Being a Fit Rider Can Help Your Horse
Key Body Areas to Focus on for Fitness
Legs
By having strong and flexible legs a rider can become more stable and balanced while on top of a horse. Leg strength is also especially important when it comes to control. This extra strength will also allow for more concise and correct cues for the horse to listen for what we are asking. Strength in the thigh muscles is utilized to help with aids and cues and also to help with rising trots A riders legs also help with posture. When our legs are in the correct position for any discipline our posture becomes better in the saddle Figure 1.
A riders core is one of the most essential parts of the body and can have the largest impact on your riding. A strong core is directly connected to our body position stability balance and decreases the risk of future injuries. When a strong core is engaged while riding riders are in better alignment in the saddle. In other words a riders seat and weight will be distributed more evenly. With a strong core and back a rider can give more finessed cues to their horse during maneuversAegerter et al. 2020.
A strong core will also allow a rider to ask for more collection and selfcarriage in the horse while absorbing its motion. This is beneficial for any type of discipline. For example when jumping a strong core will allow for a more stable and secure position while going over a jump. When a riders core is engaged throughout their riding this will be reflected in their equitation. An engaged core will allow a rider to have better alignment of their legs and shoulders into the correct riding position Figure 2.
A rider should have strong hips to allow for better stability and flexibility
in the saddle. Tight hip flexors can be painful and restrict flexibility in the saddle so exercising to strengthen the hips is important. Strong hips can allow for a better seat and improved performance when riding. Weight can be distributed more equally in the saddle and the stirrups when the hips are strong Figure 3.
Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular exercise also known as cardio is exercise that increases heart rate and respiratory rate and on a scientific level requires what is called aerobic energy. This means energy created for the exercise needs oxygen. Examples of cardio exercise include running and swimming. When cardio
