Horse Riding
Ever since I was a child, I’ve had this dream of one day galloping on a horse through a large grassland, the wind in my hair. I love animals, and I’ve always thought horses to be one of the most beautiful species, and wanted to learn how to ride them. When I moved to Sri Lanka, I finally had the chance to make this dream come true. We discovered a small riding club around forty minutes outside the city, called Ceylon Riding Club. The CRC is a wonderful place, housing more than ten beautiful horses and ponies, and providing lessons for children and adults of all ages. The staff is so friendly, and the coaches are really talented and helpful.
I started riding regularly last summer, after I participated in their two-week horse camp. We learned not only how to ride a horse, but also how to care for them and communicate with them. We completed worksheets and tests, which assessed our newly obtained knowledge of the horses’ body language, their daily routines and requirements, and the correct grooming method. And, of course, we also spent hours on (and falling off) the horses backs.
My personal favorite horse is a lovely black mare named Valentina. I do most of my lessons with her, but sometimes, if she’s feeling grumpy or has an injury, I ride one of the other horses. I have now mastered walking and steering, and I am fairly good at the sitting and rising trot. The next step for me is to learn how to canter!
While horse-riding is a freeing and fun activity, what most people don’t realize is that it’s hard work too! Riding a horse is all in the legs, from steering them to holding yourself on, so after every lesson it’s normal to end up with very sore legs. However, this is another benefit. Horse-riding strengthens certain muscles in your abs and legs that are harder to exercise, thus improving your overall fitness. Plus, being outdoors and connecting with nature and animals is so therapeutic in its own way!
Learning Outcomes:
2 -Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process – Learning to ride is a challenge that I accepted and undertook about 2 years ago. I learn new skills in almost every lesson, and I know that this is an activity in which you keep learning everyday, no matter how experienced a rider you are!
4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences – I have been learning to ride for a little over 2 years now, and have faced challenges such as falling off, and simply being unable to connect with and guide specific horse. Yet I persevered and kept learning, which shows my commitment to the activity.