Are Horse Riders Athletes?
Do you believe that horse riding is a sport? Most people recognize that their horses are athletes, but not all see themselves that way as well.
The truth is that whether you’re a happy hacker or a competitive rider, it’s not only your horse’s fitness level that matters. Your fitness has just as much impact on his being.
We humans ask a lot of horses – mentally as well as physically. These magnificent animals are not built to carry weight on their backs. And, yet they not only do that. They perform amazing athletic movements while doing it!
We owe it to our horses to do all we can to keep them healthy, sound and comfortable. In order to do that, no matter what level of rider you are or what type of riding you do, you are an athlete.
After all, riding is a sport and, despite what non-riders might think, you don’t just sit up there looking pretty whilst doing nothing. Do you?
Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics is an expert in equine bio-mechanics. He specialises in horse and rider performance analysis.
Fascinated by the incredible athletic ability of the horse, Russell is driven to help improve the quality and length of their careers (and over all lives). He is continually looking for ways to keep them healthy, happy and sound.
Russell has been involved 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.
I was fortunate to attend several of Russell’s presentations at an equine expo a few years ago. In each of these presentations, he asked the audience two questions:
- Who takes pilates or yoga?
- When was the last time you had your saddle fit checked?
You probably realise the importance of a correctly fitting saddle for both you and your horse. Poor saddle fit is one of the main causes of poor performance, unsoundness and behaviour issues in horses.
And, if the saddle doesn’t fit you correctly or is unbalanced, you can’t perform at your best, either.
But why would Russell Guire ask who took pilates or yoga classes? Because your balance, suppleness and core strength affect how well you ride.
How well you sit in the saddle.
How well you move with your horse.
How well you communicate with your horse.
How well you feel your horse.
Without a strong core. You can’t upper body won’t be supported. So, you’ll grip tightly with your legs and balance off your reins. Your hips will be tight preventing you from moving with your horse.
Many common rider mistakes are caused by imbalance and tension that are the result of weak core muscles.
- Not being able to sit the trot or canter
- falling behind the horse’s motion
- poor postures like chair seat or tipping forward
- bouncing hands and inconsistent rein contact
I encourage my students to take yoga, pilates or tai chi. These are all activities that focus on improving core strength, balance, suppleness, breathing and body awareness.
Your horse works hard for you doing a job that he’s not built for. You already invest in providing him with the best care and management that you can. (His winter rug probably cost more than your winter coat!)
An investment of time in improving your fitness is just as important for him to continue being your partner for as long as possible.
