Animals are our EXERCISE

Meet the women whose beloved pets help them stay healthy and happy

- JO WILLACY

‘HORSE-RIDING WORKS MY ENTIRE BODY’

Caroline Peyton, 57, from Gloucestershire, has had her horse, Rolo, for seven years.

‘Every week I go running, to the gym and do classes, such as spinning and yoga, but horse-riding is my favourite form of exercise. I love being in the fresh air with Rolo, but what’s most special is the bond we have.

Rolo lives with my riding instructor, about 30 minutes from my home, but I’m responsible for all his exercise. I go to the yard three or four times a week. I have a one-to-one lesson weekly for 45 minutes and when I go on hacks with Rolo we can be out for about an hour and a half. The lessons are invaluable, especially on a hack, as Rolo learns to listen and respond to me when I need to manoeuvre him and reach down to open gates.

Horse-riding works my entire body. It engages my legs, buttocks, core, back, shoulders and arms. It’s also fantastic for balance; when cantering you come out of the saddle which really works my legs and core, and with a rising trot, it’s my legs and buttocks that are tested. It’s certainly not a case of just sitting there while the horse does all the work!

I compete at an amateur level with Rolo throughout the year. In winter, it’s jumping competitions in an arena and in summer I do eventing with him which involves dressage, show-jumping and cross-country.