Equestrian athletes often focus solely on riding, but incorporating cross training into their routines can greatly benefit their performance. Here are four reasons why equestrians should consider cross training:
You're out of breath: Riding is a physically demanding sport that requires a lot of cardiovascular endurance. Activities such as running or cycling, can improve your lung capacity and stamina, allowing you to ride for longer periods without getting winded.
You're unbalanced in the saddle: Cross training with exercises that focus on core strength, such as Pilates or yoga, can help improve your balance and stability in the saddle. A strong core allows you to sit taller and maintain a steady position, making it easier for your horse to understand your cues.
Your cues are not as effective as desired: Strength/unilateral training can help improve your body awareness and control, which is crucial for communicating effectively with your horse. Activities that challenge your proprioception can help you develop the precision and finesse needed to give subtle and accurate cues to your horse.
You aren't improving like you used to: Fitness training can help break up the monotony of a traditional riding routine and keep you motivated to improve. It can also help target specific areas of weakness, such as flexibility or strength, that may be holding you back from reaching your full potential as a rider.
Incorporating cross training into your riding routine can have a significant impact on your performance, both on and off the horse. By targeting specific areas of weakness, you can become a stronger, more balanced, and more effective rider. So, next time you hit a plateau in your riding progress, consider incorporating some cross training exercises into your routine.