I used to be very much into horseback riding and am going to start getting back into it. I think it can count as exercise definitely. When you post (rise up and down) at the trot, that can be quite tiring if you're not used to it. I built up a lot of muscles in my legs from riding, squeezing not kicking the horse.
I am so glad to hear that others here love horses and horseback riding!
Horses are wonderful and so therapeutic
It's great to see some other equestriennes!
Ride on!
feel free to message me via this site too re: horse back riding