Going on a sleigh ride is such a fun experience. Not only is it enjoyable, but it also has many health benefits. People who go for sleigh rides aren’t as depressed because they get plenty of fresh air, sunlight, and they are near animals. If you are considering going on a sleigh ride this winter, you have come to the right place. In this article, I’ll go over the top reasons why you should go on a sleigh ride this winter, as well as tips for when you ride. I hope this article inspires you to go on a sleigh ride this winter.
Why You Should Go on a Sleigh Ride This Winter
There are so many reasons why you should go on a sleigh ride this year. From its health benefits to it being a fun activity, going on a sleigh ride has many advantages to your health. Here are some reasons why you should go on a horse sleigh ride this year.
Reduces Your Chance of Getting SAD
The lack of sunlight and warmth can often cause Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. Getting outdoors can help reduce your chance of getting SAD, which is why going on a sleigh ride can be helpful. Going on a sleigh ride helps get you out in the sun, as well as do something that makes you happy. Here are some reasons why taking a sleigh ride can reduce your chance of getting the winter blues.
Being Around Animals Makes You a Happier Person
Studies have shown that people who are around animals are usually happier people. Studies have proven that even watching fish can ease tense muscles. Going on a sleigh ride with horses will surely help brighten your spirit. Animals help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Not only do pets, in general, make us happy, but studies have shown that horses are great therapy for those with the winter blues. They help lower the amount of stress you may have, as well as just make you feel good.
Being out in the Sunlight Helps You Beat the Winter Blues
One of the number one reasons why people experience SAD is because of the lack of sunlight. With the sun setting so early and the weather being too cold to go outside, many people don’t get out enough this time of year. If you haven’t been able to get outside as much as you’d like to, going for a sleigh ride is a great idea. Although you’ll probably be wearing a lot of clothing, just having the sun on your face is enough to make you feel happier. Not only does the sunlight make you feel happier, but it also has a lot of health benefits. Vitamin D helps make your bones stronger, it treats thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus, and it can help with acne. Sunlight can even prevent cancer, although too much sunlight can contribute to skin cancers. Overall, just being out in the sun can make you healthier and happier.
Sleigh Rides Allow You to Get Some Fresh Air
Going on a sleigh ride allows you to get some fresh air. Once again, getting fresh air is another good treatment for SAD. If you have been dealing with the winter blues, be sure to try going for a sleigh ride. The more fresh air you get, the more oxygen you will breathe, which will increase the amount of serotonin (the happy hormone) you inhale. As a result, you should feel less depressed when outdoors in the fresh air. Even if you don’t feel depressed, getting fresh air is always healthy.
You’ll Capture Some Great Pictures
If you decide to bring your camera along, you are guaranteed to capture some beautiful pictures. With the snow and the majestic horses, taking beautiful pictures shouldn’t be a challenge. Make sure your camera is ready to use. If you will be using your phone, make sure it is charged up.
Great Activity for When Friends and Family Are Visiting
If you have friends or family visiting for Christmas or the New Year, you may be wondering what activities you can do to keep them having fun. If you are out of ideas, going on a sleigh ride is a great idea. Your friends or family may have never been on a sleigh ride before, and this will be an experience they will never forget. Also, being near family and friends when doing a fun activity is also a great treatment for the winter blues.
Sing Some Carols
Singing Christmas carols is fun to do, even though Christmas may be over. If you are looking for a fun carol to sing, consider singing the Sleigh Ride song. “Sleigh Ride” does not mention Christmas in its song, which means you could sing it any time during the winter. “Jingle Bells” is another great song to sing. Here are the lyrics to “Sleigh Ride” (composed by Leroy Anderson, Lyrics by Mitchell Parish)
“Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ingRing ting tingle-ing tooCome on, it’s lovely weatherFor a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is fallingAnd friends are calling “Yoo Hoo”Come on, it’s lovely weatherFor a sleigh ride together with you
Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yaplet’s goLet’s look at the snowWe’re riding in a wonderland of snow
Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap it’s grandJust holding your handWe’re gliding along with the songOf a wintry fairy land
Let’s take the road before usAnd sing a chorus or twoCome on, it’s lovely weatherFor a sleigh ride together with you
There’s a birthday party at the home of Farmer GrayIt’ll be the perfect ending of a perfect dayWe’ll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stopAt the fireplace, while we watch the chestnuts popPop! Pop! Pop!
There’s a happy feeling nothing in the world can buyWhen they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pieIt’ll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and IvesThese wonderful things are the thingsWe remember all through our lives”
Enjoy the Experience
Most importantly, going on a sleigh ride is a fun experience. Not everybody gets to go on a sleigh ride across the snow. Be sure to take some pictures so that you always remember this fun day. Whether you go on a sleigh ride with a group of friends or by yourself, you will most likely have a fun time.
Tips for When You Sleigh Ride
Are you convinced yet that you should go on a sleigh ride? If so, you may be wondering if there are any tips that you should follow when going on your sleigh ride. While going on a sleigh ride is very simple and easy, it is important that you stay safe and comfortable by following these tips.
Stay Warm
Make sure you dress warmly when you go on your sleigh ride. Wear layers of clothing and bring some blankets if you want. Blankets may be provided, so you may not need to bring your own blankets with you. If you happen to be dealing with SAD, staying warm is very important. Many people have claimed that being cold has made them more depressed. Make sure you wear a hat, mittens, boots, and a warm coat. If possible, dress in layers. That way, if you get hot, you can take off some of your clothes.
Listen to the Rules
Most farms that do sleigh rides will have a list of rules, so be sure to listen to them. Such rules may include to not startle the horses and to supervise your children at all times. Have your children listen to the rules as well.
Make Sure Your Kids Hold On
Although the sleigh ride should be smooth and slow, you never know when there could be a bump on the road. Hold your kids or, if they are old enough, have them sit on the seat by themselves while holding onto their seat. Don’t let your kids lean over the edge. Pay attention to the driver, as he or she may tell you if there will be a bump.
Final Thoughts
All outdoor winter activities allow you to get fresh air and sunlight, but going for a sleigh ride is one of the best activities to do. Being near the horses and getting vitamin D can help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. In addition to being good for your health, riding a sleigh ride is a fun experience to do when friends or family are visiting. Remember that if you are bringing kids, always have them be seated on the seats so that they don’t fall off. Young children should probably sit on your lap. Always listen to all of the rules before going on a sleigh ride. Don’t forget to dress warmly. Riding on a sleigh can be cold, so be dressed in layers. I hope this article has answered all your questions about going on a sleigh ride. A sleigh ride is such a fun experience for people of all ages. Remember to bring your camera along so that you can take some pictures to remember this day. Have fun!
