A study of more than 400 riders in Germany has proven what most of us have known all along: horseback riding generally produces awesome, well-adjusted people.

Now if you’re rolling your eyes at the Captain Obviousness of this observation, you’re not alone. Researcher Soenke Lauterbach of the German Equestrian Federation told Horsetalk.co.nz that the very reason for conducting the study was to see if the mounds of anecdotal evidence about riders being naturally more determined, enthusiastic, assertive and resilient with strong leadership capabilities—oh please, go on!—were proven out by the research.

(flickr.com/Franz Venhaus)

(flickr.com/Franz Venhaus)

Using an online survey tool, the results of 411 riders (91 percent of whom were female; 9 percent of whom were male) were compared against 402 non-riders of the same general age, gender makeup, and income bands as their horse-riding counterparts. The study’s results determined that riding both builds character and promotes social development (what’s that Gawker?and is a solid and beneficial activity for parents seeking a character-building sport for their children.

Researchers believe one possible correlation may be due to the high degree of empathy and sensitivity riders develop in order to better communicate with their horses. You can read the full story at Horsetalk.co.nz.