Episode 13: Make riding easier for your horse; add strength and flexibility

Today, I'm talking about strength vs muscle memory as I continue season 2 which focuses on the rider's body. I will also be giving you my time saving tip for making time to work out. Have you noticed how it's easier for naturally athletic people to jump from sport to sport? I've noticed this, because I'm not a naturally athletic person. This means that I have had to put in a lot of riding hours. My passion for horses was the thing that kept me going. In this episode, I focus on getting stronger and more flexible and why it is important. Show Notes [04:34] I'm going to talk about muscle memory next week. For now, let's focus on being stronger and more flexible. [06:04] Charlotte Dujardin had to get an exercise coach to gain the strength for the powerful riding maneuvers she did. [06:07] When I'm a stronger rider, things are easier for my horse. I can be better balanced when I'm riding a colt. [07:29] When I was younger, I didn't see the need to focus on being a stronger rider. As I aged, I started experimenting with different ways to improve things. [08:03] I have experimented with improving balance even to the point of trying a unicycle. This wasn't a good idea. [09:05] I did start eating dinner while sitting on a blue equine ball. I discovered that I lift my feet off the ground I could see which direction I naturally tended to lean. [10:34] I can't say enough good things about yoga. I've also worked in strength training and running. [11:39] I used the Couch to 5K app. I have been much more intentional this year about working exercise into my life. [12:50] I have been experimenting with a routine where I rotate strength training, yoga, and running. It's amazing what you can do in 30 minutes a day. [13:16] If you're not fit, it will have an effect on your horse. [13:44] I was forced to be an active rider when riding bareback during trail riding. [14:01] I was a lazy rider when I road trails using a saddle. [14:37] My bad habits of being a lazy trail rider came back in my body when my knees began to hurt. [15:30] There is a lot of strength that is needed with riding. It takes a lot of strength and flexibility. [16:40] A strong and flexible rider should train outside of riding, because you don't want to neglect the opposing muscles. [18:24] My time saving tip for finding time to exercise is using your horse to motivate yourself to workout. Your horse will think it's super cool when watching you do all of the work with jumping jacks and lunges. [20:50] A lot of the trails near my house have water crossings, so I'll jog then ride my horse over the water and then jog again. [21:45] On days when I can't ride, I can work out and still know that I am improving my writing. This helps me stay motivated. [22:01] Join me in becoming a stronger rider in 2019 with #EquineCross.   Links and Resources: Charlotte Dujardin's World Record Breaking Freestyle test at London Olympia Yoga DVD Couch to 5K® - Run training #EquineCrossFit