People were at the Clovelly Stables on Saturday to try their hand at riding horseback.

It was an opportunity to get on a horse for the first time, as well as a chance to do something active.

Erin Gallant, executive director of Clovelly Stable Community, said riding on a horse is more exercise than people realize.

"It definitely works your core muscles, it does a lot for coordination and flexibility and strength, as well as balance," Gallant said.

Erin Gallant, executive director of Clovelly Stables Community, said horseback riding is a great way to be active. (CBC)

"You definitely will feel it after you ride. A lot of people say, 'I've got muscles I never knew I had."

Gallant said pony rides aren't as much activity as proper lessons, but is a great way to get people started.

"We weren't sure the public knew about it, so we wanted to let them know," she said.

Faith and Stan Collins brought their two children to try it out.

"I just thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for the family to do something fun and something different," Faith Collins said.

"It's not every day you get to ride on a horse. It was a great time."

Their daughter Mackenzie, 10, said it was the first time she was on a horse.

"It was fun - it was really fun," she said. "I really liked being on the horse - I really like animals."

Stan Collins said it was a great way to include the whole family in the activities together.

"A lot of activities are just for kids, and that's it - the parents kind of watch," he said.

"But horseback riding is great because the whole family can be involved and do it all together."

The event was a part of the ParticipACTION campaign, an initiative to get people across the country off the couch.