and the man): to know how to trust the other one (the other in question being an animal of 500 kg!), But also to take confidence in oneself for the control. It's all the art of the dominant / dominated relationship, which involves finding the right distance, the true dialogue and the respect towards his horse. This specific complicity also makes riding an excellent therapy for rehabilitation and social reintegration.

To clear the mind

On a horse, you do not think of anything else. We are here at 100%, without any parasitic ideas. Concentration (especially for beginners) requires a beneficial self-refocusing to disconnect. What to forget the stress of work.

• How much does it cost ?

A rider not owning his horse spends approximately 100 € per month (including dress) for one hour of practice per week. An owner will spend at least 300 € (more in the Paris region).

• How long to know how to ride?

A nine-month training session, one hour per week, allows you to stay in the saddle and to keep up to three paces, but only in the arena. To be a very good rider, count ten years. Chase away ideas from your head, you can very well start riding as an adult. The key is to find a sport in which you can flourish and find pleasure.