Rider / Equestrian Fitness -
Physical Fitness for Riding & Riding as a Sport/Fitness Activity
Riding for Fitness & Sport 
Horseback riding is a great sport to encourage physical fitness. It requires the rider to become supple and flexible. It also develops muscular strengh including the all important core strengh as well as legs. Another beneficial aspect of horseback riding on a fitness or general health level is it is an activity that develops the body evenly on the left and right sides. Horseback riding does not encourage one-sided muscle development or coordination. A rider will learn to become ambidextrous, developing the left and right sides of the body evenly; strength, balance, flexibility, coordination.
Physically Fit for Riding
Riding, in and of itself, is a form of exercise. There is nothing wrong with viewing the sport that way - provided you can actually ride more than one hour per week. For many people taking lessons riding is a hobby and not so much a sport, or form of (regular) exercise.
In order to progress, or stay at a particular level, one should ride as much as possible. Sometimes, however, that is not reasonable or realistic due to time, finances, weather, etc. This is why we suggest that all students (riders) participate in some other form of physical activity away from the farm.
Also doing other activities may help reduce injury while riding, such as muscle fatigue.
General Physical Fitness
There are several forms of exercise that compliment horseback riding. Some are programs in and of themselves and require lessons. Other simpler forms such as walking, hiking or swimming certainly will will help you stay fit.
If you pick a structured form of exercise to support your riding, please be sure to pick a sport that covers flexibility/stretching, strength training, balance, and most importantly equal use and development of both the left and right sides of the body ( ambidextrous ). Some structured forms of exercise include;
- Martial Arts - I personally am not extremely versed in the martial arts, but I have known people (including my kids) who have taken lessons and I can certainly see related benefits for riding, there is even a Tai-Chi program for riders
- Yoga - there are many forms of Yoga available in our country, some have a strong Spiritual base, some focus on general relaxation, others are more demanding in strength and activity, but all in all Yoga does tend to cover everything mentioned above
- Pilate's - focuses on strengthening the 'core' of your body, which is very important in riding
- Tae Bo or kick boxing
- Dance (I am sure some forms are better than others!)
- Various classes such as low impact aerobics or classes that use 'the ball' etc.
Recreational or hobby riders can also joing a local gym or health club and make use of the machines, free weights, ball exercises etc.
Many of these activities can be taken at local community centers or community colleges for reasonable fees.
A rider seeking an alternative exercise to supplement riding should probably stay away from activities/sports which encourage one-sided use of the body, or over specializing such as;
- An intense program of weight lifting (riders do need strength but balance and flexibility can not be ignored)
- Golf, tennis or other such activities that focus on a one sided development
- Running as it tends to shorten specific leg muscles that should be stretched for riding - plus concussion to the knees and other joints
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