The horse rider muscles require specific training to be the best they can.
While sitting on a horse there is little movement in the body and hence the joints. The horse rider muscles shorten and lengthen in a very small range; this is isometric work, unlike playing a racquet sport or running.
Asa Physiotherapist I know about the horse riding muscles.
Let’s list the Function of some of the Horse Riding Muscles
The explanation of these muscle is described in detail in the Applied Posture Riding program.
Hamstrings
0 bends the knee.
This is the muscle used to gain more impulsion and a deeper independent seat.
Quads
0 straightens the knee
Used in jumping
used in the rise trot
Calf Muscle
Not used in Horse riding
Must be on the stretched side to have the heel down
Front Calf Muscle Tibialsis Anterior
Holds the foot up (heel Down)
Lower Back
Tilts the pelvis forwards and backwards
Helps control the pelvis stability
Must be strong to extend the lower back in canter and sit
Abdominal
Tilt the pelvis forward and backward
Must be strong for strength and stability
Essential in all paces especially the sit trot
For full details on the anatomy and bio mechanics a have a look at Applied Posture Riding
Riding requires a strong posture, and the horse riding muscles must have endurance to cope with the long time they are expected to work.
The horse rider muscles must be equally strong and able.both left and right. The horse riding muscles require specific training as do most sports. Our work and home activities as well as our jobs are all repetitive and dominant handed. This is not ideal for riding posture to develop. Riders need to build up and train the horse riding muscles equally.
How Do You Train The Horse Riding Muscles?
The horse rider muscles can be tested individually and trained. The first step is to look at your own posture and lifestyle. Then learn how to individually test and train your own muscles. Once you know your own problems you can fix them. If you are weak in the upper back then you can target these exercises to strengthen this area. If you stiff through the lower back then you can stretch this area to increase the flexibility This will all improve your riding skills. There are many muscle test to look at and many stretches to examine. Learning movement patterns and repeating them will also work at improving your riding.
The deep core muscles are essential. Teaching riders how to perform and train specific muscle movement patterns and how to practice them in their daily lives will enhance any exercise program
Exercising the horse riding muscles on gym ball is the best way to achieve results efficiently.
The ball becomes the saddle in a way and the riding position and aids can be practiced as movement patterns. The horse rider muscles are the target of the exercise session. The rider is able to roll the ball around using their pelvis and hamstrings.
Mat exercises are perfect to stretch the horse riding muscles after a ride.
We tend to spend many hours in the saddle in a static posture this will tighten all the horse rider muscles. The muscles must be stretched or they tend to shorten and cause pain and poor function, when back in the saddle. Athletes from all sports are now training away from their field. Horse riders are not following the trend and are doing the same to gain better skills and body use.
For more information on this program follow the links below. This program has become extremely popular with horse riders at all levels and all over the world.
