Get Moving

As equestrians we are pretty darn active. Most days after work are spent at the barn riding, which contrary to what some (non horse people) believe is quite physically taxing. Of course my job is the barn and so my days besides riding are spent mucking stalls, pushing wheelbarrows, and stacking hay and shavings among other things. All very physically demanding.

A lot of us try to get to the gym too, but it is definitely difficult to work a full time job, ride, get to the gym and have a social life and/or family time in there as well. Something's gotta give, and most of the time, that something is the gym or any sort of cross training. I absolutely get it.

Because I needed another challenge (sarcasm!), I decided to join a swim team. I have been in and out of the pool here and there, but nothing serious in about 20 years when I was a high school student. I forgot how difficult it is to swim with that many people at once and my first three practices have seen me getting a lot of water up my nose! It's also been a little interesting trying to figure out where I belong. I am a decently fast swimmer, but my stamina isn't exactly up to par, so I am too fast for the slower lanes, but need more rest time than the faster ones. Navigating that and a bunch of new people has put me a little out of my comfort zone, and I am exhausted! Going from leisurely swimming around 800 yards to pushing it over 2,000 in one workout is definitely an adjustment.

I tried running for a while, but swimming has always been the sport that I enjoy. I'm not really a dipper and don't just get in to splash around. If I am going to get wet, I am going to swim laps. It is truly a full body work out, a real moving meditation, and I think, will be good cross training for riding. Who knows, maybe I will compete again!

My point is, cross training is important as riders. We expect our horses to be athletes and we should be too. It's tough to do something at the end of a long day, but even if it is some yoga or core exercises in front of the TV after dinner, going to a class on Saturdays, or jumping head first into another sport, find something that motivates you to increase your fitness level. Your riding will improve and your horse will thank you!