I posted a social media message recently about how many riders I know who struggle on with low-grade or intermittent pain, dreading moving bales of shavings around or putting the ramp on their lorry up. They never seem to make time for their own health and wellbeing but will call the vet or physio the moment they think their horse is uncomfortable. I understand why that happens, horses take up a lot of our time and money, and there’s not always much left for us afterwards! But in this blog, I’m going to explain why rider fitness is so important and why sorting out your niggles, weaknesses and pain impacts your horse as well as you.
Riding is a partnership
I don’t know if anyone else read Jilly Cooper books or watched International Velvet in their youth?! They might be fiction and art, but one thing is certainly notable – it used to be totally acceptable for riders at the top of their sports to smoke like chimneys and only ride, with no cross training, physio or nutritionist. Now, there’s far more awareness of rider health in equestrian sport, and that both sides of the partnership need to be in optimum condition to perform well. While we’re not all riding at 5* events or Grand Prix-level dressage, the same does apply to all riders. That doesn’t mean you need to shun your Friday night wine or sneaky post show burger, but it does mean it’s worth focusing on your fitness if you want to help your horse. Here’s why!
Why your balance and flexibility matter
Horses are big, strong animals, but fundamentally they weren’t ‘designed’ to be ridden. We have selectively bred them to be strong and taller, but to ensure your horse stays sound, happy and healthy, you need to be balanced, flexible and forgiving when you ride. And just riding, even every day, isn’t necessarily enough. Most riders will favour one side, have bad habits or ingrained muscle memory where they compensate for a weakness. If the only exercise they do is riding, those habits aren’t going to go away. Horses are excellent at compensating for a wonky or weak rider, but over time this can cause back or limb issues or limit their competitive performance.
There’s another reason why it’s so important to have a strong core and be balanced and flexible in the saddle. A fit, balanced rider can give clear aids to their horse even when they are under pressure. If you’re jumping combinations or grids, attempting more complex school movements or whizzing around the countryside team chasing, that precise communication is key.
How I can help you improve your riding fitness
I offer a range of services for riders as well as their horses to help them ensure they’re always on top form. For example, my horse and rider physio session includes an assessment and treatment for your horse, then a ridden assessment of you both before I treat you. I also hold rider-focused Pilates sessions at people’s yards and competition centres which I can highly recommend for anyone wishing to improve their riding. Pilates focuses on core strength and stability which are both so important to an effective rider. Adding in a little bit of cardio, perhaps on an exercise bike or treadmill, and some weights once or twice a week will have you in tip-top shape in no time!
And if you’re struggling with pain and stiffness or would like a full MOT, I also run The Physio Clinic, a private physiotherapy company with clinics in Darlington, Northallerton, Thirsk and Middlesbrough. Along with my brilliant, fully qualified and chartered physio team, we also provide home visits in the surrounding areas and have appointments in the evenings and on Saturday mornings, for those who work full time. I would be delighted to help you get back to feeling on top form and ready to set some exciting goals with your horse or pony – or at the very least, be able to put the ramp up without wincing!
You can learn more about The Physio Clinic here: https://thephysio-clinic.co.uk/