Equine sports: a partnership in fitness

American Fitness ,  March-April, 2003   by Gina White

Spectators unaware of the challenges of equestrian sports believe riders just "sit there" atop a horse that willingly does all the work! Competitive riders know this is far from the truth. Equine endeavors can push the limits of even the most athletic individuals. It takes a solid work ethic and perseverance to develop one's, as well as the horse's, prowess. Considering these qualities, it is not difficult to understand why American women have emerged as a powerful influence in this competitive arena worldwide.

According to USA Equestrian, the National Governing Body of Equestrian Sports, the largest female participation demographic is the 41- to 50-year-old age bracket, with women in their 30s not far behind. Although the urge to compete earlier beckons most of these athletes, family commitments and job requirements typically restrain them from living their Dale Evans fantasies.

Many attributes distinguish these able-bodied women who make riding look easy. Physically fit, mentally strong and confident before a crowd, they challenge themselves in the showplace while extending that winning attitude into every area of their lives. From dressage (the poetry in motion of equine sports) to jousting (the medieval art of armor and lancets) and everything in between, these athletes test their mettle.

"Equestrian sports are unique, requiring knowledge unlike that of other sports," says Amy Kneeland, former equestrian and owner of a personal training and holistic health business specializing in functional fitness. "Although onlookers believe the horse does all the work, riding is actually a whole body activity [for which] the participant must train aggressively like any other athlete." Kneeland adds that an advanced fitness level will not only improve performance, but has also been proven to decrease injury occurrence, particularly among novice riders. "Because outside factors, including the horse, terrain and other outdoor distractions, play such a role, riders must be fit and train with these dynamics in mind," she explains.

The higher the degree of fitness, the less chance there is of fatigue, stiffness, sore musculature and joint strain. "Aside from overall body strength, flexibility and coordination, an awareness of balance must be present because so many variables are involved in equestrian sports," Kneeland points out. She recommends an exercise routine incorporating stability balls, balance discs and wobble boards, which have varying degrees of motion and train the user to balance and develop core strength. "The horse is an unstable vehicle under the rider's center, so core strength is key for proper body alignment," she advises. "Proper alignment will determine the rider's, as well as the mount's, movement with resulting ease, fluidity and enjoyment from the activity."

Dee Dee Ludlam, a longtime competitor in saddleseat, three-day eventing and hunter divisions, has made many victory passes in the ring and agrees horse and rider must match fitness levels for ultimate performance. "Equine sports display a partnership in fitness. If either partner isn't in shape, the team will lose that edge." Groundwork for the horse and rider, along with many miles in the saddle, produce the best results.

"Since I turned 40, I definitely need to work out regularly to stay fit," adds Ludlam. "The horse I ride is exceptionally fit, so it is not fair if I slow him down." Ludlam incorporates calisthenics to a routine of vigorous hill walking, treadmill and bike workouts. "When I ride vigorously, I work my entire body," she affirms. "Although other exercises give me added strength and agility, I have to ride to improve my riding ability." This "sport specificity" training is essential in the equine partnership.

Mary Midkiff, equestrian, writer and horse business professional, also spends many hours in the saddle each week. As author of Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian, she knows the importance of spending time with her mount, both on and off its back. Midkiff, also president of Equestrian Resources in Colorado, says female equestrians represent over 80 percent of today's competitive force--a factor which prompted her to address the issues faced by a previously male-dominated sport. "In the past 30 years, equestrian sports have seen a shift from male predominance. The changing dynamics of women on horseback have warranted a new approach to riding effectiveness, including a program of exercise, diet and proper equipment," she observes.

Midkiff, along with an exercise physiologist and physician, conducts nationwide clinics addressing the rider's condition and various methods for riding effectiveness. "The rider's level of fitness directly correlates to what [he or she] will achieve with [his or her] horse. If the riders desire is simply to trail ride a few times a week versus three-day eventing, [his or her] routines will vary considerably," she says. Midkiff also mentions an intuitive/emotional side to riding inherent in successful riders. This quality gives individuals who begin riding at a later age the ability to become as proficient as those who start earlier in life.

A daily stretching program, along with strength and cardiovascular training three times a week, keeps Midkiff in top form. She also touts the merit of the Pilates system for developing core strength and suppleness. "I adjust my exercise routine according to the season, but typically spend four to five days a week riding throughout the year to maintain fitness. It's important to work out continually, even if you only compete in equestrian events for a select few months," she stresses.

At 39, horse trainer and riding instructor Robyn Thibodeau concurs that fitness is an integral part of success as a rider and should be sustained all year. "I taught afternoon aerobics classes for 16 years, which allowed me mornings to work with the horses. Doing both helped me achieve a healthy fitness level," she says. Thibodeau claims all muscle groups should be strong, with core stomach and back muscles taking precedence. "Those muscle groups are at your center, where strength and balance are imperative," she explains. "Consistency in your workouts is the basis to improving your riding level, which will also benefit your mount."

In halter classes, the beauty contest of equine sports, aerobic ability is a must. These divisions require the handler to pose the horse as well as run around the ring to show the animal's movement and fluidity. "Whether the class requires riding or ground handling, such as in halter, it is extremely important to retain a measure of fitness which gives you that advantage as an equestrian," says Thibodeau.

According to Betsy Cummings, a competitor from Deerfield, New Hampshire, fitness is imperative to riding well. Her new equine partner, Chicatee Alf, a Danish Warmblood, is an athlete with extreme power and impulsion. "Because of his athletic level, I have to work out in order to keep up [with] him. To do so, I am religiously at the gym three times a week, incorporating a variety of weightlifting techniques along with treadmill and bike work," she says.

With two small children and a part-time job, Cummings says balancing time for equine competition can be a challenge. "Raising children today is so involved [that] there seems to be little time left for myself," she admits. "But for those of us who ride, there is a state of mental health acquired that makes us better all around. I am a happier person when I ride, which makes me a better mom."

Spending countless practice hours in the saddle in order to contend, women of all ages are mustering up the "guts" and fulfilling their desire for equine competition. From grass-roots shows to the Olympic Games, the emergent number of female equestrians gives credence to their aspirations.