Fitness

Improve Your Riding Posture: Build a Better Seat in the Saddle

Updated:

April 7, 2025

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When you create clear, realistic riding goals and take steady steps toward them, you’re far more likely to see results. Putting those goals in writing helps make them stick—it’s a promise you make to yourself. This season, consider focusing on your body position to become a more balanced, effective rider.

Increased Mobility and Flexibility for Horse Riders

Updated:

March 24, 2025

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Flexibility and mobility are essential ingredients for rider success both in and out of the competition ring. Equestrian sports require sustained periods of correct, upright posture, dynamic balance and total body control, all of which are directly affected by the flexibility and mobility of muscles and joints.

Achieving Perfect Harmony with Your Horse: The Key to Effortless Riding

Updated:

March 12, 2025

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It is truly magical to watch a horse and rider move as one, such as during a breathtaking dressage freestyle, a precise reining pattern, or an awe-inspiring performance like a grand prix show jumping competition. The seamless connection of this effortless harmony is the ultimate goal—a synchronized partnership where movement flows naturally, as if guided by a shared energy.

Essential Exercises for a Classical Riding Position

Updated:

February 10, 2025

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Are you striving for a balanced and effective riding posture? We can help you find success. A key checkpoint while riding is ensuring your ears, shoulders, hips, and heels align. Can you maintain this posture in the saddle? If yes, you’re on the right track to refining your skills. If not, don’t worry; consistent practice with the right rider alignment exercises will strengthen your position over time.

Bareback Riding Lessons in Alberta’s Foothills at Eagle Feather Riding

Updated:

October 27, 2024

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Just west of Calgary, Eagle Feather Riding offers a peaceful escape where riders of all ages can develop trust and confidence with their horse in a calm, natural setting. Set against the stunning backdrop of Alberta’s foothills, this unique riding program focuses on connection, mindfulness, and learning the fundamentals of bareback riding.

Fitness for Fun! Exercises for Young Horse Riders

Updated:

October 3, 2024

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Calling all young riders! It’s time for some Fit To Ride Fun! This article is for those of you who want to have fun, improve your riding, and ensure your horses are happy and comfortable.

Mounted Exercises to Improve a Horse Rider's Seat and Effectiveness

Updated:

August 21, 2024

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Rider fitness is fundamental to achieving a harmonious partnership with your horse and improving overall performance together. Regardless of the equestrian discipline, physical condition directly influences the rider’s ability to stay balanced in the saddle and communicate effectively with the horse.

Pilates for Equestrians

Updated:

May 16, 2024

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Enhancing Performance Through Core Strength and Balance - Equestrian sports require much more than just mastering the art of riding; they are physically demanding and engage a wide array of muscles throughout the body.

Essential Exercises for the Perfect Sitting Trot

Updated:

February 7, 2024

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Struggling with the sitting trot? You're not alone! No matter your age, level of expertise, or the discipline you ride, it is a challenging skill to perfect. Achieving a smooth, effective sitting trot requires a balanced, independent seat that moves in harmony with your horse—without restricting their natural motion.

Pilates for Every Equestrian

Updated:

October 6, 2023

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Being fit to ride certainly has benefits for riders but there are also benefits for our horses. The horse-and-rider partnership is unique. We owe it to our horses to be as balanced and coordinated as possible to ensure their comfort and ability to do what we ask with ease. We are not all built the same and not everyone will assume the “ideal” riding posture and position. Still, we can all work towards better posture, balance, and coordination, resulting in clearer, more effective communication with our equine partners.