It’s Better to Start Early if You Aim to Become a Sports Athlete…
There are various reasons why people start horseback riding, such as admiring a cool horse or unforgettable travel experiences. Most start on their own volition. Some children begin as extracurricular activities from a young age. If you’re a parent wondering whether your child can ride early on, here are insights on when kids can start horseback riding.
For Prospective Sports Athletes
By around age 3, children usually become aware of extracurricular activities—they start exploring swimming, English classes, gymnastics, piano, and more. Scientifically, at this age, the brain’s motor and balance areas are developing rapidly, making it ideal for starting in sports or learning musical instruments. Although their thinking, judgment, and communication skills are still developing, early training can benefit future athletes if they aim for sports careers.
Regarding Horseback Riding
However, horseback riding typically requires children to be a bit older due to the physical strength needed to control the horse. Many riding schools set minimum ages, with some starting at 5 years old, but most begin at elementary school age.
Benefits of Children Learning to Ride
If children want to start horseback riding or if parents are interested in encouraging it, what benefits can they expect? Mainly, physical and mental development. Here are the details of each.
Physical Growth
Riding strengthens core muscles simply by maintaining balance on the horse. Improved core strength leads to better posture and enhanced athletic performance, giving advantages in other sports as well.
Mental Growth
Riding is a collaborative activity requiring a conscious bond with the horse, fostering compassion and social skills. Horse therapy, or ‘hippotherapy,’ is well known for helping individuals with disabilities stabilize their spirit and gain mental calmness—horses are profoundly healing. This therapeutic effect benefits not only those with disabilities but also healthy children.
Precautions When Enrolling Children in Riding Lessons
Like any sport, riding has risks such as falling. Choose riding clubs that prioritize safety and ensure a safe environment. Also, equip children with helmets and vests. Observe from a designated place to avoid startling the horse or distracting the rider.
You Can Enjoy Horseback Riding as a Hobby at Any Age!
Starting horseback riding purely as a hobby can begin at any age. Whether it’s fulfilling childhood dreams, engaging in parent-child activities, or seeking a new hobby for health and relaxation, people of all ages can start learning to ride. The age range is broad, emphasizing that it’s never too late to begin.
Senior Riders Welcome!
Some might think, ‘I’m over 50, starting a new sport now isn’t for me,’ but many over 50 are trying horseback riding, including retirees in their 60s. Even in their 70s, some athletes compete in Olympic equestrian events. For those interested, try an experience lesson at a senior-friendly riding club. As age increases, risks and the learning curve grow, requiring more careful and personalized instruction. Clubs experienced with senior riders often provide safer, more reassuring environments.
Who Are Riding Club Members?
Riding clubs attract diverse people of all ages and backgrounds, making horseback riding a hobby for everyone. Despite the luxurious image, most members are not wealthy elites but professionals, students, and people from different walks of life who enjoy riding without the need for social status.
Older Olympians in Equestrian Sports!
Some sports see athletes retire in their 20s or 30s, but equestrian sports can be continued into old age, with some athletes competing in the Olympics in their 70s. Here are examples of elderly Olympians and Paralympians in equestrian sports.
Japan’s Senior Olympian Riders
Hironori Hoketsu, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics at age 71, is a prime example. He started riding at 12 and also participated in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Beijing Olympics marked his 44th-year comeback, setting a Guinness record for the longest Olympic career, and he was the oldest athlete to compete at age 67. In London, he set a new record by competing at age 71. Such longevity is rare in sports, but it highlights the lifelong appeal of horseback riding.
The Oldest Olympian in the 2020 Tokyo Games
Mary Hanna, an Australian equestrian, was 66 during the Tokyo Olympics, making her the oldest athlete. She has grandchildren and is considering competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Sixty-Somethings in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics
Fumihide Miyaji, aged 63, participated in equestrian events at the Tokyo Paralympics. After a stroke at 47, he battled mental and physical challenges, and began serious competition in 2011, competing in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 as a second-time Paralympian.
Summary
As long as you have the strength to control the reins, age doesn’t matter when starting horseback riding. If concern about age persists, trying a trial ride at a senior-friendly riding club is a good idea. Equestrian sports, especially Olympic disciplines, include athletes of various ages, demonstrating that horseback riding can be a lifelong hobby.