Every since I was 6-years-old I've been riding horses, and I love it. It's not your typical sport, but it has grown increasingly popular, especially in the area that I grew up. In fact, a leading factor of my family moving from the city to a more country setting is so that my mom, sister, and me could start riding. While sometimes it was stressful getting up at the crack of dawn every weekend to go to yet another horse show, I loved it all and I'm so thankful horseback riding was and is still a major aspect of my life. There are some distinct reasons why all girls should ride horses growing up:
1) Horseback riding has a huge history. It seems like every day when I'm around horse people I learn something new about a different discipline, different breed of horse, etc. Horses have been such a huge aspect of history in so many different ways it's interesting to me to learn about it.
2) Wasn't afraid to get my hands dirty. “Go muck the stall!" or “Clean out the water trough!" were not uncommon sayings around the barn and, in fact, I even enjoyed doing these activities. I definitely was not a girly girl growing up and had to get my hands dirty. Horses are big animals that you have to clean, feed, water, and clean up after, and all these responsibilities came with riding them.
3) It's a great family activity. One of my favorite memories from being a child was all my family going on a trail ride together. Something is just so relaxing about it.
4) It taught me patience. While most of the horses I rode were very well mannered, I still had to remember that they're animals and they are unpredictable. Sometimes they would ignore my instruction, would spook, or wouldn't go when I asked. Therefore, I had to be patient.
5) Gives girls self-confidence. Horse back riding is an independent sport, therefore you are responsible for you and the horse, and you are the leader of the two. I remember when I would show nothing feels better than leaving the ring with a blue ribbon, knowing you owned the show ring. Self-confidence is something every girl should have and riding was a great way for me to gain mine at a younger age.
