20/ MARCH/APRIL 2011 THE RIDER Fitness For Riders Continued from Page 14
are in a riding position, tightness in that area seriously compromises your seat and back position, and can cre-
ate low back pain.
2. Calf stretch on a stair: using an object to allow your heel to reach down as much as possible gives you a much better stretch than simply
leaning forward with your foot on the floor. All riders need very flexi- ble calves and Achilles tendons so that the ball of your foot can rise softly with each of your horse’s strides and there is no impediment to his movement. Even dressage riders with feet that look flat in the stirrup, need maximum calf flexibility.
3. Standing crossed hamstring stretch: Another reason you need flexibility in your calf is that it is connected to your hamstring muscles in a continuous fascial train. What this means that if you have stiff calves, you will not achieve proper stretch in your hamstrings either. While hamstrings are almost always in a short- ened position while we are riding, it is really important for them to be soft, not tight so that you can move your seat
bones as needed.
By Heather Sansom,
Equifitt.com Eques- trian Fitness
Heather is a certified personal trainer, and Level 1 Certified Centered Riding Instructor. Sign up for a FREE monthly rider fitness tips at
www.equifitt.com . Equifitt offers personalized fitness plans, clinics, Centered Riding instruction and distance coaching options.
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