Horseback riding is a tough workout

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It’s a sport where humans rarely get any of the credit. Most people think horseback riding is just about sitting on a horse, but it can be a pretty tough workout.

The minute you arrive at Hunter Hill stables, the workout begins. Owner Tasha Miller lost 30 pounds in three months when she first bought the farm. Feeding horses and cleaning the barn is labour intensive. And then comes the real exercise. Any rider will tell you, the horse isn’t doing all the work.

Even when you’re just walking, trying to maintain the proper position requires a lot of strength in your leg muscles.

“You can be a really fit person. But riding takes muscles and coordination that you wouldn’t use for any other sport” says Tasha Miller.

60-year old Deb Kennedy rides regularly as part of her fitness routine. Balancing in the saddle draws on the core and inner leg muscles that don’t usually get much exercise. “You have to keep your leg on 99 per cent of the ride.”

It helps Kennedy maintain good posture and muscle tone, it also helps to clear her head. “This is for me a haven. This is where I go when I need to unwind.”