Hey, I've ridden for almost 5 years, however I have been out of the tack since this time last year. A man who rides in steeplechase and hunts has recently asked me to excercise his thoroughbreds for him. I told him my former experience, but told him i had been out of the tack for awhile. He seemed to think that I would be fine.
I know my full riding potential (middle intermediate), however I was wondering if anyone had any tips for getting back into the rythm and getting in shape? I ride Hunter/jumper & equitation, but i'm sure that anyone who rides can help me....???? Thanks!
2007-03-14 07:15:47 · 7 answers · asked by Riss 2 in Sports ➔ Horse Racing
There's actually a great book out there I recommend to my riders who are coming off of lay-ups and getting back into shape. It's called Fitness for the Horse and Rider by Jane Holderness-Roddam and it details several exercises you can do to strengthen your legs, core, and arms. It's also illustrated and has some tips for strengthening up your horse's muscles (which may be important for an exercise rider).
In order to get yourself back into shape, there are a few simple things you can do. Cycling is great for building up your legs. Some basic dance exercises can also be good for this purpose. In the saddle, a lot of trotting in your two-point or half-seat position will stretch those legs out and build muscles. So will doing some up-up-downs (stay up for two beats at the trot, sit one). You may feel weak and uncoordinated at first, but don't push things too hard all at once. Keep a steady pace and eventually you'll find your rhythm again.
2007-03-14 08:35:20 · answer #1 · answered by ap1188 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start taking one lesson a week at a local barn on a schoolhorse, to boost your confidence again and get you back in the jist of things and at the same time excersize the mans thoroughbreds, it would be really good for you and by taking lessons at the same time you could correct some bad habits that you may have picked up or forgotten while you were out of the saddle...Riding comes so natural to most riders, its something that you can never forget, so i'm sure you will bounce back quickly! I love the feeling of riding after i haven't ridden in a while, good luck i know that you will love it....
2007-03-14 18:33:47 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah C- Equine Help 101 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had long breaks between riding...I usually can't ride during the winter, and I don't ride much during the summer.
I would recommend trying to take a couple refresher lessons. This will get your mind (and muscles) back into the swing of riding. You will definately be sore after the first couple rides, but then it won't be bad.
If you are a balanced, confident rider, you should have no problem. Just remember, Throroughbreds tend to be more hot headed than your regular lesson horse. Stay relaxed and give firm commands and you should be fine!
Have fun, that sounds like a dream opportunity! I would love to ride horses like that!
2007-03-15 10:27:27 · answer #3 · answered by jeepgirl0385 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I think that you should be fine because I havn't rode at at over the winter, (well I did ride twice but still) anyways... I have been on my horse everyday this week to get her into shape for the summer sinse I live in Wisconsin. I was on her and she's been good although she did buck me once and I landed on her neck, but I didn't fall off and my horse and I were both fine after that I smacked her and made her stand there for awhile.
Anyways! My legs have been kind-a sore up high kind-a by I guess my thighs in the middle up by my knees. lol
So you excersiseing racehorse would probably hurt you a lot more, not unless your used to it. So I guess the best thing to do is start running either outside or on a tredmel.
HoPe I hElPeD!
2007-03-14 20:29:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, I just recently went through the same thing, I found that I was "Better than my body". I knew how to do it, but I wasn't physicall in shape to do it. So my advice is to work out a little before you get right back on. I was fine after about 2 weeks.
Good luck!
2007-03-15 02:31:35 · answer #5 · answered by gg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definitly take a few "refresher" lessons before hopping on this man's thoroughbreds. We all know how hot TB's can be at times, and you don't want to get injured on your first day. Take a few lessons, and get your mind and your body back in shape. You will be amazed at how quickly it all comes back to you.
2007-03-14 16:30:24 · answer #6 · answered by SuzyQ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took a break from riding not that long only like a few months, but if you just ease back into things, it will all come back. Get your legs in shape, run, lunges, basic stuff like that. ;) Ride hard!
2007-03-14 15:13:02 · answer #7 · answered by Lindz911 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋