Essie asked:


People always say that you need to be physicall fit and healthy to take up horseback riding (and I agree) but just what constitutes good physical health and fitness for horseback riding how do you assess someone for it. I want to know if I am a good candidate for horseback riding. Thanks.

JOSUE

pinks.dec2008 asked:


The cultural hub of South Africa’s Western Province, Cape Town offers the visitor an increasingly broad variety of exciting accommodation and activity choices. Sightseeing, safaris, ethnic experiences and much, much more await the keen traveler in the Mother City.

Those who enjoy outdoor activities are in for a treat – Cape Town is situated in the midst of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a habitat so rare that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in order to better protect it. A beautifully fragile ecosystem consisting mainly of Fibs, a type of flora peculiar to this region, it has been identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hotspots.

A variety of Cape Town tours and outdoor activity providers operate from this breathtaking setting and in recent years, for more details visit to www.divorce-rebuild-your-life.com horse riding has become an especially favored pastime of both locals and visitors alike. There is nothing like a relaxing stroll along the beach or a bracing cross-country outride to do away with the stress and cobwebs of daily life. Horse riding has been proven to have a host of health benefits that range from cardiovascular fitness to muscle conditioning and improved balance. Add to this the simple pleasure of having the wind in your hair and the majestic feeling of establishing a connection with an animal much larger than yourself and you get an outdoor activity that is as healthy as it is fun.

Horse riding is also recognized as having outstanding therapeutic qualities. There are references to the benefits of therapeutic riding as far back as 600 BC, when Socrates wrote of the “riding’s healing rhythm” for both mental and physical improvement. Horses were also used in the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers after World War II. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Hippo therapy are two types of psycho-physical treatment that make use of horse riding as part of rehabilitation regimens. Both are guided by a medical model but differ slightly in the way they are implemented.

In Equine Assisted Psychotherapy a certified medical professional utilizes the unique qualities of horseback riding in various ways for therapeutic benefit; whereas Hippo therapy (a name derived from the Greek word for horse, ‘hippo’) involves a certified therapist using the horse itself, as well as the relationship between the patient and the animal, as a therapeutic tool. In both instances patients afflicted by conditions as diverse as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, for more details visit to www.100computertips.com Down syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis stand to benefit from riding therapy in a number of ways.

The most easily recognizable benefits are physical. An extremely physical activity, horse riding can improve balance, joint movement and muscle tones in children and adults with physical disabilities and special needs. Furthermore, the complex nature of the sport and the multi-sensory tasks it involves provide cognitive and mental stimulation. On an emotional level, bonding with an animal is beneficial for people with social and psychological disabilities. Riding indicates a direct connection between action and reaction and can go a long way in explaining the concept of cause and effect. Effective communication, trust and loyalty are further positive lessons to be learnt in the process of riding.

No matter which way you choose to look at it, horse riding is a very healthy leisure pursuit. So next time you visit Cape Town and are looking for things to do, why not arrange for a pleasant outing with an establishment that facilitates riding lessons and activities? You only stand to benefit and you’ll get to experience the Mother City from a whole different angle.



ALVIN

Tom Bentley asked:


As the world has changed, travelers’ interests have changed with it. For a significant swath of vacationers, the old model of going to an established resort area, gobbling expensive meals and taking some hurried snapshots for a soon-forgotten album is long gone. Many travelers are now looking for—and finding—something different, something more authentic or participatory. For these travelers, vacationing can present educational immersion in a world unto its own, exciting physical challenges to overcome, or cultural explorations that open the mind to new ways of thinking.

The Los Cabos area is renowned both for the lively “party-town” aspect of Cabo San Lucas and for its laid-back, desert-meets-the-sea appeal. Any traveler can find its fabulous resorts and its luxury villas, and can spend the finest of times lounging around beautiful pools. But Los Cabos also has much to offer the new breed of travel pilgrim.

Los Cabos is a diverse region of intriguing eco-systems and unique terrain. Dubbed “the aquarium of the world” by Jacques Cousteau, the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez at Baja’s tip boasts an extraordinary profusion of marine life, both big and small. Cabo Pulmo, located on the East Cape, is a protected National Marine Park that boasts one of the largest and most diverse coral reefs in North America. There are also several biosphere reserves, where diverse ecosystems offer habitat to species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.  These rugged desert canyons, arroyos and cactus-laden hills are fed by mountain streams and often open up to spectacular views of sparkling seas.

Discerning eco-tourists can choose from a wide array of Los Cabos offerings, from whale and bird-watching excursions to turtle hatchings, kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling and scuba diving, dolphin encounters, mountain climbing and more. Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations is pleased to offer a variety of organized tours and excursions that take enthusiasts far from the common tourist package, and into the soul of the Baja experience.

Take, for instance, our tours offered through the Carisuva (which means “in touch with nature”) Foundation, an ecological project that seeks to preserve Baja California’s Ecological environment through education of visitors and local children. The Rhino Safari tour lets you drive Yamaha Rhinos (essentially small, low-horsepower jeeps) on rugged off-track paths and canyon trails to a spectacular Pacific vista, with stops along the way to discuss desert flora and fauna. Carisuva also has exhilarating Pacific Beach horseback rides.

For those wanting to be in the water rather than looking at it, you might consider Manta Scuba diving or a live-aboard dive trip on the Solmar V. These organizations will transport you to select spots such as Cabo Pulmo or on a nine-day trip to the Socorro Islands, where you’re likely to encounter dazzlingly colorful fish, giant manta rays, sharks, sea lions, turtles and spectacular underwater canyons. Extended multi-day trips include all meals, and can also include a variety of optional equipment. Those who might want a bit more luxury in their boating experiences should consider a week-long private yachting venture into the Sea of Cortez aboard a lavish vessel like the Panache.

Looking for something with a little more zip? What about whipping through the air on a zip line over an enchanting canyon, courtesy of Cabo Adventures? This exciting activity is conducted by experienced guides that are absolutely dedicated to the protection and preservation of this protected biosphere. The picturesque desert mountain canyon, deep stream-fed pools and waterfalls are sure to satisfy adventure seekers and eco-tourists alike.  

For visitors who want to practice true “voluntourism,” you could consider participating in one of the local resort’s protected sea turtle programs. Resort guests can watch adult turtles laying their eggs, observe the hatched turtles in their holding corral, handle the baby turtles in a supervised setting and personally release them into the sparkling Sea of Cortez.

Some people might gravitate to far-flung lands like the exotic Galapagos or frozen Antarctica for their ventures; some people might even crave an unusual jungle outing like gorilla tracking in far-off Rwanda. But some will wisely choose Los Cabos, where they’ll find a bright world of intrigue and excitement, where a vacation doesn’t merely have to be a vacation, but can be a lifetime experience. Let one our Los Cabos vacation experts make your next vision a reality.



MARIO

Susanne Malloy asked:


Although the name refers to a very specific country, English riding is a form of horseback riding that is found all over the world. There are many different variations of English riding, but you’ll find that there are certain factors that unify it into a style that is immediately recognizable from Western riding. When you are looking at English riding, you’ll find that some things will immediately let you know what you are looking at.

When you are looking at English riding, you’ll find that an English saddle will be used, no matter what the horse is doing. The English saddle is quite flat, without the deep seat that is common to the Western saddle and without a saddle horn. This kind of saddle is designed to allow the horse the maximum amount of movement, no matter what task is in front of it. When you realize that a horse that is being put through its paces in English riding will be doing things as varied as racing or classical dressage, you will see that that demands a great deal of movement in deed.

English riding consists of many different styles, but virtually all of the styles require that both hands be held on the reins. This allows more control over the horse, and it also changes the focus of this style from the horse to the rider. When you are looking at someone who is riding English as opposed to Western style, you’ll also notice that during a trot, they will tend to rise and sit with the rhythm of each stride, something that is called posting, while in Western riding, the rider will usually stay seated in the saddle.

For many people, English riding is a discipline that exemplifies the grace and power that a horse can display, and this is evident in many of the events that use this style. For instance, dressage, which is a form of training and competition, is always performed using an English saddle. Dressage is a form that maximizes the horse’s potential as a riding animal, and it is aimed at enhancing the horse’s precision when it comes to the control of the rider. Show jumping, where a horse is timed as it is taken over a number of obstacles, is another sport that uses English riding, as is polo, which involves a high degree of movement and exacting timing from both animal and rider.

While there is some discussion that is ever ongoing about whether one horse breed or another is preferred for Western or English styles, the truth of the matter is that any horse can be trained to either style. Most people prefer horses trained for specific events be trained exclusively in one or the other. The training in style will affect the way that the horse responds to stimulus and this can strongly affect the horse’s ability to perform as necessary.

When you are looking for information on styles of riding, think about what suits you best, and make sure that you get all of the information that you need!



WILSON

FreeAsABird asked:


Me and my friend are planning on taking horseback riding lessons. The ranch that we are thinking about going to offer private, semi private, and open lessons. And we were considering private or semi private. But I was wondering exactly what semi private lessons are?

FREDERIC

Janine Carter asked:


Horseback riding vactions are a time of the year that horse lovers look forward to, whether its with the whole family with kids included or just the two of you. Here we will talk about a few vacation spots to take your horses to, or if thats not possible rent the horse, saddle and tack right there. Either way you will have a great western riding experience.

Walden Creek Stables in the Smokey Mountains of East Tennessee is our first stop. This riding stable has five hundred acres with one-hundred horses and fifty riding cowboys to keep the action going for seven days a week, and that includes Christmas Day. So you can pretty much plan a trip here all hear round complete with saddle and tack. This Stable has horses for every level of horsemanship so there are no worries there. Not only do they have several trails to choose from but on special nights there is a Wild West Show with live entertainment.

Now lets jump on over to Wyoming where jumping in the saddle all tacked up and riding horses is just about second nature. Bitterroot Cattle Roundup is a great place to learn to ride in some of the most beautiful country you’ll ever see. The Bitterroot cattle graze on the adjacent national forest land from July to October. Guests who ride well enough can help the cowboys with the work of herding the cows into the mountains the first week of July and rounding them up again in the last week of September, known as the “roundup”. The cattle are spread out over fifty square miles of high mountains, forests, clearings and river valleys. When you return to your log cabin each evening, you’ll have a nice cozy bed waiting for you.

One of the most awesome places in the world is in the Grand Canyon located in Utah and Arizona. Grand Canyon Winter Pastures is one of the few stables that allows you to ride your horse down in to the canyon all saddled up with pack horses. This trip is not to be confused with infamously tedious donkey rides. This is a rigorous horse pack trip into some of the canyon’s least frequented drainages. Often riders need to dismount in order to lead their horses throught hazardous spots. Checking your saddle and tack often is the norm on this trip to make sure all is secure. The groups are small and everyone must be willing to pitch in around camp. The scenery alone is worth the trip.

Now we find ourselves in California at the Redwood Coast Ride stable. This ride goes everywhere from sandy beaches of the Pacific to the majestic redwood forests in northern California. Your riding guide has twenty-five years experience as a riding instructor. I would say a beginning rider might want to take a few lessons before trying this ride, although it is certainly more tame than the Grand Canyon adventure above.

So far we haven’t talked that much about beginner riders or lessons. At Medicine Hat Trail Ride in Carthage, MO, you can find a place to do both. You start off by learn how to groom and prep a horse for riding to putting on all the tack, then on to the trail for an hour long lesson that is relaxing and educational. While riding, you learn all the little signs of reading a horses disposition with the position of his ears and a swish of his tail. Great for kids and adults alike.



DARIUS

B… G asked:


She and I just started going out and never experienced horseback riding. Where is the most romantic of all places in the san francisco bay area to ride a horse?

GABRIEL

Margarethe De Clermont asked:


Motivated and inspired horseback riders often fall into the perfectionism-trap. Whether you are into show-jumping, dressage or endurance riding, it is easy to become obsessed with perfection, always pushing yourself and your horse further and harder.

Equestrian perfectionism often leads to micromanagement. Micromanagement refers to the need to be in control of every movement that your horse (or children, or employees, or students) makes.

Ever heard of descente de la main? It is a classical riding term. I have heard many theories about the exact meaning of descente de la main, and several heated arguments too.

Descente de la main is the exact opposite of micromanagement. How many riders (and instructors!) do you know who indulge in this manipulative pastime? It is often more obvious in their relationships with the people around them. Sometimes they are also referred to as control freaks. Micromanagement is disempowering and humiliating for your horse as well as for your husband, wife, child, parent, friend and co-workers.

Descente de la main is about empowering your horse to take responsibility for his own carriage, without losing contact. When used correctly, descente de la main can work magic - but what is it? I think it will be best to hand over the microphone to a master of the art of classical riding, and a compatriot of mine, Francois de la Gueriniere:

“There are two ways of giving with the hand. The first, which is the more common and most frequently used, is to lower the bridle-hand, as we have indicated. The second way is to take the reins in the right hand, behind the left hand, and while slightly raising the reins in the left hand, pass control to the right hand, and finally, giving up control with the left hand completely, lower the right hand onto the neck of the horse, and hence the horse finds itself completely free from contact.

This manner of giving with the hand is called descente de main: it is also performed by taking the ends of the reins with the right hand, held at the height of the rider’s head, the arm straight out and free; but you must be quite sure of the horse’s mouth and its readiness to obey, in order to use this method. Care must be taken not to give with the hand or perform descente de main when the horse’s weight is on its shoulders: the proper time to perform this movement is after a half-halt, and when you feel the horse coming back on its haunches, give with the hand or perform the descente de main.

The proper moment, difficult to discern and seize, is one of the most subtle and useful aids of horsemanship; for the horse, bending its haunches just as contact is released, must necessarily remain light in hand, having no other support for the head.” Francois de la Gueriniere “Ecole de Cavalerie”

The good news is: You can let go. Relax. You really do not need to learn and master every riding skill immediately or perfectly. Choose the right moment and then relinquish control. Focus and put all your attention specifically on mastering one skill at a time. Give yourself and your horse a break if you feel overwhelmed. You need breaks and rewards if you want to remain productive. And so does your horse. It is necessary to refresh and recharge your own and your horse’s batteries often.

Aim for excellence, not perfection.

And do the same in your relationships. In our interactions with the people around us, we often try to micro-manage their behaviour because we are scared for their safety. Maybe, however, we should practise descente de la main in our relationships too: drop your hands, let go, stop interfering, but do not lose contact. Allow every one around you to take responsibility for their own actions. Your stress levels will fall dramatically!



JAMAL

Elizabeth Clinton asked:


Since the dawn of time, mankind has had an interesting relationship with animals. In some ways, the history of modern man is intimately linked to our interaction with animals. Dog’s, for instance, have long been considered man’s best friend. Any dog owner will gladly confirm this for you. Cat’s, too, have been living in close quarters with man for literally thousands of years.

In modern times, there has been a lot of research and experimentation regarding the use of horses in various forms of therapy. Back in the early 1900’s, Dame Agnes Hunt used horses in the rehabilitation of her patients at the first orthopedic hospital in England. A few years later, therapeutic riding was introduced to soldiers injured on the battlefield during World War I.

In the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, an amazing feat was accomplished. Dame Liz Hartel, a former Danish dressage rider, decided to compete in spite of being severely paralyzed by Polio. She became an inspiration to millions of people, when she won the Silver medal that year. Over time, doctors and therapists realized that exposure to animals was having a rehabilitative effect on their patients.

A number of organizations were established to reflect the interests of this new form of therapy. In the early 1960’s, the first therapeutic riding program in Canada was established by Dr. Elmer ****. More recently, The Federation of Riding for the Disabled International was created. This organization serves to coordinate efforts between therapeutic riding centers all around the world, and have they been instrumental in helping this form of therapy gain the recognition it deserves.

Horseback riding is currently being used in many types of therapy. It is being used to help children suffering from physical disabilities, as in the case of Dame Liz Hartel. It is also gaining mainstream acceptance as a form of therapy for children with emotional or psychological disabilities. Children are naturally drawn to these majestic and beautiful animals, and many develop meaningful bonds that can last a lifetime.

In the case of children with Autism, riding can provide them with the sensory stimulation they need. The motion of the horse is highly rhythmic, and provides something for the child to focus on. As the child progresses with the horse, they are often introduced to group riding sessions. This allows for socialization and bonding in a peer setting, further supporting the child’s progress as a healthy, functioning individual.



ARCHIE

Susan asked:


Beach horseback riding vacations are making waves in the tourism industry. Tourists from across the world have a deep desire to get on to the horseback during vacations. There are umpteen tourist catering companies that are offering customized horseback riding vacations to the holidaying families. These incredible offers gain weight when blended with the striking locations that offer horseback riding beach tours. Moreover some of these special offers include lessons on horseback riding. With all this and more, horseback riding tours have become the buzz of the holiday season. No one can be left out, be it children or couples.

Where can I enjoy a horseback riding vacation?

Wonga Beach Horse Riding Tours are available in many beaches across various countries. You can enjoy a horseback riding beach vacation in some of the most exotic destinations. The United States of America has some of the best horse riding beach tours. The Kelly seahorse ranch on the Amelia Island offers a romantic *** adventurous horseback riding beach vacation. You can enjoy the flora and natural surroundings on the tour. For a one hour ride, you will be charged anything around 50$ there. Here you can also enjoy freestyle beach horse riding tours too. The Hutchinson Island is also envied for the beach horse riding tours. This is less expensive as compared to the Amelia Island. There are tremendous opportunities for horseback riding vacations in the east and south coast also. Jamaica and Caymans are two popular horse riding beach tour destinations. Apart from these places, Australia and several other countries offer these beach horse riding tours. Amid Warrambool and Port fairy there is an awesome rush for beach horseback riding tours. Several countries offer them on their sprawling beaches.

Age limits

Basically, each country and each Island has its own specifications and rules regarding the minimum age for horseback riding beach vacations. While some allow 13 year old children, some allow 10 year old children too. On Horseback riding vacations or Queensland Beach Horse Riding Tours the management may ask an adult to stay alongside a 13 year old at times. It differs according to the country law.

Lessons for first timers

However, today horseback riding beach vacations are not a distant dream. Anyone can learn the technique of driving a horse and treating it. You are given orientation on the spot itself in several places. This is highly beneficial for first timers who have a deep desire for horseback riding vacations latent in them. This is a user friendly offer where none can be left behind. Moreover, horseback riding beach vacations are devoid of hard and fast rules. However, you need to be gentle and circumspect with the horse and appreciate its features.

On the Zoom

Once you are on the horse, it is adventure, adrenaline and romance all the way Zooming past the gushing ocean waters in the soft breeze and volley ball games can be incredible. You can get some quick snapshots of yourself too. You can add romance to the occasion by going on a ride with your spouse hugging you from behind. It is up to you to make the most of your moment. Horseback riding vacations are truly a dream come true.



EDDY