Rider Fitness- Does it matter?
Tip Tuesday 3.12.24
Rider fitness- this week's expert is my very dear friend Nicole Edland. Most of us know Niki as an amazing colt starter, barrel horse trainer and jockey; she is also a competitive ski racer and has her bachelor's degree in exercise science. Niki made the Wild Card Round at the American Rodeo at Globe Life Field. I tossed a couple of questions her way... read on for her insight into equestrienne fitness. I will be grabbing a notebook to answer her questions and start setting some goals of my own- Thanks for the motivation, Niki!!
Does the fitness level of a rider matter?
The short answer is yes, however there are many variables to this question. What are the rider’s goals and specific needs? When it comes to competitive disciplines we treat our horses as athletes, however, the importance of the rider’s fitness often gets overlooked. I believe to truly ride to the best of our ability we need to be physically fit as well. A rider looking to enjoy leisurely rides on the weekends requires fewer physical demands than, for example, a competitive dressage rider or rodeo athlete.
What muscles are important in balanced riding?
While there are some variations among different disciplines, core strength and stability is most important. Some of these muscles include your rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, internal obliques, and external obliques. A strong core is necessary for almost all athletic movements, as well as maintaining proper posture, balance, and stability while riding.
I carry grain, hay and water, and ride horse every day. Isn’t that enough exercise?
If you have a sedentary job that keeps you from moving much throughout the day you would need to put in more effort to achieve the same fitness level of someone whose job requires hauling water, hay, feed, and riding all day every day. Being committed to improving physical fitness outside the arena would be a benefit to all riders regardless.
What exercises do you recommend to help build muscles for balanced riding?
There are multiple ways to build fitness specifically for riders. A personal trainer is a great asset to guide you in through the process, while keeping you motivated and ensuring proper form throughout exercises. Writing your own workouts by researching different exercises and the muscles they target is another option. Yoga is excellent for body awareness, balance/stability, and flexibility. Having good flexibility is beneficial in avoiding restrictions in our body which in turn could show up in the horses we ride. Running will improve stamina, mental strength, and breathing; all important when the competition adrenaline kicks in. The higher your cardiovascular fitness the better your ability to control breathing, think clearly, and react in a split second. Weight training is going to build strength and stability, helpful in both everyday horse care and riding. Agility training can improve muscle reaction time and coordination, which we could never have enough of when dealing with horses.
Any other advice you have regarding fitness for riders?
Setting realistic fitness goals could be a great step in reaching the next level in the saddle. Whether the goal is to have the flexibility and strength to mount your horse without needing a mounting block while avoiding pulling on their backs to achieve it, or you're looking to win at a professional level of competition, we can always improve for our horses through better fitness.
