Rider Fitness and Health: Riding Books to Help You Stay in Shape
We all know the importance of having a fit and healthy horse, but sometimes we are so focused on the well-being of the horse, we forget to take care of ourselves.
A fit rider is a more effective rider, and strength, balance and flexibility are all essential for anyone who wants to rider their best.
We’ve found a few books that will help you stay in shape. Their synopses are below.
1. Riding for Life
Author: Rallie McAllister
Publisher: Eclipse Press
“Syndicated columnist and physician Rallie McAllister offers women riders the tools they need to get enjoyment through healthy lifestyle choices. An equestrian herself, McAllister includes real-life examples of women who have overcome challenges, including physical and financial, to pursue their riding dreams. McAllister also includes the “Riding for Life Diet” and “Riding for Life Fitness Program” to help start women riders on their way to a happier and healthier way of life – both in and out of the saddle.”
-Amazon.com
Price: CAD$28.95
2. The Rider’s Fitness Program
Authors: Diana Robin Dennis, John J. McCully, Paul M. Juris
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
“Being strong and fit is the key to achieving the ultimate goal of oneness with your horse. Now, with The Rider’s Fitness Program, you can practice skills at home or in the gym that will bring you closer to this goal when you’re in the saddle.
This unique, six-week workout routine is designed specifically for equestrians. Each exercise will help you build the strength, endurance, and skills that will enhance your riding experience.
Novice and weekend riders will appreciate the exercises designed to reduce aches and pains and prevent injuries. Returning riders will find that these workouts refresh their muscles’ memory until they are up to speed again. And experts will discover new ways to hone their skills off the horse.
No matter where you stand on the riding spectrum, The Rider’s Fitness Program will help you get in shape – physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Price: CAD$23.95
3. Allen Photographic Guides: Flexibility and Fitness for Riders
Authors: Richenda van Laun and Sylvia Loch
Publisher: J. A. Allen
“Today, great emphasis is placed on the fitness of horses for their particular fields but less attention is paid to the fitness of riders. Flexibility and Fitness for Riders corrects the balance. Different levels of fitness are required for the various riding disciplines but for all riders is that of flexibility. This book discusses many aspects of fitness including strength exercises for the abdominal muscles, back and legs but the main focus is on stretching, why it benefits riders in particular and its role in helping to prevent injury.
Careful research and keen observation of riders has enabled the author to present them with a choice of ways in which they can put their muscles through their full range of movement safely and effectively. Just as suppling exercises are provided for the horse, the rider can also enjoy the positive results of this aspect of fitness.”
Price: CAD$13.95
Books Available at Apple Saddlery
