Equestrian Clinics

The primary issue for rider fitness and balance is that your posture is dynamic - you and your horse are in constant motion, which, in turn, places more demand on your natural and achieved balance. For our purposes, we call this your core stability. 

There are five mechanisms that make up core stability-center of gravity; stability; power; symmetric posture; and asymmetric movement, stability and strength. The muscles that make up your body's core are found in your back and abdomen - strengthening these muscles contributes to overall fitness and stability.

Center of gravity

Your center of gravity will impact your balance, how you ride, and how you need to compensate in your riding. For example, a long-torso, short-legged rider, with a high center of gravity needs to be much stronger in the back and must be aware of the impact her upper-body motion will have on balance and the horse's movement, especially when jumping. 

Stability

Your hips, knees, and ankles - also known as plantar stabilizers and hip abductors (shock absorbers) - are primary areas where there can never be too much flexibility, strength, and control. 

Your pelvic absorption must be efficient and effective, coordinating the hips, pelvis, and lumbar spine. A flexible, strong lower back is essential. The focus is not only short-term stability, but also prevention of long-term orthopedic problems. 

Power

In addition to absorbing, you need to transmit energy produced by your horse. Transmitting describes how you use the energy generated by your horse (especially in jumping when your horse meets the ground). It critically affects horse/rider efficiency, or "oneness."

Symmetric posture

Your body needs to be even and square. Just as straightness and forwardness in a horse are building blocks, the even and balanced development of your body, as your horse's partner, is also critical. Most of us, just like our horses, favor one side or another and part of proper fitness is evening up our two sides. 

Asymmetric movement, stability, and strength

Most rider/horse communication is asymmetric, from bending your horse around your inside leg, with the outside leg behind the girth, to slightly moving one hip/seat bone to cue a flying change. All are imperceptible, necessary and asymmetric. 

Excerpt from The Rider's Fitness Program Published by Storey Publishing Copyright 2004 by Dianna Robin Dennis, Paul Muris, John J. McCulley

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