Six Horseback Exercises to Improve Strength, Rhythm and Balance with AQHA

[source: AQHA.com]

How does that quote go? “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Tim Notke hit the nail right on the head.

While your competition is sitting around the house, waiting for warmer weather before they get back to riding, you’re already strategizing for how you’re going to dominate in 2016.

To help get you into show shape, we put together a three-part blog series for equestrians. (Check out “Seven Drills for Correct Riding Position” and “12 Yoga Tips for Equestrians,” too.) Here, we focus on developing a secure seat, strong legs and incredible rhythm. Be sure to click each link for more information on how to succeed at that exercise. 

To read the full list on AQHA.com, click here.

1. Trot figure-eights with one hand on your hip. When done properly, this exercise will bring your outside shoulder forward, holding your inside shoulder up.

2. Make a game out of no-stirrup (or no-iron) work. If you do little bits without stirrups, you don’t wear out, and pretty soon you can do this more often and for longer.  
3. Instead of standard posting, try “down, up, up.” You can also do “up, down, down.” The main trick is not to throw yourself back down into the saddle.