1. Ma taught a sense of responsibility.

Learning how to care for living, breathing, complex animals requires dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.

You don't have to own a horse to experience this. Children dress appropriately, appear on time, and take good care of the horses and equipment during the course. As you earn the respect of those around you and learn new skills, your children will quickly learn that there is a reward for being responsible.

2. This requires commitment.

How many children started taking piano lessons and then stopped for a year or so?

How many times have we seen a kid obsessed with karate in third grade, but hated it in fourth grade?

Riding requires commitment, and there is nothing better than an engaging course that can help your child understand the value of keeping doing something, working hard, and experiencing positive reinforcement.

3. Riding encourages healthy pride.

Equestrian enthusiasts will tell you that there is nothing better than mastering a challenging riding experience, whether it's stopping your horse on command in the first lesson, learning how to change diagonals, skipping a complete route, or achieving a goal on a performance field.

Being able to communicate successfully with animals weighing up to 1,000 pounds is an important confidence booster for riders at all levels.

4. Learning to ride well requires concentration.

Ever notice that when you focus on one complex task, you don't worry about anything else? Riding can do this for you! The rider must use his brain and body to control and communicate with his horse.

For teenagers, riding a horse is the time when your daughter doesn't have to worry about what her friends said at school that day, or when her son tries to sneak out his phone and play games.

During riding, the brain frees from other worries or addictions, a major anxiety nemesis that can help your child develop lifelong emotional health.

5. Riding requires athletic ability.

No experienced equestrian enthusiast would say,"Riding a horse is just sitting there." Riding requires strength and endurance. After countless lessons, my whole body aches and pains. When you sit in the saddle, you use your legs, core, arms and back. Riding is a full-body exercise and soon your child will feel his body full of strength, strength and confidence.

6. Stability can provide a healthy atmosphere.

Finding a riding center where you and your children feel comfortable is well worth it. Horse friends can provide a closely united group of friends who support each other and stay away from the school environment and stress. I think stables can be one of the most positive social environments, connecting people of all ages who have a passion and love for horses. Sure, there may be competition, but isn't that part of any sport and life? Riding courses are safe places to learn about healthy competition.

7. This is the source of instant happiness.

There is nothing more effective and drug-free emotional booster than rigorous cycling training. Your child may feel depressed or impatient in class, but I bet she will feel more calm and happy when she dismounts her horse, whether often or not.

8. Horse riding is a special way to spend time together.

This is a big benefit for those of us adults who already ride or have always wanted to ride. If your son or daughter is interested, riding a horse is a great way to spend time together. In the right environment, you can ride together at any age and at any level. You will have a friend with you at horse shows, horse volunteer work or markets and festivals. I already dream of sharing all the horse-related joys with my daughter in the future.

9. This is a lifelong skill.

Unlike some sports that only attract children's interest for a season or two, or end at the end of high school, riding never stops. I rode a horse when I was young, and now I start riding again when I am in my 30s. Where I rode, there were children and adults in their 60s and 70s taking classes and performing. No matter how old you are, you can always improve your skills. Most importantly, I think riding will never stop being fun.

10. Working towards a goal is a key factor in the happiness equation.

We all want our children to be happy, don't we? Whether your child's dream is to own a horse, circle around buckets, jump fences, master the principles of dressage, or anything else the horse world must provide, working towards a goal is an essential element of happiness. The beauty of horses is that when the rider achieves one goal, success is celebrated, but the next goal is always something to strive for.

The world of horses can bring lifelong happiness to your children and you. Instead of rejecting your son or daughter's growing interest, why not let them give it a try? This may be the best gift you will ever give as a parent.