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barrel racing

Horseback Riding Camps: The benefits of consistent horseback riding for tweens to teens

Horseback riding is an exciting activity that can provide teens with a wide range of benefits. From developing physical fitness and balance to improving communication and problem-solving skills, horseback riding is a fun and rewarding experience that can help teens grow and learn. However, in order to truly master the art of horseback riding, it is important for teens to ride consistently and develop their skills over time. Horseback riding summer camps are a fun way for teens to stay consistent, socialize, and make friends to truly advance their skills as horseman.

Here are some reasons why teens should ride consistently to improve their horseback riding skills:

  1. Builds Muscle Memory

Consistent riding helps teens develop muscle memory, which is essential for mastering complex riding techniques. As teens ride more frequently, their bodies become accustomed to the movements and balance required for riding. This allows them to perform maneuvers more easily and efficiently, improving their overall riding ability.

  1. Improves Balance and Coordination

Horseback riding requires a great deal of balance and coordination. Consistent riding helps teens develop these skills by forcing them to adjust their body position and movements to stay balanced on the horse. Over time, this can help improve their overall balance and coordination, making them better riders.

  1. Develops Communication Skills

Riding a horse requires clear communication between the rider and the animal. Consistent riding helps teens develop their communication skills by teaching them how to give clear and concise instructions to the horse. This can help improve their overall communication skills, which can be beneficial in other areas of their lives as well.

  1. Teaches Problem-Solving

Horseback riding can present a variety of challenges and obstacles, such as navigating different terrains or dealing with a difficult horse. Consistent riding helps teens develop problem-solving skills by forcing them to think creatively and come up with solutions to these challenges. This can be a valuable skill in all areas of life, not just horseback riding.

  1. Builds Confidence

Consistent riding can help teens build confidence in their abilities. As they become more skilled and comfortable on the horse, they may feel more confident in their overall riding ability. This can help improve their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment, which can be beneficial in other areas of their lives as well.

  1. Develops Responsibility

Horseback riding requires a great deal of responsibility, particularly when it comes to caring for the horse. Consistent riding helps teens develop a sense of responsibility by teaching them the importance of caring for and looking after the horse. This can help improve their overall sense of responsibility, which can be beneficial in other areas of their lives as well.

  1. Provides a Sense of Connection with the Horse

Consistent riding can help teens develop a strong connection with the horse. As they spend more time riding and caring for the horse, they may develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the animal. This can help improve their overall relationship with the horse, making for a more enjoyable and rewarding riding experience.

8. Encourages Socialization

Horseback riding camps offer an excellent opportunity for teens to socialize and make new friends. Working with horses and participating in group activities can help teens develop teamwork and communication skills. Furthermore, the shared experience of learning to ride and care for horses can create a sense of camaraderie among campers.

In conclusion, consistent riding is essential for improving horseback riding skills in teens. From developing muscle memory and improving balance to building communication skills and confidence, consistent riding can provide a wide range of benefits for teens. If your child is a current rider and looking to grow, consider enrolling them in a horseback riding summer camp this summer to help them improve their skills and grow as riders.

barrel racing

My Child Wants to Barrel Race: What you need to know.

Barrel racing is a much loved rodeo event enjoyed by all ages. Children can start as young as they are able to be led on the back of a horse led by a parent. However young girls start their independent rides as early as five with an experienced horse. With consistent riding most young ladies start understanding the riding concepts required to run barrels around the age of eight. Parents will see rapid progress in their child’s riding abilities under the supervision of a riding coach who can help guide young rider’s skills and horsemanship.

Skills required to start competing in barrel racing consist of a solid seat in the saddle. Meaning the rider must be able to walk, trot, and lope confidently and balanced. The rider must be able to stop, turn, and navigate the horse through the pattern under complete control. A rider must also be able to take instruction and direction from a riding coach. Finally a rider must be able to control their emotions of anger, disappointment, and fear. All these emotions are allowed but it is how we express them in the saddle. Remember our horse is our partner not a tool to be used or mistreated.

To gain the knowledge about how to become a more confident rider requires the parents to search for a knowledgeable facility that focuses on rodeo events such as barrel racing. If you live in the city and do not have your own horse, finding a barn that has a horse and a coach that your child can learn on is a must. Participating in lessons and events is a commitment but well worth the investment. This type of sport requires a vast range of skills for any rider.

Things I wish I knew

How expensive is it to ride a horse?

Horseback riding can be as extensive or minimal as you’d like. If you have been bitten by the horse bug and this sport has sparked some passion then you are hooked not only financially but also time. However, like the old saying goes, if you enjoy what you do then you will never work a day in you life. Rodeoing, which is an emphasis at our stable can have weekly costs and/or monthly costs. Events in the wide open world that riders participate in with their horse can be from $10.00 to $125.00 per run. I would not recommend paying the high dollar amount if you and your horse are not running consistant times. Here in North Dallas and with recent price increases boarding facilities can cost from $450-750 per month. The more amenities offered the more you can be expected to pay. Location also plays a factor. Facilities that are closer to the metroplex tend to be more expensive. If you don’t mind commuting 45 minutes to an hour to see your horse then you may find boarding available for $350.00 per month. Many barns have trainers that provide private/ group lessons that can very in price depending on the horseback riding disiplne. Prices that I have seen in the North Dallas locations are anywhere from $45.00 to $125.00 for a 1 hour lesson. If you are ready to go to the next step and have offically become hooked, than you may need to consider your price range for a horse. If you are looking for a solid broke horse that will take care of you than be prepared to spend a little more money. In this current market these horses cost around $8,000 minimum. Rodeo horses that have been hauled and proven will start closer to $10,000. Overall this is just the tip of the iceberg, discussing with a professional can help you gage your needs. Some needs are immedate while others can be spread over a time period! God Bless horses!

Things I wish I knew

How much do you have to weigh to horseback ride?

Throughout my years as a riding instructor this is a question I have been asked frequently and the simple answer is, no more than 210 lbs. According to the National Stable Riders Organization, horses should not carry more than 20% of their ideal body weight and the horses used at our ranch are mainly quarter horses weighing around 1100 lbs.