The Best Core Exercises for Horse Riders

Horse Riding, whatever your discipline, is a unique sport. How we; as riders, have be able to move our bodies to create harmony with a half tonne animal is pretty extraordinary.

There are more and more workouts claiming to provide the "best core exercises for horse riders". The issue I have with them, as a sports specific personal trainer, is how these core exercises are completely divorced from the skills we require as riders to be able to deepen our seat and actually move our pelvises more fluidly as our horse moves.

For example, planks and crunches are often recommended but these exercises in no way mimic the skills we need when riding. They aren't bad exercises but they assume that any core exercise will transfer over to riding. They won't- especially not in the long term.

They are about as useful as a fish riding a bicycle (although that would be cute).

It's time to ditch the cookie-cutter exercises and find moves that actually make us better riders, not just better at staring at the gym floor.

So how is my core workout any different?

My aim as a an equestrian sports specific trainer is to create exercises that will challenge your core through the sequences and biomechanics that you need in the saddle so that the skills you develop in my workouts ACTUALLY transfer into your riding. Ideal.

Today we will be focusing on the core muscles that decelerate your pelvis as it rotates backwards and forwards with every step that your horse takes. Building this strength will make your movements more fluid, allow you to absorb force better (whether you're on the flat or jumping) and deepen your seat.

There are six core exercises and modifications for each one. If you really go for the exercises it is a pretty spicy workout and you will potentially curse me for core soreness the next day (I know I cursed myself 😅). Start steady as the moves will likely be new for you! Use 2 light weights (I'm using 2kg sandbags but water bottles would be fine) and that's it!

So 20 minutes to a deeper seat? Let's Go 💃

Want to learn more exercises that are specific to your personal goals as a rider? I have one space left in January for online or in person training. If you'd like to take advantage of 10% off any package click the button below and say hi!

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