How many calories do you really burn while riding and taking care of your horses?

How many calories do you really burn while riding and taking care of your horses?


If we are honest, we all have to admit that we have eaten an extra cookie with the excuse: "I'll be in the stable later, then I'll work it off". But how many calories do you really burn while riding and working in the stable? We figured it out for you!


Mucking out two full straw beds, including sweeping, emptying wheelbarrows and one new bale of straw: 175 kcal

Mucking out two full shavings beds, including sweeping and emptying wheelbarrow: 168 kcal

Forking back/tidying the muckheap for 15 minutes: 99 kcal

Digging out the corners/sides of a sand and rubber 20x40m school before harrowing (16 minutes): 88kcal

Walking a showjumping course (single phase, 12 fences): 42 kcal

Warming up and jumping a single-phase showjumping course, as above: 148kcal

Half an hour’s riding on the flat: 205 kcal

Walking a cross-country course (45 minutes): 195 kcal


This number of calories is per approximation and depends on various factors such as metabolism and weight.

Source: Horse&Hound