Horse Rider Muscles by Annette Willson
The muscles for horse riding differ from most sports. Horse riding is a static posture, that is, there is little movement in many of the joints in the body. The muscle action is by way of small range contractions, unlike playing a ball sport or running. The posture adjustments are finite and require strength, co-ordination and endurance. Riding also requires a person to use both sides of the body equally. In most sports we are dominant handed. The horse riding muscles require specific training as do most sports. Our daily activities, jobs are mostly likely one handed and repetitive. This is not encouraging to good riding posture. As riders we need to build up and train both sides equally. We also need to control and train all of our body.
The horse riding muscle are many. Posture is extremely important for the horse rider. Training the horse riding muscles is very easy if it is thought through. I have developed a pilates based exercise program specific to train the horse riding muscles. I teach riders how to isolate, test and train the deep core muscles. I teach riders how to perform and train specific muscle movement patterns and how to practice them in their daily lives. I teach riders how to train their horse riding muscles especially for riding.
Check out the whole program at http://www.applied-posture-riding.com/. Training the horse riding muscles on a big physio ball is an ideal way to achieve results quickly. The ball can simulate the riding position is many ways. The rider is able to move the ball around using their pelvis and hamstrings. By following specific movement patterns the rider can gain flexibility through the pelvis and lower back. The ball encourages an upright posture similar to the horse riding posture. By adding some resistance exercises the horse riding muscles can be specifically trained.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I have worked as a Physiotherapist for 25 years; I have a Masters degree in Physiotherapy and am a Pilates Trainer. I am also a competitor and riding instructor. I am the author of Applied Posture Riding. This is a very popular exercise program followed by riders all over the world.
