EQUESTRIAN
HELPING YOU & YOUR HORSE
ACHEIVE PEAK PERFORMANCE
RECOMMENDED BODY WEIGHT
Researchers found that an average adult riding horse could comfortably carry about 15-20 percent of their ideal bodyweight. This result agrees with the value recommended by the Certified Horsemanship Association.
An unbalanced weight is harder for a horse to carry as it places more strain on the horse. The uneven weight distribution caused by an unbalanced or unfit rider can lead to lameness and other issues as the horse alters the way he moves to compensate for the rider.
IS YOUR RIDING BEING AFFECTED BY BEING OVER THE RECOMMENDED WEIGHT?
WESTERN
ENGLISH
Average Riding Horse Weight: 900 -1200
15-20% of body weight: (17%) 153 - 204
Average Western Tack: (25-60lbs) 45
Your weight should be: 108 -159
Average Riding Horse Weight: 900 -1200
15-20% of body weight: (17%) 153 - 204
Average English Tack: 25
Your weight should be: 128 -179
Physically Prepared
Strength training, regular exercise & better rest makes you fit & more alert for this physically demanding sport. Posting for several hours, bailing hay, giving your hard worker a big bath after a good workout, mucking dirty stalls - this all can be pretty draining. This sport requires loads of lower body strength, a strong back & constant core strength. Just as your horse needs to be in good shape to perform - so do you. The more in shape you are, the better your mind & body are able to cope & recover for the next workout or competition.
Increased Energy
When your body is able to function better & more efficiently, it allows for the extra energy that would have been spent on basic functions & tasks - to be spent on other things. This could include hanging out with friends, spending a little extra time with your horse with a nice brush out, or even more quality time spent with the kids after long day.
Effectiveness
A Penn State University study found that those who exercise, had more pleasant feelings than those who didn’t. Exercise releases endorphins, creating feelings of wellbeing and happiness. A happy rider is more likely to have a calming effect on their horse - creating a more effective team. Riding as one not only helps you build better trust with your horse, but will help you do better in competitions - showing in sync & seamless moves. By being in shape you benefit your horse's body position, in addition to your own. A workout that increases core strength, stability, flexibility, control & balance, can make a huge difference when riding.
Communication & Clarity
Exercise combats effects of physical and mental stress while improving your brain’s response to stress. You may not be able to reduce the daily stressors in your day, but you can change the way you respond. At the same time, increased confidence & lowered stress chemicals help to manage the symptoms of depression & anxiety. In some cases, even 30 minutes of exercise a day is even more effective than medication! This is an amazing sport, however, depression and anxiety can severely impact your ability to communicate clearly & effectively with your horse. When you feel better, you have more confidence in yourself, make better decisions & in the long run - have a more safe & quality ride with your big beautiful companion.
Endurance & Stamina
Building up your strength, builds up your endurance. This provides you with the ability to ride better for longer - not getting sloppy in form as your workout or competition continues. Your effectiveness to communicate & guide your horse to the next step stays clear for longer - giving both you and your horse the clarity in the goal &/or the next obstacle. Who wouldn't want the stamina that gives them & their horse an advantage over the competition?