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  Discussion on Exercises for the rider?
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2001 - 12:21 am:

I am searching for EXERCISES to develop my balance and strength for riding. I am riding occasionally, although it fatigues me and hurts my muscles and joints. I haven't exercised as I used to because I have Chronic Fatigue SynDrOme. I am determined to get back to riding. Especially because there are several horses available for me to ride.
Perhaps someone has had rehab or studied exercise or knows of a book of exercises specifically for horseback-riding.

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2001 - 6:25 am:

Hello Audrey,
As far as I am concerned there is only one exercise for developing balance and strength on horseback and that is riding bareback or at least DrOp those stirrups. But be prepared for some sore thighs for a few days. Now that I reread your post I realize you probably mean off the horse exercise. I will leave that to someone who knows more.
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2001 - 9:22 am:

Hi Audrey. A good book to look for is "Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian" by Mary D. Midkiff. I bought my copy new for $24.95, but you may able to find a used copy on e-Bay or an on-line or other used bookstore.

Bonnie

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 12, 2001 - 7:22 am:

Hi Audrey,

Bareback certainly is good exercise but only if your are in good enough shape and have the flexibility for the demands of a trot.

I hadn't been riding in 15 years when i started again and it took over a year before I'd say all my riding muscles were in shape. I did a lot of stretching to help with hip flexibility as well as low back and upper back. (yoga is great for that)

As far as strength,you only need enough to be able to ride correctly. Riding is more about technique. I think general conditioning such as hiking or walking can go a long ways.

Once you have nice position, riding will provide you with plenty of strengthening. Mary Wanless has some wonderful exercises in her book "The Natural Rider A right brain approach to riding" You can find her books on Amazon. She has ex to help you achieve correct position.

Kim

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 12, 2001 - 12:56 pm:

Go to Walmart, in the exercise section, and get a Physio Ball. Probably the 65cm ball is the right size (I'm 5'5" and it's just about right). It comes with a book of stretching and strength/balance exercises. It's fabulous.

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 12, 2001 - 10:58 pm:

Thanks for your feedback. Yes I was looking for off the horse exercises to strengthen my back etc.
I think I will go get one of those physio balls. I have a friend with MD who uses one and they definitely give you a work out. I will talk with her about the exercises her therapist recommends. Thanks Jordana.
I will also look for that book that Bonita recommeded by Mary Midkiff.

I would love to ride backback, it is definitley the way to learn to ride. I had lots of lessons and riding in the saddle but until I took to the hills backback I know I was only mediocre. Bareback riding really makes me feel free and one with the horse.

Posted on Thursday, Sep 13, 2001 - 7:03 am:

The Mary Midkiff book will be a great companion to the physio ball, as she devotes an entire chapter to riding-related exercises using it!

Bonnie
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