Horse Illustrated - Winter Edition

Do you know your back plays a pivotal role in ensuring a balanced, strong and effective seat?

The winter edition of Horse Illustrated, showcases Ifa Simmonds, a certified performance coach for equestrians.

The performance coach explains that riders frequently suffer from back pain due to the rigorous physical demands of riding including balance and control.

In the saddle, your back is part of every move.

Simmonds emphasizes the importance of a healthy back and recommends 3 basic mobility exercises to keep your back supple and strong. (You probably remember these from yoga class):

1. Child’s Pose – helps lengthen the spine and relieve tension

2. Mid-Back Rotation – eases stiffness of the thoracic spine

3. Thread the Needle – targets upper back and shoulders

It’s not just for older riders – young girls I ride with complain about aching backs!

Coach Daniel Stewart suggests creating a map for your riding destination.

In an article entitled, "Ladder to Riding Success," Coach Daniel Stewart explains how to plan and achieve your riding goals in 2025. 

He recommends the usual good stuff about goal setting including making your goals: Smart, Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

What I love is that he asks us to write them in pencil!  That way if you miss your original goal, you can replace it with a new one.  Or even an improved one.