Adult Horseback Riding? (Austin, Lakeway, West: how much, university, gym)

[FueledByBlueBell]

I am trying to think of something new to get in shape as the gym is pretty boring (and I don't go). I know that horseback riding puts you in great shape and am wondering if anyone knows of someone that offers adult riding lessons. I am near Lakeway so this area is preferable. Any thoughts, advice or info would be much appreciated.

[centralaustinite]

Sounds like fun!

Twenty years in Austin and I don't really know where Lakeway is! But perhaps this place is close to you?
Red**Horse Ranch website (http://www.redhorseranch.net/RedHorseCover/default.htm - broken link)

They offer adult lessons. Most stables do.

There is also Bear Creek to the south:
Welcome to Bear Creek Stables

And Switch Willo for English style riding lessons:
Switch Willo Stables - Horseback Riding Camp, Austin Riding Camp, austin riding camp, austin horse camp, austin summer riding camp, Horse Camp, Riding Camp, Equestrian Camp, Girls Horseback Riding Camp, Summer Riding Camp, Austin, Horseback Riding, A

good luck!

[austinHodge]

I know that horseback riding puts you in great shape

Really? I guess it could help your core, but I'm not sure if it can replace exercising. You horseback riders out there let me know if I'm wrong.

[TexasHorseLady]

Well, you have to consider that "horseback riding", done properly, doesn't just mean sitting on top of oa horse being carried around.

First, you have to catch the horse (or get it out of its stall).

Then, you have to groom the horse all over, from the tips of its ears to the bottoms of its hooves.

Then you have to tack up the horse - and those Western saddles can be heavy and you have to lift them over your head and over the horse without banging the horse around, lest you have to start all over again with catching the horse.

Then, you get on the horse.

Then, you guide the horse, not just with the reins, but with your legs and your seat (this holds Western or English, by the way - even more with bareback), without falling off. You will do this at the walk, the trot, the lope (canter, for you English afficionadoes).

Then, when you are finished riding, you will get off the horse (without just falling to the ground). You will untack the horse. You will walk the horse out to cool it, and you will groom it again. Then you will put it up.

My suggestion is, go to one of the stables (I highly recommend Bear Creek Stables, by the way, as I used to work there to support my horse habit and took lessons there and boarded my horses there, before we got the ranch) and take a nice, long trail ride of an hour or two, then get off the horse and see how you feel. And then, even more, ask your muscles the next morning when you wake up if you've had a workout!

Bear Creek at one time offered horseback riding as PE for Texas State University and one of the other colleges in the area, I believe, so evidently those college programs considered it exercise.

[sweetvelocity]

I have been riding and working horses for 15 years.
I ride mostly Dressage and after 4 years of constantly training my weight and physique have not budged. I have stayed very trim and fit and I personally think riding keeps me that way. It will help your core abdominal muscles an leg muscles. It will teach you how to use your core ab muscles versus using your back to hold you up. You will be sore when you first start out. Just like any other sport riding takes a certain amount of muscle memory. Stretch before you ride.

So for fitness I would recommend Dressage and it will also give you the best foundation for riding in other disciplines as well.

Now that I am planning to move to Austin and I have to sell my horse I don't know what I will do to keep busy and fit. I run a barn here in Michigan and ride multiple horses everyday. I cannot imagine how much gym time it would take to equal that amount to exercise