any horseback riders here?

[Cbelle]

My daughter rides and is just now getting into working out. I was thinking working her core in pilates classes and her leges in spinning would be beneficial to her horseback riding. Any thoughts?

 

[Repo]

Anything that will help her balance and core strength...I ride and teach riding lessons(to kids)...mostly gaited horses...how old is she and what kind of riding is she into?

 

[megadoo]

Been riding horses since I was 7. Leg strength is the most important. Every muscle in your lower body is used, as with core. I think you have a good idea. I believe any exercise will be beneficial. How long has she been riding? Western or English?


Maeghan AKA megadoo

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[SRP]

Work those inner thighs. Use the stability ball and SQUEEZE. My riding nowadays is very sporadic, but I don't have near the soreness because of that.

 

[Cbelle]

She's been riding English for 5 years and she's 10 yrs old. I don't want to push the weights yet cuz she's still young but I think spinnig and core work/pilates would be great for her. This girl was born to be in the fitness industry. I have never seen a kid so excited about working out in my life. In fact, I've never seen an adult be this excited. I know she needs inner thigh work cuz she's really big on doing alot of no stirrup posting stuff using all leg

 

[Rogue]

I have been riding horses my whole life. My specialty is Dressage/Combined Training. I absolutely love Jumpers and Cross Country too. I could go on and on.

As for exercises. Definitely anything that improves balance . . . core work, stability ball work. The best rider's are those that are "centered" with their horses. For peak performance a horse must be balanced - if a rider cannot find his/her own center then you will never see the perfect unity that can be achieved with a horse . . . the horse has to work harder to balance itself AND the rider - this can make for a presentable "picture" but it will never be a pleasure for the horse. Can you tell I advocate for the horse here?!?!

Also, I agree with inner thigh and leg work. Lower back strength is key as well (this comes into the balance equation). For overall presentation nothing looks nicer than good posture . . . so don't leave out shoulder/chest/back work! Basically all of the above. Just remember it is never about having big muscles to control a horse! I have a 1300 pound black beauty and let me tell you my muscles are meaningless when she's pissed. It's all about technique!

Good luck - this is a wonderful sport!

 

[Cbelle]

So it definitely sounds like pilates and spinning would put us on the right track. I'm also going to start incorporating Coremax into her routine. Thanks guys!

 

[lorrayne]

When your daughter is older, I would suggest weight training. I rode for years starting when I was pretty small (was responsible for care and feeding of my pony when I was 10). My back is more developed on the right side instead being even as a result of all the hours of riding. Wish I did some strength training back then to even it more out.

I did a ton of cycling also when I was horseback riding. Really helped keed the legs strong!

Lorrayne

 

[eminenz2]

Rogue -

You think like me! Nothing about riding is great for the horse, poor beasts of burden, but it sure is a heck of a lot of fun, isn't it?

Susan L.G.