C Lazy U Ranch Blog

The Benefits of Horseback Riding

September 15, 2021

If you’re planning your next horseback riding vacation, look no further than C Lazy U ranch. Our Colorado mountain getaway is home to over 200 horses and a robust horseback riding program, allowing guests to enjoy up to two trail rides almost every day of the year. Horseback riding at the ranch gives you more than lifelong memories and breathtaking views of the American West – but did you know that the sport can provide multiple health benefits, too? Read on to learn more! 

Related: Is Children’s Horseback Riding Safe? 

Improved Strength 

It’s a common misconception that the horse does all the work – to stay balanced and lead the horse in the right direction, you’ll need to engage your core, legs, inner thighs, and pelvic muscles. By strengthening your core and other major muscles through riding, you’ll enjoy better posture and an improved overall muscle tone. If you decide to spend time at a horsemanship clinic, you’ll strengthen your muscles even more! 

Better Motor Skills  

There’s a lot to keep track of when you’re horseback riding – the speed and direction of your horse, upcoming obstacles in your path, and other riders on the trail. Keeping track of all these things at the same time – and properly guiding the horse – flexes your coordination, reflex skills, and fine and gross motor skills.  

Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem 

Riding isn’t easy, but learning to ride can play a big role in developing your confidence and self-esteem.  With horses available for riders of every level, beginner riders can safely develop foundational skills while advanced riders can challenge themselves to meet new goals. The end result? Happy, active guests that enjoy a renewed sense of self-worth and self-image.  

Reduce Stress 

Many riders describe being on horseback as the most relaxing part of their day. In addition to enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air, there may be physical reasons why riding can reduce stress. The activity stimulates your muscles, joints, and circulatory system, which can help your body destress on a physiological level.  

Companionship 

Being able to interact with animals has been shown to have a positive effect on people, and spending time with horses is no different. At C Lazy U, all horseback riding now requires advance sign-ups so our wranglers can match you with an appropriate horse for each individual ride based on your experience and goals. This approach still allows guests to build meaningful connections with the horses they ride, and many guests remember their favorites for years to come — often requesting the chance to ride them again when they return!

Are you ready to enjoy the multiple benefits of horseback riding (not to mention our luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and relaxing spa)? Book your guest ranch vacation today!

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From the Horse's Mouth

Julie's first Horsemanship Immersion clinic was excellent. The structure of the days and content of materials was on-point. For me personally, I got to work with horses I did not know and use my horsemanship skills to help the horses work through various exercises that they don't normally do. That was my goal for the clinic. The workshops were perfect topics, and the vet workshops were great information. There is so much to talk about and the team remained flexible to everyone's interest but kept on schedule. Julie's team is always able to work with everyone and help us grow our horsemanship skills with quick evaluation of our skills and encouraging reminders. That is what it is all about!

~ Andrea D., 10-25-2021

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