If Horse Riding is a Sport Are Horse Riders Athletes? (Yes, you!)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“Riding horses is a luxury.  These amazing animals are not built to carry riders. It’s our responsibility to do our utmost to keep them healthy, happy and comfortable.” ~ Russell Guire, Centaur Biomechanics

I spent much of this past week-end at the CanAm Equine Expo taking in 5 of 6 sessions given by Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics. (I was concerned that he might think I was stalking him.)  Russell is an expert in equine bio-mechanics and he specialises in horse and rider performance analysis.  He has an fantastic resume which includes his role in high profile research projects looking at various aspects of bio-mechanics for the International League for Protection of Horses (ILPH), Edinburgh University, Hartbury College, Quantum Saddles and Bates Saddles. He is fascinated by the incredible athletic ability of the horse and driven to help improve the quality and length of their careers (and over all lives) by finding and teaching ways to keep them healthy, happy and sound.

I was so impressed with the information Russell was sharing that I also participated in the one day course he gave on Tuesday.  (Really, I wasn’t stalking him … I just wanted to do a Vulcan mind meld on him.) Spending several hours in a class room format was a strain on my brain, but the information was great. That was followed by a couple of hours in a local riding establishment for practical application of what we had learned on some horses.

Russell’s philosophy (that he repeated in every seminar and course) matches mine … Riding horses – animals that are not built to carry a rider – is a luxury.  We ask a lot of them – physically and mentally.  We owe it to these amazing animals to do all we can to keep them healthy, sound and comfortable.  

Russell reinforced over and over that horses are “amazing athletes” and riders, no matter what level they ride at, must be athletes as well.  After all, riding is a sport and, although non-riders might not get it, we don’t just sit up there doing nothing.

In every session, Russell asked the audience the same 2 questions:

1)  Who takes pilates or yoga?  (So few people answered in the affirmative that he was sure there must be a Canadian word he wasn’t aware of.)

2) How often do  you have your saddle checked?  (The most common answers were – a) What do you mean ‘get your saddle checked?’ and b) once a year.)  Russell recommends having your saddle fit checked twice a year.

Why are these elements so important?  Because they effect how well you and your horse can perform – as individuals and as partners.  Your suppleness, balance and core strength affect how much you either help or interfere with your horse’s suppleness, balance and overall performance.  How well the saddle fits also affects all of these factors.  From your horse’s perspective, an ill-fitting saddle causes pressure points, pain and limits your horse’s movement.  And, that effects not only how well your horse can do the job you ask of him, but also his level of willingness or resistance.

If you’ve ever taken a lesson with me, attended one of my clinics, or read my articles/blog posts, you’ll know that I’m a fanatic about having a saddle that fits you and your horse correctly.  An independent, qualified saddle fitter is a part of my horse health care team and should be part of yours.  (If you are in Southern Ontario and don’t already have a saddle fitter, check out Hands High Equine Services.)

I also encourage my students to take yoga because it improves balance, suppleness, breathing and body awareness.  So, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that, although I used to take yoga regularly, it has been about a year since I last attended a yoga class.  So, inspired (guilted) by Russell, I contacted a local pilates instructor and tried a class tonight.  I actually quite enjoyed it … and, yes I’m feeling some muscles I haven’t felt for a while.

Something happened in that class that relates well to horse riding and training.  But, I’m saving that for another post.  Stay tuned.

Your Turn:  How would you answer those 2 questions about (1) your own fitness and (2) checking your horse’s saddle?  Leave a comment below.  

If you found this post helpful, why not share it with a friend who might benefit from it as well?[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”grey”][vc_column_text]The Bottom Line – The absolute best way to develop a true partnership with your horse is by building your confidence and trust in each other.

You can get your Free Instant Access to my report “The 3 Most Important Skills You Need to Develop Confidence With Horses” when you visit www.ConfidentHorsemanship.com

Interested in organizing a Confident Horsemanship Clinic at your location? Click here for more information.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]