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Exercises to improve seat, riding strength, etc

TXBelle1174
TXBelle1174 Posts: 615 Member
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I am sure this has been posted elsewhere but thats ok, I will post again....

There is nothing quite like riding to give you a workout like riding does. However, what exercises can you recommend to help strengthen core, legs, etc to help with riding, that can be done AT HOME or somewhere similar. I dont have a gym membership and I would like to get some ideas for a home workout. I was thinking crunches (core), push-ups (upper body), squats (legs), etc. Anything else?

Replies

  • BandForAlyAnne
    BandForAlyAnne Posts: 321 Member
    i would like to know too. :)
  • FeelingFroggy13
    FeelingFroggy13 Posts: 66 Member
    For mounting from the ground...

    Sturdy chair (not a folding one)
    A cotton lead rope or long towel
    A rafter or beam or something overhead that can support weight

    I have a doorway that has a large eyebolt sunk into the frame that I can do this with...but anywhere you could do pull ups, you can do this exercise. A regular dining chair is a good height for developing the leg muscles needed for mounting from the ground.



    1. Drape the towel or lead rope across an overhead beam or support. Rope should be long enough to be at least shoulder height to you.
    2. Place a kitchen chair under, and slightly in front of the rope.
    3. Place your foot in the center of the seat of the chair.
    4. Use the rope for stabilization, but try to let your leg do the work...raise up to a standing position (both feet now in the center of the chair).
    5. Use the same leg to lower yourself back to the floor.
    6. Switch legs.
    7. Repeat as desired.
    8. Try to use the rope less and less to pull yourself up, but always keep hold of the rope in case you lose your balance!

    This exercise really helped me to develop enough muscles to finally mount my mule from the ground...it's still not pretty, and I prefer to use a mounting block to save his back and my stirrup leathers...but mounting from the ground is a safety factor in an emergency!
  • BandForAlyAnne
    BandForAlyAnne Posts: 321 Member
    that is really helpful for me. i ride a big horse (16.1hh) q.h., and i have to use a stool. ...a big stool. lol. so this could really help. thx!
  • TXBelle1174
    TXBelle1174 Posts: 615 Member
    I also have a big horse just over 16h so I am definitely going to try this.
  • BandForAlyAnne
    BandForAlyAnne Posts: 321 Member
    i did a bunch the other day and the tops of my knees are sooo sore. :)
  • downforthelasttime
    downforthelasttime Posts: 8
    I bought a used copy of "The Rider's Fitness Program" and was really impressed. It's a terrific large format book, written by and for horseback riders. The exercises are designed to be done at home with minimal equipment--like hay bales! Since joining MFP through COTH, I've finally joined a gym (and lost 10 pounds.) I had my orientation and did my first workout on Friday.

    I already spoke to the personal trainer, and after I have gone for a couple of weeks to develop a little more basic fitness, we're going to be using this book to tailor my workouts. I saw used copies of the book on Amazon.com just now for $9.00.
  • downforthelasttime
    downforthelasttime Posts: 8
    FeelingFroggy, I :happy: love your mule! Thanks for the great mounting exercise. All my horses are over 16h. I used to be able to get on 17.1 from the ground, and I can't manage 16.1 now. I have been rationalizing that it's OK because at my weight, it's bad for their backs, and the tack--but if I have to dismount, I'm in deep doo doo. All of you other posters, your weight losses are inspiring--Great job!
  • brooklynsprings
    brooklynsprings Posts: 13
    Core is one of the most important. Helps with balance.
  • Kidostud
    Kidostud Posts: 307 Member
    Apparently Pilates is a great supplementary exercise for horseriding. I just don't know where people get time to do extra exercise. After work, I go riding, feeding my horses, doing all the chores. When I get home, I still have to cook, do do chores at home, do preparation for next day (I'm a teacher) and honestly, I just don't have the energy for more exercise!
  • icemaiden17_uk
    icemaiden17_uk Posts: 463 Member
    First I have to say that there are some amazing horses in profile pictures on this thread! I am so jealous!! I do pilates based core excersises, deadlifts, planks and press ups! These have really helped me to even out as I was very one sided! We Brits do ride very differently to you guys though! Still it is worth a go!

    Oh yeah! I do all of these as part of my gym routine. I also do yoga based stretching! I feel it is very important!! For me anyway! Lol!
  • brooklynsprings
    brooklynsprings Posts: 13
    I have to agree...Time to do the exercises is tough with horses. I ride several horses 3 days a week. So I only have time to sqeeze in some crunches, free weights and pushups random days after i feed at 5am in the mornings before i get ready for work. I get to work at 7am. Then I have races every Saturday just about.
  • MichelleZB
    MichelleZB Posts: 28
    Pilates is wonderful for riding. Especially core and legs. I suggest squats. Try Blogilates. She has wonderful workouts. Also, on a horse, standing while trotting helps more, calves, thighs, and balance. And if you do it with friends you will giggle the entire time and get extra ab workouts xD

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