by Anne Gage of Confident Horsemanship
People who don’t ride horses often believe that the rider just sits in the saddle and lets the horse do all the work. Every horse rider knows that is not true – that both horse and rider are athletes.
Controlling a large, strong animal with big movement, its own sense of balance and a mind of his own takes more than just strong legs. It takes strength and flexibility in your core, upper & lower back, shoulders and arms as well as balance and coordination.
If you get tired quickly, run out of breath or feel stiff and sore, your performance and your confidence are negatively affected.
If you lack confidence, even if you are fit, tension will make your muscles and joints tight, and your breathing shallow. Riding also requires mental fitness and the ability to stay focused in the moment even when something unexpected happens.
Whether you are a beginner or advanced rider, returning to riding after time off, or have lost confidence in the saddle here are 7 reasons you should improve your overall physical fitness.
- You will have better posture. How you sit on your horse affects your performance and confidence. It also affects your horse’s performance and ability to respond to your aids. If you sit at a desk all day or do a lot of driving, you may tend to slump, slouch or be crooked. You take that posture with you to the saddle. By doing exercises that help you develop core strength and healthy back and shoulder muscles, your posture naturally improves and you will sit tall and square in the saddle.
- You will have a more secure seat. A strong core and strong back muscles along with increased balance make it easier to sit quietly in all gaits – even the dreaded sitting trot – and keep your position over jumps. Instead of getting pulled forward out of the tack if your horse falls on the forehand or pulls down, you will be able to help rebalance him.
- You will communicate more clearly. Doing exercises like weight training, pilates and yoga helps you become more aware of your individual muscles and how they work. You learn to isolate and use specific muscle groups and become more precise and subtle with your cues to your horse. Your legs will be quiet and more effective. Your hands will be softer and more feeling. Your hips will be more flexible making your seat quieter and more connected.
- You will feel more relaxed. Exercising helps relieve physical and mental tension. When you are relaxed, you have better mental focus and are able to stay in the moment. You can use your body more effectively. You have better ‘feel’ of, connection with and communication with your horse.
- You will have more endurance and motivation. Having many responsibilities and other priorities in your life means you may often feel too tired or unmotivated to ride. Stress and fatigue sabotage your plans. Having a regular exercise routine gives you more physical stamina and the mental discipline to stick to your riding schedule.
- You will reduce risk of injury. Strong, supple muscles, tendons and ligaments are less prone to injury reducing the risk of pulls or strains. With better balance, coordination and core muscle strength you are less likely to fall off your horse. If you do fall, you are less likely to be injured.
The bottom line – [tweetthis]When you improve your fitness, suppleness & core strength, you feel balanced & secure in the saddle.[/tweetthis] You feel less tense physically and mentally. With less physical tension, you feel your horse better. With less mental tension, you are more aware of and able to release tension that creeps into your body.
And, that helps you to feel less anxious about riding. So, you become a better more confident rider and a better partner to your horse.
Want tips on building your confidence by Winning the Mental Game? Click here to get your free instant access to the replay of the online video training “3 Actions You Can Take Now to Build Your Confidence with Horses & Riding”!
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There are lots more practical and in depth tips on improving your Confidence and your Partnership with your horse in my book “Confident Rider, Confident Horse: Build Your Confidence While Improving Your Partnership with Your Horse from the Ground to the Saddle”. Click here to order your copy today!
Like this article? Share it with a friend, send a Tweet or post it on Facebook. Interested in hosting a Confident Horsemanship Clinic at your location? Click here for information. You’re welcome to use this article in your blog or newsletter as long as you notify me and give my credit information. ~ Written by Anne Gage of Confident Horsemanship (www.ConfidentHorsemanship.com)
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Anne Gage started Confident Horsemanship in 2002 after suffering the loss of her confidence for riding. As she worked on regaining her confidence she discovered that many other horse women were suffering in silence – thinking they were alone. Anne works with horse women to help them regain their CONFIDENCE and PASSION for riding while building the PARTNERSHIP with their horses that they want and deserve.
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