What is good physical shape/condition for horseback riding?

Question

People always say that you need to be physicall fit and healthy to take up horseback riding (and I agree) but just what constitutes good physical health and fitness for horseback riding how do you assess someone for it. I want to know if I am a good candidate for horseback riding. Thanks. :)

Answer 1

Ask Verne Troyer.

Answer 2

anyone can ride a horse. there are different size horses for different size horses. you should have a good heart and be able to breath well (not to say ppl with asthma cant ride, i have it and i ride) balance is very important. if you have something with balance it will make things hard. But there is a horse to fit ever size, age, and disability. people with no legs, mental health conditions, people that are considered over weight all ride horses.

besides, riding horses conditions your strength and shape to where you need it to be as a rider.

and yes your muscles will hurt for a week or two, but its ok and you'll be fine.

Dont let anything stop you from riding, just find a stable with horses that's fits what ever condition you are in, so that you can get the most from you experience!

Good Luck!

Answer 3

strong back, no fear, relaxed, make sure your weight is appropriate for the horse.... start out slow and work up to it. You'll get it....

Answer 4

There is not set guide for what is fit enough to ride.  You need to be able to lift the saddle onto the horse's back.  You need to be able to get onto the horse's back without using the saddle to pull you up.  As you start to learn to ride, you will get fitter.  You need to be in better shape to compete because you will be spending hours in the saddle, but if you are just riding for pleasure then you can be more lax.  If you help do chores in the barn, such as cleaning stalls, stacking hay bales, and cleaning water buckets, that will help you get in shape very quickly.

Answer 5

Hahaha...sorry I have to laugh. I am in really bad shape, I don't exercise other than walking from the car to the store or whereever. But yet I ride, and I ride well. Sure, I get tired fast, and am ready to die when I get off (no, I am far from overweight), but I can still ride. I would be able to have more endurance if I was fit, but I am still plenty capable.  I also have a bad knee (had 2 surgeries), and my hip ligaments dislocate. I am not an ideal candidate for riding, but I enjoy it and do it anyways.

You are better off to be in decent shape (like not get winded walking up stairs) as you will be able to ride longer at a higher level. However, riding helps you get in shape, espeically if you can ride on a regular basis. You use a lot of different muscles, especially your legs.

I say as long as you are not over 250lbs (for the safety of the horse), go for it! If you have never ridden before, you would be starting out easy anyways, so you will have time to build your muscles.

Horseback riding is about the only way to get me to do any sort of physical activity and enjoy it!

Answer 6

I am a hunter-jumper and cross country trainer for mainly children and if a child comes to my barn that is not physically active I tell the parents to go on a walk with them everyday for a month and then come back. It is not fair for the horse to have an unfit or extremely lazy person on his or her back. You also want to make sure you are on a horse of the right size for your weight. There really is nothing that is set as a standard so it depends on the trainer and the horses available.

Typically for adults in my program I require that they are of a healthy weight (not dangerously obese) and that they can handle taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes without stopping. The adults that want to be competitive riders with me have to be able to certain things on horseback before I allow them to show (ie. post the trot for 15 minutes without falling over dead, stay in jumping position for 30 minutes, ride a lesson without stirrups etc.)

My suggestions to you would be to take up Pilates, Yoga or another type of class that strengthens your core muscles. I do this and it is wonderful! Your core muscles make your back stronger and help to keep you balanced. If you aren't coordinated or have difficulty balancing yourself you may have trouble riding. You will also need to work on strengthening your calf and thigh muscles. The easiest way to do this is to ride! The muscles you use during riding may be difficult to target in the gym so just get on a horse and figure what muscles in your legs you need to strengthen. Of course, going to the gym isn't required but it is helpful! I host an exercise class at my barn that is free of charge for my riders. I like to keep them in tip top shape!

Horseback riding is a sport that requires mental and physical fitness. Contrary to popular beliefe, the horse doesn't do ALL the work. Mentally you need to be able to get your horse set up in a way that will make things easier for both of you. You also need to be able to remember details on positions or riding patterns. I always give my riders 3 things to remember at a time. Once they master those 3 things without needing to remember them (they become muscle memory), they get 3 more things to try.

Find a local trainer and discuss what they require or prefer in new riders.

Good luck!