Fitness for a horse rider?

Question

I am a horse rider and looking at getting into shape. I haven't ridden in awhile and would like to get my "Horsey" body back. What would you suggest apart from riding?

Answer 1

I don't really know... riding every day keeps me in shape fine.

But when I want to lose a few pounds I just run, and it works fine.

Answer 2

Alot of horse riders do yoga and/or pilates. Not only does it keep you fit but it helps with your riding position. It actually improves your riding!

If that is out of the question than I think then just general exercise is all you need. Just like walking the dog, jogging. If possible, work out with friends. That really motivates you!

Answer 3

There is a great book called fitness for riders. It is, I believe, a 6 week workout program that is intended to be used for weekend riders, as well as people who ride every day. It has great step-by-step instructions and more importantly, descriptions of WHY you are doing this exercise and how it will help your riding.

I have also had a lot of success with running, which is great for getting your stamina up which you know riding involves a lot of cardio.

good luck, hope this helped!

Answer 4

What I have found is - that no matter what kind of exercise you do, weights you lift etc, nothing gets you in shape for riding like riding.  

It's good if you do balance type things and make sure you are in generally good shape.  But you're just going to have to bite the bullet and suffer a few times til your muscles get used to it.  Don't despair, it's worth every agonizing minute :)

Answer 5

think back at what you were doing when you were riding and then do it again.  Most likely just the riding will get you in the shape you need.

Answer 6

start walking.  it does wonders.  don't walk only on the flat, either.  get some hills.  

to help with your balance, toning up and dropping some pounds, i've had great luck with yoga, platies (sp?) and a big physical thereapy ball.  walk everyday, even if it's only for 1/2 hr, but rotate these other things.  also, to keep you interested in doing this, find a buddy to do this with you.  when you're ready, add daily riding.  this is a great all over mental and physical workout.

i also cut all my portions in half, cut out most sugar (everything but 1 can of soda a day), and cut back on "junk food".  in 1 month, doing this, i've lost 13 #.  

hope this helps!  best of luck!

Answer 7

Posting while riding to get your body working. Posting bareback works your muscles even more too because you dont have stirrups and are using your thighs to propel yourself upward.

    If you want to do something fun with your horse and move around at the same time then one thing i do is run close up an arena or go out into the paddock and let my horse run loose. Then i run around with her. Sounds pathetic and you kind of need the right type of horse for it but i like it and i always have fun doing it!

    Work on showmanship which is like leading a horse. When you want the horse to trot you run with her so you will be concentrating and running.

    If you mean apart from riding like anything involving a horse. Then maybe some crunches and jogs.

Foodwise if this helps i know that when i get into riding a lot lately i've put myself on what i call the horse diet. Haha! I sound nuts but it works! I only eat stuff that i give my horse when i'm at the barn. So i bring a bag of carrots, or an apple or two... Whole grain bread, Ya know stuff you would give to your horse. Well it's not what i eat at home but when i ride i make sure it's something i will eat and share with my horse. Then she and i will split the food in half eat our share, and we'll go riding again! Is that insane? I did it without thinking at first but then i realized that it was healthier to do that than eating the junk they sell at my barn!

Also find a friend to ride and work out with. Then ride to someplace like a feild and while your horses graze you guys can workout!