Rider Fitness

We have a huge selection of articles dedicated to Rider Fitness

Read features from an exclusive group of horsemen and women:

Dr. Steve Peters

Randy Rieman

Ellen Eckstein1

Amy Skinner

Jim Thomas

Martin Black

Russ & Marsha Jones, accomplished riders from Wolverine, Michigan

Confessions of a Sugar-holic

Read additional features on Core Strength from:

Beth Austin, renowned physical therapist, on aspects of core fitness

Beth Austin on intelligent core

A Dressage Vote for Pilates

Core Insight from Katrin Silva

Core Insight to Function Well, by Beth Watson

Christina Savitsky, of Buckaroo Balance and coach Jec Ballou, on core fitness

Four core fitness exercises for riders, by personal trainer, David Stickler

Why Fitness?

Forget the books, the DVDs, the clinics, the lessons. Being fit and trim, these folks say, is the best way to move forward and make progress with your horse.

Already fit? Kudos.

Struggling? You’re not alone.

Make a commitment to do right by your horse. Research shows your weight and core strength have everything to do your riding success. Weight and strength affect your form, balance, timing, and feel. They correlate directly with your reaction time, your risk to injury, your confidence, and the stress you place on your horse. Plus, as noted by riders Russ and Marsha Jones, it’s simply more enjoyable when you’re fit and trim.