Who wants to train indoors all the time? Whether alone or in a group - horseback riding is the perfect workout in nature. These are the best riding tips for beginners.
You want slim thighs, tight inner thighs and a crisp butt? And do you prefer to work out outdoors in the fresh air?
You are not afraid to get dirty and maybe you are even a sporty animal fan? Then riding might not only be the little girl's dream but also the perfect sport for you.
Table of contents
Training for horse and rider
I have been riding since I was born, so to speak, and grew up with my own and other people's horses. Riding is a very time-consuming and not exactly inexpensive sport. But it is worth it, because in the ideal case riding is for horse and rider the perfect cardio and strength training.
Yes, that's right - the horses get something out of it, too. The importance of proper training for the horse should not be underestimated. Just like us riders, the horse builds up important Muscles up, improves its Endurance and thus remains healthy and fit.
Does riding flatten the buttocks?
And to clear up a rumor right at the beginning: If someone told you that all riders have a flat butt, I can reassure you. That doesn't happen. Whether cantering, trotting or walking, your butt muscles are always in use. So riding makes no flat buttbut a trained :)
Riding in the field or riding out
For us horse fans, cross-country riding is more commonly known as trail riding. Especially in the countryside it is just beautiful across the outdoor nature, so really over hill and dale, to ride.
Experienced riders can take a leisurely ride, which resembles a walk, but can also enjoy a brisk ride with friends. Betting riding put. Sitting on the horse is an ideal workout for the head and body.
Attention: For complete beginners, free riding in the countryside is of course still nothing. But as soon as horse and rider work well together, there is hardly a nicer feeling.
Riding in the riding arena or indoor riding arena
Anyone who wants to learn to ride must first go to the riding arena or riding hall. Here find the first units takes place. You start with simple exercises in the basic gaits walk (slow) and trot (medium) - until you eventually get to canter (fast).
It is best to look for a Riding schoolYou can also ask someone you already know to ride for you, or get a recommendation for a good riding stable. Unfortunately, there are many black sheep. In any case, take a good look around beforehand, let them show you how the horses are kept and talk to the riders.
The horses should healthy and fit look and the riding instructors should look at the Time take your questions to answer - after all, you have to feel good when trying out a new sport.
In the riding arena or indoor riding arena the obedience of the horse is practiced and the rider is trained. In classical horsemanship, which also English called dressage or show jumping is distinguished.
Don't be surprised if, even as a trained athlete, you start to feel muscles you didn't even know you had after you get off the horse - when you're riding, it's mainly the Thigh muscles - the adductors and the quadriceps. However, the calf muscles, the lower back muscles and the arms are just as much in demand. Riding is therefore the ideal Full body workout.
My routine when riding
I ride regularly and do rides with friends for relaxation and fun every now and then. But most of the time you can find me with the horse in the riding arena.
The horse is (p)finished
First of all, I get myself and my horse ready - that is: my horse is cleaned, the hooves are checked and cleaned and then saddled and bridled up.
We both warm up
As with any sport, horseback riding requires extensive warm-up - and this time not for the rider, but for the horse as well. There is otherwise a risk of injury. The horse's musculature is not dissimilar to the human one - so here too: Muscle soreness danger, if one does not begin slowly and also after the training sufficiently "out or off", as it is called in riding circles.
Clear head
At the beginning, I put myself in the right mood and also my horse. Horses are very sensitive and react strongly to the mood of their rider. So it's important for me to clear my head before riding - I take a deep breath and forget the stress of everyday life and concentrate fully on my horse.
Full body workout for both of us
Most of the time, I first walk a few rounds very calmly at a walk and get myself and my horse used to the movement, so to speak. In the process, my whole body is called upon - after all, just the right posture on the horse is a little whole-body workout.
Do not forget to go out
Once you've finished your ride, you can't miss out on going out. You should allow enough time for this. The horse needs these minutes to calm down again.
With the horse to the riding arena
When I am calm and relaxed and my horse is warmed up, it is time for the real work. In the riding arena you ride so-called Riding track figures. These are Serpentines, Circles and other shapesthat horse and rider cope with in the riding arena.
They train the obedience of the horse. In this way, a horse learns to react to the rider's aids. So if I put my leg against the horse's belly on the right and pull lightly on the left rein, it should go to the left and vice versa - to describe it simply.
When riding the riding arena figures is especially my Calf muscles always in tension. From the knee down, it's about minimal movements that you almost don't see as a spectator, but which have a lot of effect on the rider.
It's the same from the knee up - the inner thighs and buttocks are tense throughout and are thus automatically trained as well. Depending on the gait, i.e. the speed of the horse, different muscles are used.
After riding is before riding
As it is with every sport, so it is with riding: It's fun especially when you can already do a little bit. Then it becomes really exciting. You can do much more with your horse than just sit on it and walk in circles at different speeds ;)
Maybe that makes you Show jumping fun or you focus on the Dressage. Then after some time and practice you will probably be found on real tournaments.
Many riders also prefer Western riding - lassoing, cattle driving and cowboys included. Personally, I am an enthusiastic gaited horse rider - a few horse breeds have even more to offer besides walk, trot and canter.
Whatever you like best - horse and rider should have fun with it - then it will definitely work out.
My Basic Riding Kit for Beginners
I am not a fan of expensive and often unnecessary equipment. For riders who do not want to invest masses of money right away, the simple Basic equipment: It is important to wear a safe riding helmet, sturdy shoes and long pants.
Everything else is available at every riding stable - and no beginner rider needs his own riding crop or expensive complete equipment ;)
The perfect riding helmet
As I said, one thing is important above all: the safety of the horse - and for this you need a well-fitting riding helmet. Mine is adjustable with small wheels and grows so to speak also times with ;)
The matching boots
Also important are sturdy shoes. I'm not a fan of boots, but usually wear riding boots - which, by the way, are also mega-trendy at the moment and certainly wearable that way.
Riding gloves against blisters
Otherwise, I would only invest in a small thing that seems unimportant at first: riding gloves. Do not cost much, but can save you many blisters on the fingers.
My conclusion
Riding is a great sport. But you should think twice before buying a horse yourself. Horses need a lot of affection, time and money. At many riding stables you can not only borrow the horse, but also the equipment.
And don't be surprised if your muscles are terribly sore at first :)
Elisabeth is no longer a little girl, but she lives the dream of many girls and lives on a horse farm. She writes on the side - and not just professionally.
Photos: Elisabeth Nachbar
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