As a kid, I was fascinated with horses. But the closest I had ever gotten to them was through TV. Then, my equestrian dreams almost came true when horseback riding for 100bob/10 minutes became a thing every Sunday afternoon at Uhuru Park. I didn't get to pursue an equestrian career for a myriad of reasons but if your child(ren) are like me, here's why you should foster their love for horse riding and where they can do it in Nairobi:Horse Riding Lessons in NairobiMalo Stables KenyaAt Malo Stables, not only will your kids train with pros, they'll also enjoy picturesque views of Ngong Hills as they ride from Karen into Dagoretti Forest. They also lessons on dressage, showjumping and have occasional horse riding events Contact: 0704 494 464.New Muthaiga Horse Riding StablesThey offer horse trips and horseback riding lessons for children every weekend. Contact: 0721 421 728.Hardy Stud Horse RidingArguably the oldest equestrian training facility in Nairobi. Your child will be training with seasoned professionals. Contact: 0722 762 136.Karen Riding StablesKaren riding stables is home to award winning race horses and they can teach your kid(s) all the winning tricks.Contact: 0736 859 557. Xina Horse Riding School & StablesThey offer horse riding lessons and adventures for adults and children. The stables are open Tuesday to Sunday including public holidays.Contact: 0112 030664Location: Kiambu Road.Why your Kids Should Learn Horse RidingHorses teach a sense of responsibility.Learning how to care for a living, breathing, complex animal requires dedication and a solid sense of responsibility. Your child will observe care takers tend to the horses and adopt the same mindset. It takes commitment.Horseback riding takes commitment, and there's nothing better than committing to lessons to help your child learn the value of sticking with something, working hard, and experiencing positive reinforcement.Riding encourages a healthy sense of pride.Horse enthusiasts will tell you that nothing feels better than mastering a challenging riding skill, whether it's getting the horse to stop on command at their first lesson or learning how to change diagonals. Kids will find pride and fulfillment in mastering horse riding. Learning to ride well takes focus.Ever notice when you focus on a single complicated task, you can't worry about anything else? Horseback riding can do that for kids. A rider must use their brain and body to control and communicate with his horse. For a tween or teen, riding is a great way to develop razor sharp focus. Riding requires athletic ability.Riding takes strength and endurance. Your child will use their legs, core, arms, and back when they're in the saddle. Riding is a full-body workout, and soon your child will feel empowered, strong, and confident in his or her body.
*Image: Xina Horse Riding School & Stables
About The Author
Maureen Kasuku
Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life