How Horse Rider Health Can Optimise Your Equine Horse Back Riding Skills, Benefiting Horse And Rider

By Suzanne Garrard

Physical, mental and emotional fitness is important for your horse back riding and horse training. If you are fit and agile, your horse will carry less weight and you will be able to easily exercise your horse in the various elements. Just as swimmers keep themselves fit, eat healthy food, sleep well and socialise sensibly - Your horse will appreciate if you do this too!

You need to have clear rational thinking as you work with your horse, so you can understand the concepts of the training program, and analyse and plan how you will implement the training. You need to think on your feet when working with and training your horse, referencing the theories and advise, that you need to apply, then evaluate your practise lessons, later discussing your success and needs with training friends and coaches.

You need to be emotionally fit so you can ask your horse to do an exercise and have the confidence to fully participate as a horse back rider (with no fear) to enable them to execute the move or patiently wait while they sort through trying to understand and do what you want them to - You could interpret this as possible resistance, an over impulsive horse may take off and an under impulsive horse mightn't want to move at all. This is where patiently asking, guiding and not losing your cool and thinking on your feet is of crucial importance. Even if your horse provokes you - don't lose your cool, have a cup of tea and sit with your horse as you both think about it and work it out.

By demonstrating to your horse that you are physically, mentally and emotionally fit and are an effective leader that encourages both horse and rider comfort zones, your horse will respond with heart, mind and soul and willingly try to work with you as you both advance and accomplish your horse training goals, allowing you to advance your equestrian performance.

Your horse will develop a trust in you so they willingly go on outings away, or go on the trail, with the horse knowing that he has full confidence in you to safely return him to his buddies at home later.