Your horse might be fit but what about you?

As I’m writing this article it appears that the 2007 show season is progressively being put on hold due to the E.I. outbreak. Apologies to those who planned to attend my Showing Clinic – a casualty of the horse lockdown. Circumstances permitting, this will be re-scheduled for the first Sunday in December – just in time to sharpen your skills prior to the major Summer competitions. Let’s hope the Summer Royal, TTT Showing and Barastoc all go ahead as normal.

So, with no shows in the immediate future, it may be a good time to assess how ready you are, physically and mentally, for the season ahead. It has always been my belief that success in any equestrian pursuit requires a particular mental attitude, which I think could best be described as a calm persistence. With the recent death of operatic maestro Pavarotti, the media played snippets of many interviews he had given. When asked what made him such a great singer, his answer interested me.  He said, (and I’m paraphrasing) “One thing is the dedication. Most singers will practice something ten times to get it right, I will practice it one hundred times to make it perfect.” Pavarotti was a  supporter of Dressage in his own country. Perhaps he saw parallels between the dedication he applied to his own art that which a rider applies to the classical art of dressage.

You know, a rider schooling a show or dressage horse will ride hundreds of transitions every week. Think how much better you horse would be if you made a conscious effort to ride every transition at least as well as, or even better that, the previous transition. Every transition more subtle, less resistant, more relaxed, more immediate and smoother than the last one. This is a mentally tiring exercise but you and your horse will improve noticeably in a matter of a few weeks…try it!

Ok your mental attitude is strengthening but how are we shaping up to competitive riding from the aspect of physical fitness? Turn on any newscast and we are told that Australians are, on average, becoming unhealthy, overweight and unfit. Sadly, most of us want to do something about this situation but we just can’t get off the couch.

Many riders feel that their riding sessions are a form of exercise. This is true , particularly position exercises done on the lunge or other vigorous forms of riding. However, in order to develop your riding skills to a capable competition level, it is very helpful to also do some complimentary exercise apart from riding and unfortunately just a light stroll around the park won’t do it. Jogging, swimming, yoga, aerobics, whatever you prefer, just twenty minutes a day is very beneficial and is not an unrealistic target. It’s a win/win situation! Elevate your fitness level and you are sure to find that correct, effective riding becomes a much simpler task. In turn your horse’s work improves as does your own general health.

My personal preference is yoga because there are a number of benefits derived from yoga which are specifically helpful to the improvement of riding skills – namely stretching and suppleness, improved breathing, body control, muscle relaxation, poise and mental calmness.

I also find that work on an inflated exercise ball is handy. Sit in a position as if you are in a saddle. Grip gently with your inner thigh and gently bunce as if you are riding a sitting trot. Imaging your waist and lower back working like a spring. This will develop strength and suppleness. Once you are doing this with ease and rhythm, commence large, backward circles with an outstretched arm (just as you have no doubt done on the lunge at some time). Do left arm, then right then alternating. Next clasp your hands behind your back with arms outstretched (as if holding the cantle of your saddle). This is very good for your upper body and shoulder position.

When all is said and done, exercises like these can be squeezed into even the busiest schedule. They can be done in your own living room, even while watching TV. The only requirement on your part is a little determination.

Let’s be fit and ready for the re-commencement of shows. I am sure that even a small increase in your fitness level will translate into improved riding ability.

Leigh

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