The benefits of horseriding go far beyond just the joy, happiness, and sometimes the glory it brings to its rider. It isn’t merely a hobby for everyone. To some, it is a cathartic experience. IFBB Pro bodybuilding giant Francis Benfatto is one such equestrian who owes a lot to the sport. Besides the hours he spent building his physique, Benfatto’s days spent horseriding, helped him overcome many obstacles in life. He has also had a new-found appreciation for these stunning creatures since.

Francis Benfatto was born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1958, but he currently resides in Cape Town, South Africa. Although bodybuilding was his true love and passion, the 65-year-old has always deeply appreciated the craft of an equestrian. His recent Instagram post is proof of just that.

Francis Benfatto owes a lot to his horseriding days

Benfatto recently took to his Instagram and wrote, “Childhood Memories and My Love for Horse Riding” bookended by two emojis of bright stars. He continued, “As a child, I fell in love with horse riding. The rhythmic hooves and the feeling of freedom beneath me brought immense joy”. Benfatto was almost poetic in his description, and it was evident, that it came straight from his heart.

He continued, “At the age of 13, I won the Moroccan Dressage competition, a moment that filled me with pride and deepened my love for these magnificent creatures”. In the video he attached, Benfatto is seen riding a horse inside an enclosed stable. Although undated, going by his appearance the clip is from recent times, which only goes to show his love for these hooved creatures is still equally consistent.

READ MORE – “Far From…Genetically Gifted”: Despite Disadvantages, 64 YO IFBB Pro Once Revealed the Ultimate Secret to Getting Shredded

Sure to say, horses played a very important role in Benfatto’s life. He even credits it for transforming him into the man he is today. Even with his 2 Mr. France titles and several other bodybuilding records, horses and horseriding holds a special place in the Morrocan’s heart.

The healing power of horse riding

“Invaluable life lessons of patience, resilience, and perseverance”, are just some of the few virtues for which Benfatto credits his horseriding abilities. The 65-year-old, still in the prime of his physique, also called horseriding a “transformative journey of self-discovery and growth”.  His words at the end, “It’s more than a hobby; it’s a way of life. The bond formed between horse and rider transcends words”, are straight out of an equestrian’s textbook. It’s as if he feels the same connection with horses as any horse lover or equestrian lover would feel.

In the end, Francis Benfatto expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to experience the joy of riding a horse and learning and witnessing the positive change it had on his life. He ended his caption with possibly the most optimistic note, “Embrace your passion, believe in yourself, and cherish the unbreakable bond with these incredible creatures”. Besides his secrets to fitness, which he maintains to date, Benfatto continues to enjoy his passion in the later stages of his life.

Watch This Story: “I thought I was going to die”: This 77-year-Old Bodybuilder Credits Weightlifting for Saving His Life