Life on a Horse Ranch Fosters Healthy, Well-Adjusted Kids
Everyone has something they would like an escape from, be it a bully at school, family strife, or just the general day-to-day grind. Studies have exposed the benefit—even necessity—of spending time outdoors for both for kids and adults. Fresh air, sunshine and a green environment is proven to enhance mental health and relieve stress. That longing for freedom, and joy, and exhilaration could be as close as your friendly neighborhood stable.
1. Working as Part of a Team – The most important lesson kids can learn from working together on a ranch is how to effectively communicate with others. Teamwork requires each member of the team to be able to express their own ideas and opinions effectively to get a project completed. When kids understand that their voices are respected and valuable, they gain self-confidence. Completing manual tasks together and working collaboratively on a common goal, builds trust and a sense of accomplishment.
2. Connecting with Nature – Being outside in nature creates a unique sense of wonder for kids that no other environment can provide. The phenomena that naturally occur outside makes kids ask questions about the earth and the life that it supports. In natural environments, we practice an effortless type of attention and fascination that creates feelings of pleasure and releases stress.
3. Getting Physical Activity – Kids can be a big help on a ranch and chores provide a healthy work ethic, teach responsibility, and give them a sense of purpose. In an age where schools have cut back on time devoted to physical education and recess, it can also be an important part of keeping youngsters active and healthy. Mucking out a stall, grooming a horse, and keeping the tack room clean and tidy provides great physical exercise and a sense of accomplishment.
Experts agree that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. Working as part of a team and participating in chores together teaches them effective communication skills and a respect for their peers.
