Picture an athlete.
What do you see? A runner? A cyclist? Michael Phelps or Simone Biles?
Whatever or whoever came to your mind, I’m going to guess it wasn’t an equestrian. I’m also going to guess that’s even more true if we ask the same question of the mainstream, non-horsey population.
So, what gives? Are equestrians athletes?
Why Aren't Equestrians Seen as Athletes?
Those of us who ride understand that doing so well is a complex physical skill. Not only that, but a tough riding lesson can leave us with aching abs and adductors for days.
So why don’t people — including many riders — think of equestrians as athletes?
We all associate athleticism with physical fitness. Historically, however, physical fitness has rarely been associated with horsemanship.
Back when horses were work-a-day features of farm and even city life, handling them was nothing special. It wasn’t a sport, and people certainly didn’t go out of their way to get fit to ride. If anything, working among horses was exactly that: working. It was something you got fit from, not something you got fit for.
When technology moved on and society became more sedentary on the whole, riding became a leisure activity for those who could afford it. Many of life’s physical demands fell away, but few riders replaced them with intentional exercise. Instead, they simply continued riding in an unfit state.
Equestrian sports achieved great popularity at times, but they always focused on the athleticism of the horse. The athleticism of the rider never rose in the public consciousness.
What if you could change that?
What Makes an Equestrian an Athlete?
Of course, it doesn’t really matter whether other people think of equestrians as athletes. But how we think of ourselves makes a difference. When we think of ourselves as athletes, we behave like athletes.
Athletes approach their sports with consistency, effort, and intention. They cross-train to build strength and aerobic fitness. They fuel themselves with quality nutrition. They prioritize sleep. When they experience imbalance or pain, they seek solutions.
Read about How to Live Like an Elite Equestrian Athlete.
What if we riders gave our bodies the same kind of support as runners, swimmers, and gymnasts give theirs?
Serious equestrian competitors definitely behave like athletes. We casual competitors and recreational equestrians don’t have to, in order to simply ride, but we can choose to.
If we chose to be equestrian athletes, more than just our riding would improve. An athletic mindset would improve our overall physical and mental health. We’d be better able to support our horses and represent our sport to the world.
You Can Be an Equestrian Athlete
You don’t have to be just another equestrian who gets by, relying on your horse’s strength to compensate for your weakness. You can be a full partner, an fit rider, a leader who shifts modern riding culture for the betterment of our health and horses.
Ride on, athlete.
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Regarding fitness I started weight lifting 4 months ago and the changes in my overall strength has been pretty amazing. I have worked up to some pretty substantial weight (deadlifting my own body weight) squats with heavy weights plus using kettle balls for a variety of movements. My core is so much stronger and my confidence in my riding has greatly increased.
That is awesome! Well done! I totally agree about the confidence gains from knowing that your body is strong (and also mobile) enough to help you out of a bad situation. I always liked the advice to “be strong enough to save your own life.” 🙂