Too many horseback riders hang up their boots once the snow flies, resigned to hibernating until spring. Indoor riding arenas are expensive to board at or lease, and even more expensive to build! What's the committed equestrian to do? The focused horse rider can continue to progress, even if she or he does not have access to a safe winter riding area, or even own a horse! Here are 5 proven, out-of-the-saddle tips that will launch you back into the saddle come spring.
Out of the saddle, into the gym! Physical fitness and flexibility are essential for equestrian success, but many riders fall short of the mark. Jump-start your springtime season by committing to personal fitness goals this winter. Check out several local gyms and join the one where you feel most at home. Try some yoga or Pilates classes for flexibility, balance and control. Treat yourself to a personal trainer to learn the most effective way to use to machines. Pump up your cardio - especially if you enjoy high-intensity equestrian events like polo, three-day eventing, or reining. The dynamic social setting is a refreshing antidote to winter doldrums. The commitment of joining may actually get you working out, especially if you have a gym buddy!
Home is where the horseman's heart-and health- is! Maybe the thought of working out in public gives you hives, or perhaps the only gym near you is a candidate for the Health Department's Most Wanted list. Commit to working out at home. Buy, beg or borrow workout videos. Explore something totally new to you (but balance, fitness or flexibility related) such as salsa dancing. Check out your library, Goodwill, eBay, or your best friend's bookshelf for inexpensive or free DVDs. Hint- if you follow the stay-at-home route, set a schedule and buddy-up with an accountability partner so you're less likely to sack out on the sofa when you should be tearing up the rug!
Break out the books! Regardless of where your passion lies, someone (likely many someones) have written about it. Take these quiet months to increase your knowledge of horse psychology and behavior, effective training techniques, or even explore different disciplines. The more you read, the more tools you'll find in your horse training toolbox come springtime.
Audit a clinic. Many horse farms with indoor arenas host clinics with top trainers and riders throughout the winter. For a small fee or even free, you can audit. Remember to bring a chair, notebook and pencil, and more warm clothes than you think you need- indoor riding arenas are the coldest places on earth when you're not in the saddle!
Explore an expo. Horse expos and equine extravaganzas are becoming more and more prevalent. Take advantage of great instruction, varied demonstrations- and great shopping- at one location. Challenge yourself to learn about a breed or sport you're not familiar, pick an expert's brain about a particular problem or veterinary issue, or learn from one of your own equestrian heroes.
Bonus Tip- Give back. You reap what sow, so sow generously! Volunteer for a therapeutic horseback riding program. Teach an unmounted session to the local pony club, 4-H, or the folks at your barn. If you're not confident in your own skills, volunteer to host someone who is. If even that sounds too imposing, invite your barn buddies over for pizza and a good horse training DVD. Come spring, you'll all be better horsemen!
Kirsten Lee produces extraordinary results for horses and riders!
Join Kirsten "ringside" as she helps horses and riders achieve their dreams on her real-world training blog, natural-horse-training-methods.com natural-horse-training-methods.com/ Visit her boarding farm at wvhorsetrainer.com wvhorsetrainer.com/
Kirsten's versatility comes through her holistic approach blending Natural Horsemanship, Classical training principles, and human/ equine psychology and biomechanics. With this powerful and harmonious fusion, Kirsten is able to pinpoint and solve training challenges, tailoring the solution to the individual horse and rider regardless of their experience, discipline or learning style.
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