Melanie Macleod
The Queen has been a keen horse rider since she was four years old – is it the secret to her long and healthy life?
At 96, The Queen has had a long and healthy life, with only a few minor illnesses during her 70-year reign.
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One hobby that could be responsible for keeping her at the peak of health is her dedication to horse riding, a hobby she’s reportedly been partaking in since she was four years old and kept up well into her nineties, only stopping in late 2021 due to discomfort, according to The Sun.
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Horse riding has many health benefits, with core strength a key reason to take to the saddle.
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To stay balanced on horseback you need to use your core muscles, physically strengthening your body which is essential as we age to prevent injury.
Horse riding is a full-body workout, helping to increase your balance and improve posture too – so that’s why the Queen’s posture has always been so impeccable!
The Royal Family released this photo of the Queen to celebrate her 96th birthday
Balance is increasingly important as we age. “Balance enables us to move confidently, but your sense of balance deteriorates as you enter your 40s and 50s and can make you less physically confident,” Dr. Mosley said on his health podcast Just One Thing.
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Better balance means fewer injuries from falling, which according to the World Health Organisation is the second most common cause of accidental death worldwide.
The Queen has been riding since a young age
Other health benefits of horse riding include improved coordination, plus muscle toning and strength. Horse riding can also promote flexibility as the rhythmic moments keep your muscles relaxed and supple.
There are many health benefits to horse riding
Horse riding also burns calories to help maintain a healthy weight and allows the rider to get a daily dose of fresh air to blow away the cobwebs.
Since the Queen has been unable to take to horseback since October 2021, her mobility has seen a decline, with the monarch reportedly using a wheelchair to get about.
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