The number of people regularly participating in horse riding in the UK has risen significantly, reaching 1.8 million—an increase from 1.3 million a decade ago. Riding schools have reported growing demand, with many operating waiting lists. Experts attribute the rise in popularity to the sport’s comprehensive physical and mental health benefits.

Horse riding offers a low-impact, full-body workout, according to Sarah Dale, head of business support at the British Horse Society, a UK charity dedicated to equine and rider welfare. Beyond its physical benefits, the activity provides opportunities to engage with nature, enhancing overall wellbeing.

Riding can be accessed without the expense of owning a horse, with group lessons typically costing around £32 per hour. Many beginners find it takes about ten sessions to become fully comfortable with the sport.

From a fitness perspective, horse riding can burn a substantial number of calories. Trotting burns approximately 300 calories in an hour, while galloping may double that figure, comparable to the calorie expenditure of an hour’s swimming, explains fitness coach Belle Mee. Personal trainer Claire Payne adds that horse riding elevates the heart rate, contributing positively to cardiovascular health. Even tasks associated with riding, such as mucking out stables, count towards the NHS recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.

Physically, riding strengthens a variety of muscle groups. Dale notes that it particularly engages the glutes, calves, hamstrings, shoulders, and arms, which riders use both to maintain stability and to communicate effectively with their horses. Core muscles are also actively involved, contributing to improved posture and balance. Rebecca Gibson, head of development and inclusion at British Equestrian, emphasizes that riding enhances motor function, muscle strength, postural control, flexibility, and mobility.

The sport’s benefits extend to individuals with disabilities. Gibson highlights that equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has shown marked improvements in those with impaired motor function, including people with cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Several Paralympic medallists began riding following medical advice.

Mental health advantages are equally notable. Interaction with horses stimulates the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. Research commissioned by the British Horse Society found that 80% of riders experience an improvement in mood after riding. Dale describes the resulting feelings as increased cheerfulness, relaxation, and happiness. EAT is also effective in supporting people dealing with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder, according to Gibson, who notes its stress-reducing effects.

Carole Taylor, founder of Equine Pathways UK, which works with corporate groups, observes that many participants arrive mentally tense but leave feeling refreshed after spending time with horses.

These multifaceted benefits contribute to horse riding’s growing appeal across the UK, appealing to a wide range of people seeking both physical activity and psychological wellbeing.