Amber Zhang

chanwenzhang@yahoo.com.cn

IF you’re wondering what kinds of outdoor sports are suitable for Shenzhen in the fall, my suggestion is horse-riding.

Temperatures hover around 25 degrees these days. In the cool weather, horses are willing to walk longer and horseflies leave them alone.

Imagine riding a horse along the seashore or in colorful mountains that are just 50 minutes’ ride from downtown by car — it’s quite a good way to relax and keep fit.

Riding a horse along Xichong Beach in Yantian District is a great remedy when you’re stressed. Several clubs offer horse rentals as well as accommodations near Xichong Beach, which is one of the eight most beautiful coastlines in China.

I always choose Wrangler Heights, which supplies Mongolian horses for guests and has instructors with good riding experience. They cater to everyone, from beginners to experts. One hour’s ride with an instructor beside cost me around 200 yuan (US$31.5). While on horseback, you can feel the rhythm of the horse, enjoy the beautiful scenery and gradually forget all your troubles.

It’s important to dress comfortably and avoid high heels or sandals. You will be asked to wear a helmet and knee pads and to avoid riding after drinking alcohol. Instructors accompany beginners all through the ride and teach basic skills.

While riding, make sure you are holding the reins correctly. When riding in a team, don’t ride too close to another horse or compete with other riders — otherwise, you may get kicked. Slower riders should ride on the inside track while fast riders stay on the outside track.

If time allows, try riding through the mountains, which is an unforgettable experience. But riding up and down mountain trails requires greater skills, and it can be hard to know the temperament of a horse you’ve just rented. Sometimes, a naughty horse will move toward grass or leaves it likes to eat and totally forget you’re on its back. So letting the horse know your intentions and follow your clear instructions is important. Experienced instructors will tell you what the horse dislikes, and can help in emergencies while riding.

Some people might suffer back pains after a long ride. But when you have mastered the skills and become used to riding, the pain will go away. Beginners may need a rest after one or two hours of riding in the mountains. Usually, two days of riding and camping in the mountains is enough to pull even the most stressed person out of their busy life.

Riding horses is not just a good way to keep in shape. Horsemanship also provides a lot of fun for riders who have mastered the relationship between man and beast. When you learn how to overcome obstacles with your horse, you enjoy a feeling of accomplishment. Training facilities are offered at Guangming Farm in Bao’an District.

Horsemanship is a step-by-step learning process, but unfortunately, there are few horsemanship training schools in Shenzhen. Hong Kong also has facilities for further learning.

“Horse-riding is not only a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Balancing on horseback and finding a way to communicate with the horse while riding is just like trying to balance your life,” said a local riding enthusiast surnamed Wang, who visits riding clubs very often.