| Becoming a fitter, stronger rider does not only | | | | pulling back and catching him in the mouth. All these |
| involve time in the saddle. Of course riding time is | | | | things need to happen simultaneously but |
| extremely important, as you cannot improve your | | | | independently. You cannot have soft hands that |
| riding without actually riding. But there are other | | | | support the horse if you need to support yourself. |
| aspects often overlooked. The one I feel is the most | | | | By doing targeted, specific exercises, you will be able |
| important is doing exercises for horseback riders. | | | | to maintain the correct position for you and your |
| While being in the saddle will strengthen and work | | | | horse. I felt a difference within 2 weeks of starting |
| your riding muscles, there are exercises to build upon | | | | my program. It's been a few months now and I am |
| what is already there. | | | | stronger and more confident than ever. |
| Doing exercises developed by a rider for a rider is | | | | Not only did I become a stronger more fit rider, but |
| extremely important. Yes, getting fit in any way will | | | | my back has stopped hurting so much when I ride. |
| help, but there are specific muscle groups that riders | | | | The muscles you target when you do exercises for |
| use. By doing a program developed by a rider, you | | | | horseback riding support your back. I used to have |
| can be assured that those muscle groups will be | | | | lots of lower back pain when I did a sitting trot, a |
| targeted as the developer of the program will | | | | 2-point, or a long posting trot. I would have to tell |
| understand that riding is not a passive sport. It is | | | | my trainer I needed a rest because my back was |
| hard work. | | | | just killing me. After a walk once or twice around the |
| Doing exercises for horseback riders will help you | | | | ring my back would relax and I could go on with my |
| develop your 5 natural aids -- seat, hands, legs, eyes | | | | lesson. Of course, it was only a matter of time |
| and voice. These aids need to work together and | | | | before my back started hurting again. By |
| independently. By becoming a fitter, stronger rider, | | | | strengthening your core, you develop the muscles |
| you can use your aids as needed. For example, to | | | | that support your back. I not only ride better, but I |
| jump a horse with finesse you need to drive the | | | | sleep better as well. I used to think I needed a new |
| horse with your legs, have an independent seat that | | | | mattress! It is amazing how once you take care of |
| frees the horse over the jump, and hands that can | | | | one problem another gets solved! |
| maintain contact while supporting the horse, not | | | | |