We, at Equestrian Endeavors, firmly believe that horses and riding are good for children physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Together, good horses and good instructors make riders, horsemen, and good human beings.

Riding is a physical activity, but it's an activity unlike any other. Like track and field, gymnastics, and diving, it improves fitness, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Like dancing, doubles tennis, and pairs skating, riding requires physical skills and a partner, but in the case of riding, the partner is not just another individual, it's another individual of a different species. Riding is a physical activity that requires skill, balance, and coordination, plus intellectual and theoretical understanding - and then there is the emotional component that has to exist in order to build a genuine relationship that will develop into a true partnership.

What does riding do for children? It gets them up and active and out in all kinds of weather, year-round. For horses and humans physical activity is essential for good health. In terms of posture and breathing alone, riding makes an enormous difference that is noticeable at school and at home. With a good instructor, children develop balance and core strength - not just physical strength, but mental, emotional, and moral strength as well. Good riding and horsemanship both require consideration for other, and in addition to sympathy, and empathy, children learn that there are no shortcuts to doing something right. Riding teaches children in a way that classroom lectures cannot. Through interacting with horses and watching good role models, riders learn much more than riding skills. They learn to be thoughtful and gentle, compassionate and empathetic. They learn to be patient. They also learn courage and determination.

Riders learn to take responsibility for their own actions. This is essential training for school, for college, for a career, for life as an adult and a parent and an all around useful citizen.

Riding and horsemanship don't distract children from their studies - they help them study more wisely and much more effectively. Riding involves discipline and self-discipline. Attentive riders learn to appreciate the value of systematic, progressive training. They learn how to stay focused, work hard, and work smart.

Horses and riding can provide children with self esteem. Gaining competence as riders makes them special and gives them a type of confidence that simply can't be matched in any other sport, because they've not only acquired skills, they've built a relationship.

Riding is a pleasant and enjoyable way to build character. Respect, compassion, empathy, responsibility, patience, honesty, integrity, focus, and follow-through - who wouldn't want their children to have and live these values?