How to Ride Horses for Exercise

Riding horses has long been considered a good exercise not just for the horse, but for the rider as well. The rider uses core muscles to maintain a seat on horseback. Sitting properly in the saddle, using legs muscles to communicate with the horse, deep breathing and good posture all serve to strengthen the body's core and improve cardiovascular health.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Take horseback riding lessons to learn the basics of handling and proper posture while on horseback.
2. Work on good posture as you ride. This could result in some lower back pain, so doing additional strength training to condition back muscles is important.
3. Think of your entire body at all times while riding. The body, mind and spirit are all a part of the exercise of horseback riding.
4. Decide what style of riding you wish to train in. Dressage is a demanding style, involving many hours of exercises and a complete understanding between horse and rider. Each style offers its own challenges and benefits.
5. Notice the work of particular areas of the body while riding. The inner thighs receive a strenuous workout as they are used to communicate subtle commands to the horse.
6. Pay attention to your heart rate as you exercise your horse. The more muscles used will result in increased cardiovascular strength.
7. Be aware of changing your balance as you ride. Each correction in posture or seat requires more of the muscles. Riding a horse requires the muscles to constantly work so you can stay in the saddle.

Tips & Warnings

• Riding isn't the only thing that provides exercise related to horses. Hacking out, mucking out the stall and general horse care are all good exercises.