Rider fitness -- stretches, exercises, etc.?

Question

I'd like to know some stretches/exercises that I can do at home to stay fit for horseback riding. I've googled equestrian stretches and such words but it all comes up with books to buy. I haven't had a chance to buy any books. Also, would you recommend buying the book "The Rider's Fitness Guide to a Better Seat"? If not, is there another book that might help me?

Answer 1

me and my friend made up a great daily workout thing for us so that we are fit in the saddle. now we get complimented at every show on how good we sit and look. we would jog for about 5 minutes. then we would come in and do 300 sit ups. sit ups are amazing for your abs and give you great posture. we then would get on our hands and knees and lift up our left arm and right leg and hold it for 30 seconds. and vice versa.  we did that for each side 10 times. then we would squat like we are in a saddle and hold that for 3 minutes. great leg muscles get built for that. then we would stand on a stair and do calf raises. do 100 of those. just stand on a stair, and go up as far as you can go on your toes, then put your heels as low as they can go. all of this has made us fit and we love getting our compliments. when we do, we look at each other and laugh because we made up the whole routine. ((:

Answer 2

Not even kidding, clean stalls. This helps build your core and straighten your back and shoulders.

It must have helped because I scored 8s and 9s with my horse for his first dressage test. :)

Answer 3

keep researching on the internet and wen u can buy several types of books on rider's fitness.

i did a report on the science on riding horses and there r many important areas iinvolved wen riding, in both horse and human. such as ur spine, pelvis, psoas, iliopsoas, abs, and several more. try doing things like leg lifts, sit ups, push ups, and sitting against a wall. stretch b4 u ride and its good to stretch ur horse as well. experiment different work outs and b sure u kno the correct way to stretch ur horse. have fun and happy riding!!!

Answer 4

For strength exercises, you want to work on the core muscles - so crunches, planks, and bridges are good exercises (if you don't know what these are I'll describe them).  I don't know what kind of riding you do, but cardio work will also help most types of riding - - jogging, swimming, aerobics, etc, anything that gets your heart rate up for 20 minutes or so.  If you do a lot of riding in half seat, as in for galloping cross country or jumping, you would also benefit from thigh strengthening exercises, such as squats and lunges.  

For stretching, work on keeping your calf muscles flexible (easiest way is to stand on the edge of a step and let your heel drop).  Raise up on your toes to strengthen the same muscle, and your ankles, as well.

All over body stretches are essential as well.  Any and all stretches you've done for any sport will do.  You want to be as flexible as possible when you ride, and the strength you develop will allow to you have much more control over your position, and thereby to communicate better with your horse.

If you need specific, described stretches, I'll describe some.

Answer 5

There aren't many stretches you can do off of a horse besides just regular conditioning. . .focusing on your arms and legs. . .but on  horse, a great way for you to get stronger, improve your balance, and get you closer to your horse would be bareback riding, thats what I do and it definately helps me when I ride with a saddle. . and reat faster if my horse spooks and such hope this helps!!