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Riding Exercises
http://www.horsemanshiphorsetrainingtips.com/articles/40/1/Riding-Exercises
Kelly Bell
Kelly's knowledge of horses grew in local 4-H and open shows competing in Western pleasure, Western equitation, English Pleasure, English Equitation, Trail, Showmaship and Halter classes. Kelly competed with two horses over her showing career; a sorrel Quarter Horse mare, Double D Fashion and a Sorrel Overo Paint mare, Little Partee Sis. 
By Kelly Bell
Published on 01/14/2006
 

Riding exercises can loosen up the rider and will increase flexibility, confidence and suppleness. They will also help your horse to become more aware of you and how you move in the saddle.

Riding Exercises

Riding exercises can loosen up the rider and will increase flexibility, confidence and suppleness. They will also help your horse to become more aware of you and how you move in the saddle.

Start with you mounted on your horse, with your horse standing still. As you improve and you confidence increases, you can progress to doing these exercises at a walk, and then at a jog/trot.

Note: These are only suggestions. Do not do these exercises if it is unsafe for you or your horse to do so. If your horse is a bit spooky, or wants to walk off or move around while when you start doing these exercises, ask someone to stand at your horses head and hold them.

Some exercises to try:

  • Touch your horses poll, dock and elbow.

  • Touch your right and left toes (alternately and together).

  • Stretch you neck, side to side.

  • Touch your ears to your shoulders.

  • Lift your shoulders up and push them down (3 times).

  • Roll your shoulders backwards (3 times each side) and forwards (3 times each side).

  • Shake out your hands, and move up into your whole arm.

  • Shake out your feet, and move up into your whole leg.

  • Bend forward from the hips and touch your chin on the horses neck.

  • Lean back and touch your head on the horses rump (or go to what you feel comfortable with).

  • Stand upright in your stirrups, so you bottom is not touching any part of the saddle.

  • Lift your legs away from your horse, so you are just sitting on your seat bones.

  • Swing your lower legs back and forth without hitting your horses sides.

  • Swing your arms from side to side, alternately touching the poll and dock.

  • Bring your lower leg back and grasp your ankle with your hand.

  • With one hand on the cantle, twist at your waist and look at something behind you.

As you continue to do these exercises, you will notice that you will have better balance, more confidence and feel more supple in the saddle. You will also notice a difference in your horse, they should be more relaxed and more aware of you and your movements.

 

Author

Kelly Bell's (nee: Ashbacher) knowledge of horses grew in local 4-H and open shows competing in Western pleasure, Western equitation, English Pleasure, English Equitation, Trail, Showmaship and Halter classes. Kelly competed with two horses over her showing career; a sorrel Quarter Horse mare, Double D Fashion and a Sorrel Overo Paint mare, Little Partee Sis.