Stockholm School of Economics in Riga Students' Magazine

Get on the horseback, gallop right in the forest, jump over obstacles in way, swim in the lake and feel asclose to nature as you can... Or pack your equipment in car, go to competition, race for the first place, and go home as a winner...

Technical parameters

Average height of the horse varies a lot depending on breed and other genetic parameters. In Latviacommon height for a horse (from ground to the place where you can actually sit) is from 160 to 190 cm.Average weight – 600-900 kg accordingly (imagine what happens if it steps on your foot...). Instead offuel a horse drinks about 100 litres of water, eats 5 kg of oats, 20 kg of hay per day. Average horsecan gain speed of 40 – 50 km/h and can jump over 140 cm fence. Latvian cart horse have standard ofpulling 9 tons of weight. Their excellent eyesight at night provides them with as good vision as owls ordogs have. And, finally, horses live about 20 years.

Instructions

I heard countless many times how people who have just started to ride asked, “Where is the steeringwheel?”, “How can you stop this thing?”. Well the thing is that it is not a tool; therefore - no breaks, no wheel, no emergency button. It has its own mind. So rather than being its lord, the position of a good leader is needed. Perfectly precise commands, sustainability, rewards, and rules - riding is completely about leadership. Stick and carrot method should not be confused with some leadership guru.

Impact on health? Oh, yes!

It happened so many times that after a training I was completely exhausted. Even though you may think – what the carrot am I doing here! - once you get on horseback, it all disappears. Remember those horse power parameters? If you manage to stay on the horse during the whole training, then your self-esteem might explode. Riding is good both for physical and mental health. While riding all main muscle groups of your body are working. The warm, smooth body of horse, its fluent movements have proven to be effective treatment for children with mental illnesses or spine deformations as well.

Doubts?

With appropriate clothing and professional supervisor riding is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend your time actively. I have seen a person who was training horse-riding for 2 years falling from standing horse; and person riding just for the first time going in trot, gallop and jump a barrier 20 minutes after he sat on the horse. Therefore everyone can try to do it. There is lot of renting places. The average price is 5-10 LVL for an hour. For more information, visit web pages: www.sporthorses.lv and www.leflatvia.lv

By Aisma Linda Ķiesnere