If you’ve ever seen an ostrich in real life you know that they are absolutely massive birds. With legs that are almost as tall as a human and a body that can weigh up to 350 pounds they are truly impressive creatures. But what about riding one? Can you actually ride an ostrich?
The answer is yes! While it’s certainly not something that you see every day people do ride ostriches. It’s actually a lot like riding a horse although there are a few key differences. For starters ostrich saddles are much larger and more padded than horse saddles. This is because an ostrich’s back is much broader than a horse’s so the saddle has to be larger to fit comfortably.
Another difference is that ostrich riding is done at a much slower pace than horse riding. This is because ostriches are not built for speed. Their long legs are designed for endurance so they can run for long distances without getting tired. This makes them ideal for leisurely rides but not for racing.
If you’re interested in giving ostrich riding a try there are a few things you should keep in mind. First make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing. An ostrich saddle is quite large so you’ll want to wear pants or a skirt that won’t ride up when you’re sitting in the saddle. Second be prepared for a slower ride. Unlike horses ostriches don’t gallop so you won’t be going very fast. And finally remember that ostriches are still wild animals. They may look tame but they can be unpredictable so always exercise caution when around them.
What is the top recorded speed of an ostrich?
70 mph
How long can an ostrich live?
30-40 years
What is the average weight of an ostrich?
150-250 lbs
What is the height of an ostrich?
6-9 ft
What is the average ostrich egg weight?
3 lbs
How many eggs does an ostrich lay in a year?
10-12
What does an ostrich eat?
Plants berries and bugs
What is the scientific name for an ostrich?
Struthio camelus
What country is the ostrich native to?
Africa
What type of habitat does an ostrich live in?
Dry areas with little vegetation
How many toes does an ostrich have?
Two
What is the purpose of an ostrich’s long neck?
To help them see over long distances
What is the purpose of an ostrich’s long legs?
To help them run faster
What sound does an ostrich make?
A loud booming noise
Can you actually ride an ostrich?
Yes
