When you picture Mommy and me classes, you may think about singing along with your toddler on your hip and getting them to interact with other children. However, fun activities with your child do not have to end when kids start school. Think outside the box with parent and child horseback riding lessons!
Benefits of horseback riding with your child
If you are going to spend time and money on extracurricular activities with your children, why not spend them on horseback riding lessons? Here are some of the benefits of this great activity!
Skill building
Horseback riding lessons help you develop and improve your communication skills. You and your child will get to practice healthy communication with each other in a fun and encouraging setting. This hands-on learning and interactive experience can help enhance patience, discipline, empathy, and compassion. Confidence and leadership skills can also be improved, as your child has an opportunity to take charge of leading their horse.
In 2013, researchers conducted a study of horse education for children with a group of students from 5th through 8th grade. The findings were that children’s self-awareness, self-management, personal responsibility, decision-making, goal-directed behavior, and relationship skills had all made positive gains.
Dedicated activity together
In this busy life, it can be challenging to set aside time for a dedicated family moment. Horseback riding lessons can be a great way to carve out time in your schedule for a special hour with your child. You can take an hour to pause, be present, and make meaningful memories together.
Bonding time
One important perk of dedicated parent and child time is the bonding that happens. The love between a parent and child is unparalleled, and getting to know each other and warms the heart. You get to share the experience of learning while seeing some beautiful trails and outdoor scenes, and you can stay with your child the whole time through this private and interactive experience.
Get more comfortable talking to each other
When you have dedicated activities with you and your child, you set the standard that conversations about anything are accepted in your family. This can be helpful to set early so that when they are being exposed to more new things as teenagers, they feel comfortable chatting with you about anything. Also, if you are having trouble connecting with your teen, trying something new together is a great way to reconnect.
No technology
Other than the obvious photos you want to get of this fun experience, there is not much room on a horseback riding lesson for texting or browsing social media. Studies have shown that people are happier when they have some time to disconnect from phones, TV, tablets, and laptops.
Unplug for an hour, get some fresh air in the great outdoors, and see how much better you feel. Along with helping the whole family unplug, other benefits of spending time outdoors with family include a vitamin D boost and stress relief.
For the child in you
As an adult and parent, you have responsibilities that can lead to feeling stressed and occasionally overwhelmed. Horseback riding can be one of those activities to make you feel like a kid again, and break the routine of your daily stressors. Having these moments to connect with your kid can also improve the parent-child bond.
An affordable alternative to horse ownership
Due to the upkeep cost and space needed to own a horse, it is not realistic for everyone. At only $65 per lesson, Mommy and me horseback riding lessons are a great alternative to give everyone a chance to experience life with horses. If you are considering horse ownership, this can be a way to see how committed your child may be to this interest as you explore the possibility.
Ready to ride?
Take the next step, and book your private Mommy and me horseback riding lesson at the beautiful Pine Hill Ranch today. Enjoy this experience together as you bond over your love of horses during this one hour class.
Our main focus will be safety, nurturing, and overall horse awareness and appreciation. Your little ones will thrive and grow as they are exposed to hands-on horse care and time in the saddle. Together we can customize a world-class experience for you at The Pine Hill Ranch. To get started today, visit our riding program page for more information.