Getting fit for riding can be a real challenge. Going to the
gym is hard work and often we lack time and motivation after we have been to
work, ridden and mucked out! Let us help you solve these problems with our
quick and simple solutions to get you to Ride Fit.
·
Do your
own jobs - Where feasible, keep your
horse on DIY livery, and do your own stable jobs. Mucking out, turning out,
carrying haynets and water buckets are all beneficial to your fitness, being strength
and conditioning training, without you even knowing it! Make sure when you muck out and sweep, you do
it on both sides of your body, to promote balanced muscles and straightness. Similarly,
carry a water bucket in each hand to balance out the weight and protect your
back
·
Warm up
– Very few riders warm up before they ride and get on the horse cold and stiff.
This stiffness transmits to the horse and affects his way of going. Warming up
is extremely beneficial because it increases blood flow, gently opens the
joints and helps prevent injury. Contrary to popular belief, it is not onerous,
and can be done in the stable. Even grooming the horse vigorously will help to
open up the shoulder joints. The hips and knees can be warmed up with some
simple lunges or squats, and the chest can be opened with some shoulder rolls,
or by clasping the hands behind the back and stretching them behind you. All of
these exercises will be beneficial not only to your body, but will turn your
mental focus to riding, which will optimise your performance.
·
Stretch
– In our last blog, we discussed the importance of flexibility in enhancing
riding. Everybody’s target areas are different (and a good coach or Pilates
teacher can help you identify yours), but common areas of tightness in riders
are: hip flexors, hamstrings, gluteals and pectorals. Stretching these muscles
daily will take only ten minutes, and can be done in front of the telly (even
with a glass of wine as an incentive), but will improve your riding tenfold.
Ask your Pilates teacher how to complete these stretches safely and to give you
the best effect.
·
Join a
class –Equestrian specific exercise classes are fantastic motivators, because
you can have fun and make friends with like-minded people. The exercises will
be specifically targeted at riders and the instructor will understand the
challenges riders face, and help solve them. Often the classes are paid for a few
weeks in advance, encouraging you to go each week (even when you don’t feel
like it!), gaining the most benefit.
·
Cardiovascular
exercise – Exercise such as brisk walking, running, swimming or cycling are
good for weight control, stamina and all round well-being. All of these factors
result in better riders. Try and commit to an achievable amount of
cardiovascular exercise each week. This may be half an hour once a week, or
five times a week, depending on how much time you have, and how much you enjoy
it. You don’t have to be a marathon runner; even the smallest amount will pay dividends
for your riding.
Try these tips and let us know how you get on or if you have
any questions in the comments below!
