Episode 30: Running, Riding, Core Fitness

Listen to Episode 30: Running, Riding, Core Fitness This episode is dedicated to a listener question from Julie in New Mexico. Her question has to do with cross training. A lot of us like to do other activities aside from riding – yoga, swimming, or, […]

Episode 6: Rider Fitness with Michael Lingenfelter

In just our sixth episode, Jec interviews Michael Lingenfelter, a personal trainer who works with scores of riders, especially older dressage riders. Listen to Episode 6. Here are important links that you might enjoy and find helpful: Michael’s page on Facebook and his website. Our […]

When it comes to fitness, are you an equal partner for your horse?

Editor’s Note: Amy Skinner is a regular guest columnist and has been a horse gal since age six. She works with owner/operator Jim Thomas as a trainer at Bar T Horsemanship where she rides and teaches English and Western. She also maintains Essence Horsemanship. Skinner […]

Savitsky and Ballou on rider fitness

As part of our Focus on Fitness, we spoke with accomplished riders and teachers, Christina Savitsky and Jec Aristotle Ballou. When not running a ranch and raising a family, Christina Savitsky is busy with Buckaroo Balance clients. Buckaroo Balance combines good riding with therapy, mindfulness, […]

Beth Austin weighs in on rider fitness & core strength

As part of our Focus on Fitness, we spoke with accomplished physical therapist, Beth Austin, of Santa Cruz, California. A runner and dancer, Austin rode often as a girl and has an excellent sense of the horse-rider partnership. The therapist and seminar leader works with […]

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 Eckstein Amy Skinner Jim Thomas Martin Black Russ & Marsha Jones, accomplished riders from Wolverine, Michigan Confessions of […]

Horses, Dogs, Humans in Heat

It’s hot as heck! But we still want to get out there with our four-hooved and four-pawed compadres. You’ll find LOTS of advice from professionals and non-professionals on scores of sites, shows, podcasts, and social platforms. Here’s our take in a concise yet summary post. […]

Episode 25: Breed Bias, Best Practices & More

Listen to Episode 25. Welcome to Best Horse Practices with Jec Ballou. My name is Maddy Butcher. I produce this podcast and I would love to know what you think of our intro: Our show is a space for riders and horse owners of all […]

Episode 22: Coaches’ Corner with Lynn Acton

Liston to Episode 22 It’s good to remind listeners of our mission once in a while. Here it is: Our show is a space for riders and horse owners of all disciplines to learn best practices and to discover ways to better connect with their […]

Episode 21: Kristen Vlietstra on Saddle Fit and More

Listen to Episode 21 This is Episode 21 of Season 3 and in it, Jec is back and interviewing Kristen Vliestra, who runs Saddlery Solutions in California. Jec and Kristen have talked before about saddle fit and in this episode, Jec asks some particular questions […]