Preparing to Ride a Horse
Horseback riding is an enjoyable form of physical activity and a
great way to stay in shape. Before hopping into the saddle, however, it
is advisable to first condition your body to make sure you are up to the
physical challenge of horseback riding. Strong quadriceps muscles are
needed for horseback riding, as well as good balance and flexibility.
Here are some helpful exercises you can do to prepare your body for
horseback riding.
- Lunges – Stand upright with your feet together. Extend your
right foot forward about two feet. Lean down, bending your left knee
toward the ground while keeping your right knee directly above your
right ankle. Raise your body to the starting position. Repeat the
process, extending your left foot forward. Repeat several times on
each side. You can increase the level of difficulty, by holding
dumbbells in both hands.
- Squats – Strengthen your quadriceps by doing a series of squats
every chance you get… in the kitchen while brewing your morning
coffee or making breakfast toast… or in the bathroom while brushing
your teeth. Stand with your feet shoulder length While keeping your
back erect and without holding on to anything lower your buttocks as
far as you can. Stay in that position for as long as you can. Repeat
several times. For an added challenge, perform squats while holding
a barbell across your upper back.
- Balance - Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Without
holding onto anything, bend your right leg backward so that your
foot is curled up toward your buttock. Stand for as long as you can
without wobbling. Repeat the process on your left side. Do this
several times in succession.
- Deadlifts – Strong hamstrings are important because horseback
riding sometimes requires the rider to hold his weight without
sitting on the horse. Deadlifts help to strengthen this essential
muscle. With barbell on the floor, squat and lift weights to full
standing position, raising weights to the chest in one smooth
motion. Then straighten the arms to lift weights above the head.
Once the body is in shape, the next vital element is wardrobe. While
Lady Godiva rode through town wearing nothing but a smile, wearing
proper clothing is not only advisable, it is essential for safety and
protection against unnecessary injury. In order to ride off into the
sunset in style and remain safe while also being comfortable you will
need the following items:
- Straight leg (boot cut) jeans, riding breeches or jodphurs
(slacks with leather insets at the inner knee)
- Sports bra for women
- Riding boots
- Riding Helmet
- Riding gloves with leather palm – optional
There is a technique to getting dressed for a horseback riding outing
that is a time tested winning combination. It may seem nonsensical to
detail these steps here, but a simple checklist can come in handy.
- Put on riding breeches, jodhpurs, or straight jeans that are not
too tight or too baggy.
- If the temperature is warm, wear a shirt in a light, breathable
fabric such as cotton. If it's cold, layer long-sleeved shirts with
a jacket or sweatshirt.
- Put on socks, on long riding boots or short lace-up jodhpur
boots. If you wear cowboy boots, don't tuck your jeans into them.
- Fasten your riding helmet under your chin.
- Pull on your riding gloves.
Once you are sure that your body is in peak horseback riding physical
condition and you are properly attired … Giddy up! |
