5 Easy Ways To Get Fit With Your Horse

It’s time to get out of hibernation and get fit! For those of us in the equestrian world, getting fit is generally not about looking our best at the beach (although that’s always an added bonus!) This time of year, most of us are getting ready for the next season of shows and training. And it’s not just us that we have to worry about – it’s our four-legged friends as well.

We all want to be the best riders we can be – and provide the best support and care for our horses. However, finding the time and making fitness a focus can always be a challenge.

That’s why we’ve put together our five favorite tricks to help you and your four-legged friend get fit for spring. And the best part? You’ll be able to keep your same routine!

Try them out and let us know what you think!

Horses love to yoga around!

Power walk with a purpose

Spring is in the air, and there’s nothing more enjoyable than taking a walk with your horse in the sun. Instead of taking a leisurely stroll along the paddock, make the walk a productive one by picking up the pace. Find a hill or steep incline and power walk alongside your horse. Try this for a minimum of 15 minutes three times per week to get fit and ready for your next show.

Change up your cantering routine

Cantering poles on the ground is a great exercise to keep your eye solid as well as teach your horse to canter over simple objects. This is a great strengthening exercise for your horse as you adjust his or her canter to achieve the right rhythm and distance to the pole. You’ll start to notice a difference in your horse’s muscle tone and stride in no time!

Dressage riders – drop those stirrups!

Dropping your stirrups has many advantages for both you and your horse. By spending a minimum of ten minutes per training session with dropped stirrups, you can help to strengthen your legs and core, while at the same time helping you to improve your seat position.

Author: Lila Gendal

Practice a sitting trot to improve your seat position and confidence. Your non slip saddle pad will also be there to help you in moments when you feel unstable in your seat.

Find a hill to trot

Trotting uphill is a great endurance training exercise for your horse. Find a hill that is long and low to have a challenge, yet be able to hold a steady pace. Trotting on a small incline allows your horse to build strength without a huge amount of concussion, which helps to maintain your horse’s joints and soundness.

Make it a workout for both of you by remaining in two point when posting. Hold in your core and try this for short spurts.

Stretch those muscles

Horses, like humans, need a good stretch both before and after a workout. While grooming and tacking up your horse, you can also incorporate some fun stretches to do with your horse.

For example, experts at Practical Horseman recommend doing carrot stretches. Have your horse reach downward to a carrot while at the same time stretching its neck and back muscles. As for us riders, we can use this activity as an opportunity to stretch our lower backs and hamstrings that are most active when riding.

Have any fitness tips of your own? We’d love to hear them! Feel free to share them in the comments section below, or tag us on Facebook.

Author: Lila Gendal