Equestrian Rider Fitness

Staying fit is essential for any horse rider but especially for the discipline of dressage.

Now matter how much care, time and training you spend on your horse, if you neglect yourself then your neglecting half of your team.

Being fit means you will have more stamina. Regular horse duties are good for overall fitness but a specialized program is needed to obtain that extra edge.

The ability to be flexible and have muscle strength will increase your odds of avoiding injuries and will make learning dressage a more enjoyable experience.

Yoga is an excellent exercise to use for flexibility. It can be used in the morning as a quick warm up prior to riding and/or in the evening as a cool down. A daily routine of yoga will relax the mind and calm the spirit.

In conjunction with yoga, pilates cannot be overlooked. Pilates will give you the boost you are looking for because it combines strength training, balance and stamina into one discipline.

Starting on any pilates program is a good first step, however, you will want to do the exercises that will benefit you as a rider. Using specially created riding exercise programs will help you achieve your goals, because the creators already know the direction you are aiming for.

You may also want to consider a mild weight bearing routine along with your yoga and pilates. Use yoga as a warm-up and cool down and alternate the days you perform pilates and strenght training for optimum results. Feeding your body the appropriate fuel is important as well, so be sure to eat balanced meals with plenty of protein at regular intervals.

Remember the perfect combination for dressage fitness is strength, balance and flexibility.

To learn more dressage tips, visit [dressageriders.info]. Where you'll find this and much more, including dressage wear.