There’s never been a better opportunity to fine-tune your riding skills than now, in fact, it’s something that should be done at any time of the year. In this article, we take a look at the rider’s core strength with event rider, Harriet Morris-Baumber.
As riders, we are becoming increasingly aware of our own fitness and the impact it has on our ability in the saddle, alongside the performance of the horse. Overall fitness is important but having good core strength can transform your riding.
Why core strength?
Your core muscles support your spine and hips and are engaged when you carry out most everyday tasks. If you have ever pulled a muscle in this area you will know the pain with the slightest movement. Core stability is vital for you to be able to move freely with the horse and not lose balance in the saddle, resulting in using the reins to steady yourself or your knees to grip.
A strong core will also help you stay in the centre of the saddle, so if your horse spooks, you are less likely to fall off and injure yourself.
Harriet morris-baumber
Harriet comments she never misses an opportunity to work on her core strength, building simple exercises into her daily routine:
I make a conscious effort to engage my core muscles at any given opportunity. Standing waiting for the water bucket to fill, filling the kettle up, carrying water buckets, emptying the wheelbarrow, carrying a haynet, sat at my desk doing emails, every moment is a chance to engage my core and build strength and condition in the muscles. These are all things you don’t have to make extra time for; you just need to start the habit,”
When Harriet is in the saddle she is always engaging her core muscles, whether she is having a leisurely stroll out hacking or riding cross-country. Harriet constantly corrects her position and thinks about how she is sitting, and whether her weight is evenly distributed.
Power Hoop
To develop more dynamic core strength, Harriet uses a power hoop, which is a weighted, foam padded, hoola hoop (image below). Not only do power hoops increase your aerobic health, but they can help you keep trim by reducing fat around your waist and hips. Most are weighted, and you can get some that allow you to expand or decrease the size according to requirements.
The Plank
Core exercises like the plank improve static strength but the power hoop helps improve the core muscles whilst moving. This simulates the ability to engage the muscles when on the move, just like when you are riding a horse.
Being able to engage your core and move is a key skill to develop which will help improve your riding performance. Starting with a short burst, and working up to two to three minutes a day, you’ll soon notice a real difference. In turn, planking can also help support your back and improve your posture – it’s a win-win without having to spend any money at all.
Rock on Ruby
Harriet also has her own ‘Rock on Ruby’ (below); a see-saw-like, training device developed by her coach, Christopher Bartle, to demonstrate to riders exactly how their position can affect the horse. Even just looking down with your eyes has an effect on ‘Ruby’ and makes the front end start to tip forward.
Just five minutes on ‘Rock on Ruby’ is enough to trigger the right muscles into action and this makes a huge difference to my riding,”
added Harriet.
No matter what you choose to do to help tone your core muscles, make sure you have fun but remain safe and work within your limits. Slow and steady wins the race!
Harriet is available for dressage, show-jumping and cross-country lessons at her base near York.
To find out more call Harriet on (07795) 562745 or visit www.harriet-morris-baumber.co.uk
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.