My Horse Riding Experience: A Journey with Sunshine and Dur e Najaf

My name is Arslan Rafiq, and today I want to share an exciting and enriching experience that I recently had – horse riding. It wasn’t just any ordinary experience but a personal journey filled with learning, bonding, and moments that will stay with me forever. Over the course of eight days, I took a horse riding class that introduced me to the beauty of equestrian sports, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.

How I Developed Interest in Horse Riding

My interest in horse riding was sparked while watching the popular TV series Ertugrul Ghazi. The character of Ertugrul, especially the way he rode his horse Aktol Gali with such skill and grace, deeply inspired me. Watching him navigate through battles and journeys on horseback made me fascinated with the art of horse riding. It was from those intense and captivating scenes that I decided to pursue horse riding myself and experience the connection between rider and horse that I had admired on screen.

The Beginning of My Horse Riding Journey

My horse riding lessons spanned over eight days, with each day bringing a new thrill and challenge. Every class involved a 20-minute ride, under the expert guidance of my instructor, Jawad Kazim, whose experience and calm demeanor made learning easy and enjoyable. From the very first day, I knew that this was going to be an adventure worth remembering.

Sunshine: My Trusty Companion

Throughout the entire course, I rode a beautiful brown female horse named Sunshine. She was six years old, full of energy, and had a gentle yet strong presence. From the moment I first mounted her, I could feel the connection between rider and horse. Sunshine was a patient companion, and we quickly developed a bond of trust. Every lesson I took was on Sunshine, and by the end of the eight days, I had grown incredibly fond of her.

Sunshine was not just beautiful but also extremely responsive to commands. Whether it was trotting, cantering, or simply walking around the training arena, she followed instructions with grace. The feeling of riding her was pure joy—she made even the toughest parts of learning horse riding seem easier. Sunshine’s vibrant energy kept me motivated, and I loved every second of our time together.

Dur e Najaf: The Majestic White Horse

Though Sunshine was my primary companion for all the rides, I had the pleasure of meeting another horse at the club—a massive white horse named Dur e Najaf. Dur e Najaf was much older, at 20 years of age, and considerably larger than Sunshine. Though I didn’t get to ride her during the classes, I took a picture with her, appreciating his majestic stature. Dur e Najaf had a calm demeanor, reflecting her years of experience and maturity as a trained horse.

While Sunshine was younger and more energetic, Dur e Najaf’s presence had an aura of wisdom and strength. It was interesting to observe the difference between the two horses, as both had their unique charm.

The Best Experience of My Life

Every day of horse riding brought new lessons and experiences. Under Jawad Kazim’s guidance, I learned various aspects of horseback riding, from basic commands to understanding horse behavior. We practiced different riding techniques—everything from mounting the horse correctly to maintaining the right posture while riding. I felt a great sense of accomplishment after mastering the techniques, and the credit goes to Sunshine, who made the learning process smoother.

The final day of the class was especially memorable as I decided to take my kids along to the riding club. Seeing them around the horses, brimming with excitement, was a heartwarming sight. They got the chance to take individual rides, and they also rode along with me. Sharing this experience with my children made the last class even more special. It wasn’t just about me anymore—it became a family experience, and my kids loved every moment of it.

Unfortunately, during the last class, I suffered a minor injury while riding, but it was nothing serious. Despite this little setback, the overall experience was fantastic. Horse riding was not just a physical activity but also a mental exercise that allowed me to connect with these magnificent animals and nature in a deeper way.

The Importance of Horse Riding

Horse riding is much more than a recreational activity or sport. It offers a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here are some of the reasons why horse riding holds great importance:

1. Physical Fitness: Horse riding engages various muscles in the body, especially the core, legs, and back. It helps in improving balance, coordination, and posture. Riding requires you to maintain control of the horse while keeping yourself steady, which strengthens muscles and improves overall fitness.

2. Mental Health and Well-being: Horse riding has a calming effect on the mind. Spending time with horses and nature reduces stress and anxiety. It fosters patience, discipline, and emotional control, as the rider has to remain calm and composed to communicate effectively with the horse.

3. Building Confidence: Learning to ride a horse and mastering different riding techniques gives a huge boost to self-confidence. The bond between rider and horse creates a sense of trust, which helps in building self-assurance, not just in riding but in other areas of life as well.

4. Emotional Bonding: Horses are intelligent and sensitive animals. Developing a relationship with a horse can be emotionally fulfilling. Riders often form deep emotional connections with their horses, as I did with Sunshine. The trust and bond built during rides are therapeutic and rewarding.

5. Connection with Nature: Horse riding offers a unique way to connect with nature. It allows you to appreciate the outdoors and experience a sense of freedom as you ride through open fields, forests, or mountains. This connection with the environment is refreshing and invigorating.

6. Responsibility and Care: Horse riding teaches riders to be responsible for the care and well-being of their horses. From grooming to feeding and ensuring the horse’s health, riders learn to be compassionate and attentive to the needs of their animal companions.

Final Thoughts

My eight-day horse riding journey was nothing short of amazing. It gave me the chance to connect with these beautiful creatures, learn new skills, and share memorable moments with my family. Sunshine, the lively brown horse, became my trusted companion, while Dur e Najaf, the grand white horse, added a touch of grace to the experience.

Horse riding is more than just a sport or pastime; it is an enriching activity that brings countless physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It instills confidence, encourages discipline, and helps individuals foster a deep connection with animals and nature. For me, it was one of the best experiences of my life, and I look forward to continuing this wonderful journey in the future.