PHOTO © ADAM FANTHORPE
FIT TO RETURN
FIT TO RETURN WITH THE GREEN LIGHT TO START COMPETING AGAIN, IT’S ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR GETTING HORSES AND RIDERS IN OPTIMUM SHAPE AND READY FOR THEIR FIRST SHOWS. JOANNA BOWNS GETS SOME TOP ADVICE FROM INTERNATIONAL RIDER BOBBY HAYLER, HERSELF AN AVID FITNESS ENTHUSIAST, TO HELP GET YOU BACK IN THE GAME AFTER A PROLONGED TIME AWAY FROM THE COMPETITION ARENA.
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iders could face a variety of issues when returning to competition. Some may have given their horse a complete break through lockdown; others, access to an arena at home but no lessons. Some may just be short of match practice. With forethought, planning, and a little bit of ingenuity, obby offers some useful tips on how every rider can optimize their preparation.
RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS On top of healthy lifestyle choices such as good diet and getting enough sleep, there are exercises and habits everyone can adopt, points out Bobby. Take a walk at lunchtime, opt for the stairs and
if you re an o ce worker, perhaps replace your chair with a fitness ball. It’s about making those small changes that together can make a big difference to your riding. Always be aware of your posture, and each day take a moment to consider your own balance before getting on the horse. In the yard, try standing on one leg so your brain centralises your body, then stand on the other leg; repeat this with your eyes closed so you are totally relying on feel. obby uses a fitness ball, which is an excellent tool for improving balance and core strength. “If you sit to the right when riding, your horse will fall out through the left because you are pushing them that way. The same will happen with the ball!” she says.
ABOVE: ONCE ON BOARD, CONSIDER DOING A SPELL IN RISING TROT WITHOUT STIRRUPS AS IT REALLY HELPS IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE. IT IMPROVES THE UNDERSTANDING OF RISING FROM YOUR KNEE AND THIGH AND ALLOWS THE LOWER LEG TO RELAX. IF YOU RELY ON THE STIRRUPS TO RISE, IT MEANS YOU’RE UNSTABLE.
WONDER WORKOUTS ff the horse e ercise is an excellent way to condition the rider’s body and, with an array of classes available online, it’s never been easier to access. Furthermore, you can do it from the comfort of home and at a time that suits. Zumba is brilliant, says Bobby. It’s fun, good for your stamina and develops coordination as you have to watch and copy. Yoga and Pilates are good for enhancing strength, e ibility and balance. “ ne fitness app lo e to use is it n. t offers a broad range of fantastic sessions you can do anywhere, anytime plus dietary advice, and
it’s free. It’s a real game changer.” Access to a personal trainer is also recommended, even online if you cannot go in person. Bobby advocates taking part in any sport that makes you happy and gi es you confidence. “ especially think it’s important for under 21s to take part in team sport. There are so many lessons to be learnt from it.” Working with a physio is hugely beneficial, she adds, to e en out any crookedness, improve awareness and eliminate any tightness. “If you have awareness of your body and understanding of what the horse is supposed to be doing, you’re away.”
ABOVE, LEFT-RIGHT: 1) IF YOU’VE A FEW MINUTES BEFORE YOU RIDE, CARRY OUT THIS EXERCISE SITTING ON THE BALL: LIFT ONE LEG UP AND HOLD IT THERE; DO THE SAME WITH YOUR OTHER LEG KEEPING ONE FOOT PLACED ON THE GROUND. 2) ON THE BALL, KNEEL ON ALL FOURS. PUT ONE LEG OUT BEHIND YOU THEN THE OTHER THEN DO THE SAME WITH YOUR ARMS. 3) BALANCED IN A KNEELING POSITION, GET SOMEBODY TO THROW YOU A BALL. CATCH IT AND QUICKLY THROW IT BACK. THIS ‘TAKE IT AND GET RID OF IT’ MOTION EMULATES THE ACTION OF THE BODY IN THE HALF HALT. 4) LUNGES ARE BENEFICIAL AS THEY HELP TO OPEN UP THE HIP FLEXOR MUSCLES. THIS IS ESSENTIAL TO ACHIEVING A CORRECT, EFFECTIVE SEAT.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 3 2021 // 37
