Study: Horseback Riding Linked to Increase in Hormone Levels in the Elderly

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While there are already a number of physical, mental and social benefits linked to horseback riding, the studies never cease. A recent study published in July 2015’s edition of the Journal of Physical Science Therapy found that elderly adults who participate in horseback riding have higher levels of serotonin and cortisol.

Here is the study: “Horseback Riding Linked to Increase in Hormone Levels in the Elderly” presented to you by the author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic

The study compared two groups, each composed of 10 elderly adults. While pre- and post- exercise tests on hormone levels were conducted on all subjects, only one group was given horseback riding exercises; the other served as a control group.

Comparatively, the study found the horseback riding group had significantly higher levels of serotonin and cortisol versus the control group.  Pre-exercise and post-exercise tests conducted on the groups also found the horseback riding group had a significant increase in serotonin and cortisol levels following their exercise.

Serotonin and cortisol are highly important hormones in the human body. While the majority of serotonin resides in the GI tract, the neurotransmitter regulates sleep, appetite, and mood. Essentially, serotonin can affect how much sleep you need and receive, whether or not you are hungry (and by extension, whether or not you choose to eat), how happy, sad, or frustrated you feel throughout the day, and even sexual arousal. A lack of serotonin is believed by some scientists to lead to depression.

Cortisol, on the other hand, is primarily known to regulate blood pressure, metabolism and blood sugar levels, all of which are especially important to monitor in the elderly.

Read: Top 10 Health Tips We Can Learn From Horses

Read: Top 10 Health Benefits of Owning a Horse

Read: The Social and Mental Benefits of Horse Ownership

6 COMMENTS

  1. Could we get some sources for this? Increases in cortisol are generally not a good thing, considering it’s called the “stress” hormone. It’s actually healthier to have lower levels of cortisol. But again, I’m interested in seeing sources for this information.

    • Well…you can click on above link to get study… It’s a little confusing, tho. It looked like ( on the graph) that levels of cortisol went down , but abstract says increased . Maybe lost in translation ( Korean study)

  2. This is very true…..since I had to part ways from my horse 5 yrs ago I AM NOT THE SAME PERSON. A VERY VERY BIG PART OF ME DIED INSIDE FROM NOT HAVING MY HORSE IN MY LIFE. LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK IN THE SADDLE EVEN IF IT’S JUST RIDING AT A STABLE EVERY NOW N THEN. MY LOVE OF HORSES HELPS ME SO MUCH WITH MY LUPUS. WHOMEVER SAID NOT TRUE NEVER OWNED N HAD A RELATIONSHIP WITH A HORSE. IT NOT ONLY GIVES YOU HAPPINESS IT CALMS THE SOUL, DEPRESSION LEAVES YOU. ALL AND ALL IT DOES SOMETHING WONDERFUL INSIDE OF YOU. YAY FOR ALL OF US HORSE LOVERS OUT THERE.

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