Do you know any horse riders who are overweight? When I was first asked this question, I racked my brains for a few minutes and couldn't think of a single one. Therefore, it seems that participating in equine activities may not only be deeply enjoyable, but could also help individuals stay in shape.
It appears the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) agrees with this theory. In order to promote the various health benefits associated with horse riding, the organisation has launched a new campaign entitled 'Trot to be Trim'.
The BEF highlights a previous study – carried out by The British Horse Society – which estimated that when someone participates in an hour long schooling session, he or she could burn 360 calories.
In addition, although horse riding may help individuals keep fit, it has been suggested that equestrianism might carry some cognitive benefits – perhaps improve an individual's mental wellbeing.
Hopefully this initiative will encourage people to pull on a pair of riding boots and jump in the saddle. If you would like to participate in equestrianism, and perhaps lose some weight in the process, you should follow the advice of the BEF and click here to visit the Hoof website.
Photo © KimManleyOrt via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Labels: BEF, British Equestrian Federation, equine, Hoof, horse riders, riding boots, saddle, schooling, the British Horse Society, Trot to be Trim