15/09/2026
Your horse isn’t the only athlete in the partnership. 🐴
Rider fitness isn’t about looking good in the gym. It’s about developing the strength, stability, balance and mobility that actually help you in the saddle.
Here are 3 of my favourite exercises for riders:
1. Lunge + front heel lift
Helps develop lower-leg and stirrup stability.
2. Single-leg deadlift
Challenges balance, hip stability and your ability to control each side of your body independently.
3. Standing windmill
Works core and back stability while challenging your ability to control and move through your torso.
These are particularly useful for riders because you’re constantly responding to movement underneath you. Whether you’re schooling, hacking, jumping or competing, being able to control your own body is a huge part of being an effective rider.
Your fitness away from the horse can make a difference to what you can do on the horse.
Save this one and give these three a try next time you’re training away from the yard. 💪🐴
Which one do you think would challenge you most?
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