Fit for the Ride: Why Rider Fitness Is Essential — Even When You’re Busy
by Gabriella Ringer
Ask any experienced equestrian and they’ll tell you: it’s not just the horse that needs to be in top shape. A rider’s own physical fitness plays a crucial role in performance, safety, and the longevity of their riding career — especially in a high-intensity sport like eventing.
For most equestrians, time is a precious commodity. Between barn chores, work, school, and ride time, finding space in your day for a structured workout can feel impossible. But here’s the truth: if you want to be the best rider you can be, for your performance and your horse’s well-being, prioritizing your own fitness is non-negotiable.
Riding is a full-body sport, even though it doesn’t always look like one. Especially in disciplines like eventing, your body is constantly being tested — your legs support your base, your core stabilizes your position, and your upper body communicates with the reins. As equestrian fitness coach Tony Sando puts it, “Eventing is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, endurance, symmetry, stability, balance, and mental focus.” That means your horse isn’t the only athlete in the arena — you are, too. Rider fitness isn’t just about staying in the tack or getting through a tough ride; it’s also about partnership. An unbalanced or weak rider can unintentionally interfere with the horse’s movement, sending mixed signals or creating tension.
“A balanced and strong rider can communicate more clearly through their aids,” Sando explains. “That makes it easier for the horse to perform at its best.”
You don’t need a full gym or a free hour to start improving. Focused, consistent movement is more effective than occasional intense workouts. Sando recommends the Micro-Training Method: short routines, just 15 to 20 minutes, done five or six times a week. These sessions should target the key muscle groups that matter for riding: core, glutes, shoulders, and hips. Even just a few exercises like glute bridges, mobility drills, or neck strengthening movements can help build a stronger, more responsive body.
And chances are, you’re already doing more than you realize. “Barn chores can be a natural workout,” says Sando. “But in order for them to be effective at improving your fitness, you have to make them more difficult with time.” That means gradually increasing the weight you carry or changing how you move to avoid letting your body plateau. Tossing hay or dragging water buckets might not look like a training session, but if done intentionally, it absolutely counts.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s consistency. Keep track of your progress in the saddle, notice when you feel more balanced or less fatigued, and celebrate those small wins. Improving your own athleticism isn’t just a bonus, it’s one of the best ways to care for your horse. Because when you show up stronger, more stable, and more focused, you become a better partner in and out of the saddle.
