Himolde student Dina Hansen has many interests, but the highlight of her life as a student in Molde is horseback riding.

By ELMIRA TUKAEVA

Dina Hansen from Kristiansand is a first-year student on the master program in supply chain management. She likes sports like volleyball and skiing, but her biggest hobby is horseback riding.

“I was 6 y.o. when my mom first time brought me to the stables, and it was a little pony who made me bind my future life with horses”, says Hansen.

Hansen usually visits Molde Rytterklubb every week, and one of the horses she likes riding is a Norwegian Fjord Horse named Morgan.

The Norwegian Fjord Horse, according to Horsejournals.com, is considered as one of the oldest pure breeds of horse. It is believed that the original Fjord horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated over 4000 years ago. Archeological evidence suggests that the Fjord horse has been selectively bred for over 2000 years, first by the Vikings around 1200 BC. Rune stone carvings in Norway, many of fighting stallions, show images of horses recognizable as Fjords. The Vikings took their Fjords, which they used as war mounts, in their travels to Scotland, Iceland, and elsewhere. In these lands the Fjord influenced the Highland Pony and the Icelandic Horse.

Hansen merely rides for fun, and although every class lasts for just 45 minutes, the whole process is quite energy consuming. At the beginning the horse is usually warmed up by walking. After that the instructor gives different tasks to the rider and his/her horse, for example galloping – the fastest pace of a horse, with all feet off the ground together in each stride.

When the class is finished, the riders always look after the horses: takes off the saddle, feeds carrots and hay, cleans the barn if needed and cover the horses with special blanket if it is cold.

“Horseback riding has a unique feature when compared to other sport activities: the interaction with nature and animals. One hour spent with the horse is a ‘happy’ hour. And if you ever try riding horses, you will either devote yourself to it for the rest of your life or never come back, there is no middle way!” says Dina.

Molde Rytterklubb has a long-lasting history, it’s hardworking and warm-hearted personnel offers horseback riding courses both for adults and children. Prices range between 215 and 240 kroner per time.