We have a huge selection of articles dedicated to Rider Fitness
Read features from an exclusive group of horsemen and women:
Russ & Marsha Jones, accomplished riders from Wolverine, Michigan
Read additional features on Core Strength from:
Beth Austin, renowned physical therapist, on aspects of core fitness
Beth Austin on intelligent core
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.