Why Riding Your Horse to Music Works... the Physiology

I am amazed at how perfect music can improve andstress-related illnesses to stimulate the brain and relax
enhance a horse's movement and the rider's rhythm!the body.
When music fits the horse and rider, both the quality ofMusic affects both sides of your brain, so whether you
the gaits and movements improve. The musicare a left-brain logical thinker or a right-brain artistic
enhances both the artistic aspect and the technicalthinker, music helps you ride better.
side of the ride. Because rhythm is maintained!Even animals react differently to various types of
After years of studying the effects of music I learnedmusic. Given a choice, rats will choose calm classical
a few things.music over hard rock every time.
Studies show that music affects our physiology. SlowMusic can also influence brainwaves. Faster beats
music slows the heartbeat and the breathing rate asmake you more alert and slower beats help you relax.
well as brings down blood pressure. Faster musicMusic creates a long-lasting change in brainwave
speeds up these same functions.activity. That means that music can bring lasting
Listening to your favorite music is good for yourbenefits to your state of mind, even after you've
cardiovascular system. Researchers have shown thatstopped listening.
joyful music has a healthy effect on blood vesselMusic filters out background noises so that you and
function.your horse can concentrate better.
Riding to music increases your endurance and feelingsMusic acts as an INTERNAL metronome to help you
of well-being. Studies show that exercising to musicmaintain a regular rhythm.
improves endurance by 15% and improve the "feelingMusic puts you in a more positive state of mind, helping
states" so, people derive much greater pleasure fromto keep depression and anxiety at bay.
exercise. (Those cool endorphins!!)The bottom line is... it's fun to ride to music!
Many hospitals use music to treat patients with