This week looking after equines and picking poo in the rain has the air of reality, triumph over adversity and getting close to nature that is becoming so fashionable and recommended in wellbeing circles.

The BHS has always promoted that horse ownership and riding is good for you and we have years of scientific evidence to back that up; as equestrian engenders responsibility, is aerobic, burns calories, enhances mental wellbeing etc.

But now more than ever being active – yes AND taking risks whilst enjoying our natural environment is right on message.

“A nation’s biggest asset is the health of its population” we heard this week at the Scottish Outdoor Access Networking day; adults need to be active, sit in a chair less, build strength and improve their balance.

Every tiny movement of the horse generates an equal and opposite movement in its human rider; we know that from Hippotherapy where gravity and gentle walking elicits a beneficial response to the horses’ motion among our less mobile.

That’s for adults - children and young people need to be physically active for at least an hour each day and all activities should make them “breathe faster and feel warmer”.

Ponies teach our youngsters so much more than how to ride and so often horses become a healthy obsession instead of screens. The perfect first pony has everything going for it – although many of us learnt on Shetlands who knew exactly where the best branches in the orchard were for removing the objectionable child on top. Fortunately, the pony loving default reprogrammed the mind to overcome such risky incidents!

That’s physical, what about the ‘two minds as one’ that happens when we ride? So much super tuning takes place and even on a hack, horse and rider become synchronised in thought and action.

This sublime connection is intrinsic, deep rooted and unique to horsemanship. Often riders never even think about it, so second nature it is – but it is very real and natural and accounts for all our centuries of domesticating animals.

“Get a dog,” they say “if you want to be well”.

“Get a horse,” I say; let the same commitment, duties and routine frame your life as family does as you revel in the power, beauty, spirit and generosity of equines.

Go hacking in the beautiful Scottish countryside and literally bathe in field, forest, beach and the outdoors. See more wildlife this way – the horse is part of the landscape so you do get closer to nature.

Scottish Natural Heritage launched ‘Scotland’s Natural Health Service’ in March this year to promote the benefits of us using green exercise opportunities in our daily lives, showing how nature based interventions and everyday contact with nature improves the health of our population – how very horsey I say!

‘Doing’ is such a powerful thing these days, on social media it is all about experiences that is why horse riding holds its own among the tough mudder, park run mentality – anyone can do those things but galloping on a Scottish beach or wading in a mighty Scottish river on your horse after a long day (sitting) in the office takes you to the heart of nature’s green gym in the company of your most non-judgemental friend in your own time while therapy on the hoof is imperceptive.

It’s not just riding; it’s the entire wholesome world of the horse that is so authentic and beneficial.

To be fully human risk-taking is natural when you think of some of the silly things you’ve done!

Around horses you can minimise risk by being educated, taking professional advice whether that be from a British Horse Society Accredited Professional Coach, an approved riding establishment or a vet.

If you are a horse owner – attend an Essential Horse Knowledge course, get in touch with your local riding club and join the BHS where you can share experiences with other riders.

It’s all to play for – many of us enjoy other activities like running, tennis, walking and yoga – but we all secretly know that in our heart of hearts to be a horse rider on top of it all adds a life enhancing element that is unattainable in any other way – so much so that it is hard to describe!

“If you don’t risk anything – you may risk everything” so just get on the horse and keep riding!