Sore muscles after horseback riding?

Question

What helps you ease the soreness? My back gets really bad if I haven't ridden for a while, and I'm going to camp soon where I'll be riding 3-4 hours a day, every day.

Answer 1

A hot bath and some rest. If you start riding again you should just get used to it. I had this problem when I started riding again but I got used to it soon and now I don't get sore often.

Answer 2

Ya, my muscles do that too and I also have a camp coming up. Great question. What camp do you go to? I really like taking a nice long shower after my ride and that usually helps. Somtimes though, it's just best to walk it off. It hurts though.

Answer 3

You just aren't in shape for long rides.  Try stretching before you ride.  Afterward, a hot shower and some tylenol or ibuprofen should help.  Keep riding to help your muscles, tendon and ligaments get stronger.  Eventually, it won't bother you.

Answer 4

A)stretch before and after B) a hot bath should do the trick and C) this will go away once you get used to it and do horseback riding more

Answer 5

Take plenty of hot baths or showers and lie on your back and stretch it and your legs and arms etc.

When standing stretch back and swing arms and legs (not simultaneously!) not forcing anything, but aiming to swing further and wider than before.  3-4 hours is a lot to start with.  Is there any way you can break this up?

Answer 6

This is very common. It may hurt for a day or two, but having spas or warm baths will ease the pain. Just relax it will go away. Your back should be fine during the camp, just stretch your bum muscles (and back) by sitting on those big gym balls. After a while, you wont feel the pain! Good luck!

Answer 7

Stretch before you ride. If you soak in a hot tub or Jacuzzi you should feel a bit better, but stretching really will help

Answer 8

I would start doing exercises, stretching, sit ups...Riding uses alot of muscles that you forgot you had.  

You'll build yourself up..and don't overdue it at first.  You ride for 3 hours straight??...I would be honest with the counselors and let them know that you have a back problem and don't ride all the time and your a little rusty.  Do what YOU can do.

I speak from experience!!!

Aleve and Motrin can help with the discomfort.

Remember--"No Pain No Gain"!!

Answer 9

Since you probably wont be able to soak in a bath at camp.... stretching is the answer. You should stretch afrter exercise and again about an hour later.

Delayed onset muscle fatigue cuts in about a day and a half later... so then you stretch some more.

Its hard to know how to stretch... but here is a web site... the exercises are great, the muscle information is useful and the stretches are listed on the right hand side of the page... seelct an exercise... and you wil lsee the appropriate stretch listed as well.

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html

Also try using some arnica cream:

http://www.ritecare.com/cgi-bin/cart.pl?...

Or some of the following:

http://www.bizrate.com/medicine_remedies...

Answer 10

i dont get why your backs sore??

most riders get sore leg and arm muscles??

anywayyy stretch before and after you ride.

and heat packs are good.

it takes time for your muscles to get used to it and especially after long periods of no riding.

but i still dont get why your backs hurting????

Answer 11

A long hot bath afterwards should help, along with plenty of stretching. Doing some excersise, such as jogging, bike riding or going to the gym should also help, because you will be keeping your muscles active. A lot of people say to rest, but you should keep your muscles active and then the ache won't be as bad, plus it helps strengthen your muscles.

Before going to camp I would suggest you try and start doing some regular riding [everyday or ever second day] if you can. When you are only riding once a week or less you are going to get sore after riding, but if you make it a more regular thing then you will find you won't get those aches unless you ride for a really long time [7+ hours].

Also, if you the ache is really bad, don't be afraid to take a panadol or asprin. I wouldn't take nurefen [sp?] or any strong pain killers like that, but asprin and panadol should be fine [midol is good too].

Have fun at camp! =)

Answer 12

When my leg muscles get sore, its only for like half an hour, or somewhere around there. Just rest when this happens, but don't worry, you'll get used to it.

So when you get sore, just rest, or have a hot bath or something.

Good Luck

Answer 13

asprin before and after. stretching also might help.

Answer 14

You need to stretch before you ride.  FIrst, before stretching, you need to warm up your muscles with some light aerobics (jumping jacks, jump rope, running in place, etc.).  After you ride you should stretch, as well.  Your muscles will already be warm.  Strengthen your core muscles, as this will really save your back.  Sit ups, planks, and crunches will do this. I'd do a lot of this before heading off to camp, if I were you.  Start off slowly, and add more strenghening as you feel ready.  Stretch after doing the core work.

Answer 15

Get a hot pack it all ways helps with a sore back and muscles its a handy thing 2 have u can also take it 2 camp with u!!!!!!!

Answer 16

keep on going.....seriously it will help your mucles get stronger and looser

Answer 17

begginer? you get used to it espically down there lol