The horse: sharing emotions with a beautiful animal
“The fundamentals of human-horse communication refer to three main aspects: trust, respect, and
connection. All the answers lie within these three concepts. When the three aspects come together,
maximum human-horse understanding is achieved.”
Lorenzo Capellini
What does it mean to ride a horse?
Horseback riding is a shared emotion. It is the only sporting activity in which man and animal react to each other’s stimuli and emotions. The horse is not inanimate, it is not immobile, it has its own will and a rare sensitivity and intelligence. We can feel, during a horseback ride, whether the animal is nervous or calm, whether he can enjoy the walk with his human friend too!
Those who go on long horseback treks report that after some time the two bodies merge and act in total harmony. The rider may also feel that he is entrusting his life to the animal. It can happen even on simple horseback rides to ask for extra effort from our friend and to hear his response is fulfilling and comforting.
When riding it is difficult to think about anything else: we can compare a horseback ride to a kind of active meditation. The rhythm of movement, the sound of hooves, the nature around us is a very restorative exercise! I don’t know if you have experienced a horseback ride. If yes then you know that unsteady feeling of arriving on land. Well, it is very much like getting off a horse. But with an element of “abandonment” that the ship does not give you.
Those who begin with the practice of horseback riding often say that it gets into you, almost like a beautiful “habit” that is hard to forget. I think the famous endorphins we produce through sport, in this particular case are even more amplified.
But, is horseback riding a sport?
Don’t think that horseback riding is a simple walk while being comfortable in the saddle! You improve the elasticity of your muscles, your leg and gluteal muscles are involved, your posture improves, and you work your back muscles. What’s more, you also feel a great feeling of lightness and carefreeness.
If you are then lucky enough to be able to practice this sport amidst intense vistas, being able to enjoy nature and experience 360° your hike can be considered unforgettable.
If you are in the mood for a horseback riding trip, in Piedmont, the Langhe or Roero, for yourself or to share with one or more friends, I recommend a “Horseback Riding Tour” on this page!
First time horseback riding?
Are you thinking about riding a horse but are doubtful about facing your “first time”? I want to reassure you with these few descriptions that have nothing to do with the emotions you will experience!
First, the context: what could be better than reconnecting with nature? Filling your eyes with the landscape around you and sharing your emotions with an animal who will understand your every feeling! The lands of Piedmont and especially the Langhe and Roero will know how to welcome you and you will immediately feel at ease.
The riding school is important, indeed essential. SlowDays works with stables that care about the health of horses and respect their needs. They take special care of those who arrive shy and fearful on their first date with the magnificent animal.
Don’t let your fear get the best of you, listen carefully to the description they will give you and get on, or rather mount the horse. Then breathe deeply, calm your heart and allow yourself to get involved. The horse hears you and adjusts to your feelings. And when you have overcome your first hesitation, start looking around: see how green nature can be and let your eyes discover the views you will see … from above!
Remember to wear appropriate clothing!
You don’t need special clothes, much less specific technical clothing! You need long pants, even better if stretchy, a T-shirt and maybe a waterproof jacket to shelter you from the air. Comfortable shoes, not necessarily tall.
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