Many of us have had an obsession with horses when we were younger, ranging in many different ways: posters, watching horse movies like Flicka, Black Beauty, or Windstorm, and if you were exceptionally lucky you got to ride one yourself! It is a wonderful experience and is something that can truly be described as magical. But often after childhood, when college and eventually adult life take over, we can end up spending decades without riding a horse, without ever finding the opportunity to get back into it. There are plenty of excuses, such as a location change, scarcity of time, etc. But, if you decide to step over that hurdle and go back to riding, or are trying it for the first time, have some patience, as it might be harder than you remember. This is because riding requires a lot from you physically, but don’t worry, you can maximize your safety by working out specific areas.
Strength training is an important part of riding. If you aren’t strong enough to stay put, hold the reins firmly, and be able to steer, you will have less fun riding. There are many exercises that can help train several different muscle groups, since riders don’t exercise just one part of their body. Examples include, squatting, lunges, or lifting irons. If you have access to one, a personal trainer can very easily help you achieve your specific goals (and do so in a way that fits you more than an online plan). Core strength is also important to train and cannot be ignored, otherwise it is difficult to stay in the saddle and absorb the bumps as your horse gallops. Working on your core can be done in a multitude of manners, exercises like side planks, oblique sit-ups, and lying wind shield wipers, help build up core strength which will ease you back in the saddle. Lastly, maintaining your endurance is necessary to being a functional horseback rider. After a show, or a long lesson, it often feels like the tiredness lasts for days. Horse riding can be exhausting (especially if you’re just getting back into it) and for a more enjoyable experience, you should build up your endurance. There are various different exercises that can help, such as kettlebell swings, pull ups, or for a more fun alternative, hiking/rucking are both activities that allow you to get back into nature; which is partially a reason for horse riding!
There are several other benefits to working out, besides keeping you safe in the saddle.
These include: faster reaction time, and stronger hand-eye coordination, which will help you avoid getting accidental injuries so you can ride smoothly. Practicing balancing exercises that focus on holding yourself up will help improve this skill. Additionally, the ability to be able to communicate better with your horse increases, (e.g., if you are holding them with your stronger hand and you can squeeze harder, you can guarantee your horse will listen to you, ensuring your safety). Lastly, the final benefit is just self confidence! Feeling in control will translate to your riding, and often physical strength is bolstered by mental strength, so feeling confident and able will help you achieve more with your horse!
In conclusion, if you have previously, or ever wanted to, get (back) into horseback riding, you should absolutely do so! But remember, taking care of yourself is the first priority and will help you to be both a safer and better rider. Working on your core and muscle strength, as well as your endurance, will make you notice many positive side effects from longer, less-tiresome rides, to easier control, and more stability.