Fit for Your Horse

Whether it's just warming up enough for you to get back in the saddle or you're fortunate enough to ride year round, some of us are feeling our physical fitness - or lack thereof. Maybe you're more aware of your lower back or hamstrings than you were last year. Have some ideas on what works to keep you comfortable and flexible in the saddle? Share 'em with us right here!

Comments

# grannyk 2009-03-30 06:32

Tighten your stomach muscles, sit ups, that sort of excersize. As for your thigh and calfs walking is wonderful for both. Walk both up hills and down and walk fast.Stand in one spot and go up and down on your toes, from flat on the floor to tip toes, this works the calf muscles.;-)

# rebelfilly 2009-03-31 10:46

When you are sitting at the computer try using one of those big exercise balls (you can get at Wal-Mart) & do exercises on those. It helps with your balance too!

# booner 2009-04-02 02:20

Oh I love the exercise ball idea @ the puter.Any ideas for sore ankles.

# lauram 2009-04-02 18:36

Core exercises are a must. Legs too.

# Chase 2009-04-02 23:16

Never thought of the Bouncy ball as a seat... that's a good one =D

Chin-ups and Pull-ups are great for everything from the thighs up. Neck, shoulders, arms, chest and abs mostly. Cross ankles and try kneeling on air while pulling up a few times for the hams and calves.

Iron-Gym, made by Pro Fit, is a handy $30 buck pull-up bar that fits in most doorways without permanent mounting to the wall. You can find it at Wal-Marts, K-marts, and most any fitness selling places.
TV Ad www.getirongym.com/Default.asp?tcode=SEO&source=booyah&tag=Inclusion&bhcp=1

Here's a Freview of it www.irongymreview.com/

# kadussl 2009-04-03 07:27

simple fitness...do push ups, sit ups and run. If you want more than that, do something like yoga, which would be awesome for riding, because it deals mostly with stretching and flexibility.
You don't need a gym membership or an expensive home gym or anything like that to stay fit. Just eat good and stay active.

# rebelfilly 2009-04-06 04:54

They even have yoga on a horse now. You first start out off your horse but I think it would be neat!

# firefly 2009-04-06 06:03

I am doing a cattle drive again, later this summer, and I am doing a hodgepodge of things.... I am using a stability ball, a core pilates program, and there is an equestrian pilates book you can download... for under $25.00. I rode on St Patrick's day after not riding since Christmas... and I noticed a huge difference! I do the ball and one of the other programs together, ever other day... If I am riding, I just shift the pilates day over... The test will be getting on a horse later this month for two hour rides...

# firefly 2009-04-06 06:05

I should mention, I do this all in my tiny home... Core pilates and stability ball work is on DVD...

# LeftyforLife 2009-04-08 09:29

Firefly: which DVD did you download for the equestrian pilates? Email me at jmllams

yahoo.com when you have the chance...thanks!!!

# Chase 2009-04-09 00:24

Ohhhh Cattle drive! Where? When? How much to go? :-*

# firefly 2009-04-09 08:34

Leftyfor life.... check your email... I sent the requested info to you....
Your wish is my command.... sor something like that there!

Have a great day!!!

# firefly 2009-04-09 08:48

Hi Chase! As to the cattle drive....;-) I go to a place in WY that it is a working cattle ranch, small place, family owned. I am going out in July this time... and the thing is, you never know what you will do when you get there. It depends on when you go. We were based at the ranch... and we moved cattle between pastures, rounded up and actually went to the auction to watch the yearlings be sold... and helped round up almost 2000 cattle for a neighbor. The ranch uses their own, well trained cattle horses....

The week includes your lodging, meals, and of course the use of the horses....
There are also things to do in town... fly fishing, historical sites near by... I believe that the ranch is charging about $1400 for the week... but that does not include airfair or any of the extraneous stuff...

Did I mention it was exhausting???? Great place... great memories....
and it was certainly worth the money... essentially you are paying room and board, and YOU get to work and learn...

# lauram 2009-04-12 04:38

I'd love to go on a cattle drive once in my life. :-)

# firefly 2009-04-13 02:39

It is a LOT of fun..... It is a LOT of work too..... It hardly seems like work though....

# Chase 2009-04-14 00:01

Ain't work if you're enjoying it. That's called LIVING RIGHT!

Maybe I'll get back to writing about riding again. What a great second career that'd be, eh?

My remaining goals in riding are:
Do a cattle drive. Ride The Outlaw Trail Ride near Bozeman, MT, and a vacation somewhere like the Hidden Valley Guest Ranch.

Anything else would be icing on the cake.

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