"As in most athletic endeavors, the rider must develop the seemingly contradictory qualities of relaxation and strength." "If you can't discipline your own body, you cannot discipline your horse." Charles de Kunffy
"A good piece of advice to all who want to ride well, and who wish to acquire a good position, would be to do gymnastic exercises, which give suppleness, ease and sureness in riding...Only the rider who is free from any contraction will have a horse equally free from contraction." Nuno Oliveira, Reflections On Equestrian Art
"Everyone who rides should incorporate a cross-training program and proper nutrition in their regimen to stay fit and healthy and prevent injury." "Riding alone does not provide the fitness required for performance, especially if you only ride occasionally. Like any other sport, riding requires that other athletic activities be added to the mix." Mary D. Midkiff Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian
"What does it take to be a successful competitive rider?.... If you want to be a successful rider, you must train hard and intelligently in the saddle....However, intensive riding is not all you can do to become a better rider. By improving your physical and mental fitness you can utilize more of your full athletic potential to further develop your riding skills....Achieving a higher degree of fitness will make your reactions quicker and your cues more precise." Tom Holmes The New Total Rider
"...the quality of control of the arm, leg, or whatever, can be improved and eventually, through practice, become automatic. To achieve this goal, it is first necessary to isolate each part of the body so the rider may learn how that part functions and how it feels when it moves correctly and incorrectly....Then an increasingly efficient use of the body becomes possible." Sally Swift Centered Riding
"Building athleticism in your own body will give you the full range of movement which will enable you to ride any stride...without hindering your horse's steps." Joni Bentley, Riding Success Without Stress
"Many people expect self-carriage from the horse when they themselves have failed to attain this. The rider's body is like a balancing pole to the horse. A loose, flaccid body gives little support; similarly, a tight one restricts movement." Sylvia Loch and Richenda van Laun, Flexibility and Fitness for Riders
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"Balanced Training for Better Riding" EQUIFITT clients range from Olympic team members and competitive athletes, to pleasure riders, to non-riding horse-people who would like to avoid injury and repetitive strain common to choring and horse-care. Equestrian clients include: para-equestrian, polo, Western pleasure, reining, dressage, hunter/jumper, endurance/competitive trail. Like sport-conditioning in other fields, off-horse fitness for equestrians accelerates neuro-muscular development and physical ability in ways which have a direct impact on your sport performance. Whether you are an occasional pleasure rider, or competitive athlete, cross-training directly impacts your posture and ability to give effective aids in the saddle, and respond to sudden demand while avoiding injury. Specifically, off-horse work improves:
EQUIFITT specializes in helping you improve your riding skill and enjoyment, and avoid strain associated with barn choring through off-horse exercises that target specific muscle groups and issues common to riding and choring. EQUIFITT uses best practices in fitness training and programs draw from a variety of fitness methods including pilates, yoga and sport conditioning to create a balanced approach you can manage without alot of equipment or need to fit gym time into your schedule. Clinics are designed to provide participants with immediate feedback on posture, alignment and body usage and relevant off-horse exercise recommendations to help each rider achieve the desired outcome in the saddle. EQUIFITT can also be available for at-show coaching and support through warmup routines, stretching and relaxation, facilitated stretch therapy and assistance with preparation and de-stress rituals using sport psychology principles. Whether you are an amateur or occasional rider, or a competitive athlete, you can benefit from balanced conditioning which helps you develop the strength and flexibility you need to make the most of your time in the saddle, and your investment in riding. While any complementary fitness activity can help you cross-train, a personalized and sport-specific program targeted to your needs as an individual will have greater impact. Whether you're riding or caring for your horses, why not maximize your ability to do what you love, longer and better. Avoid 'weekend warrior' injuries and strain, and achieve the self-carriage you expect of your horse- so you can help him get there more effectively. Personal Fitness Programs for Equestrians EQUIFITT recognizes that riders are busy, so personal training sessions can be spaced at a frequency that works for you. A program typically lasts for six weeks, at which point you will need your program re-set so that your body does not plateau. Like any balanced sport training program, equestrian programs cover complete body training within the EQUIFITT balanced approach, but are designed to specifically enhance your riding and horsecare fitness needs. For riders, the initial consultation includes a session observing you ride and discussion of your needs and goals with your coach, if applicable. To bridge the gap between your fitness training and better riding, it is important to target fitness training areas that will help with your particular riding issues and goals. A 'virtual coach' option is available for riders who only require phone support and program re-set once they have completed their initial assessment, and received their initial program either in a private or semi-private consultation, or at an EQUIFITT equestrian fitness clinic. It's the perfect solution for getting the 'edge' you need on your riding fitness, wherever you are. Basic components of an equestrian fitness program include:
Clinics and Workshops Workshops typically last two hours, and are conducted on location at your riding facility, or other designated facility. Participants receive helpful hand-outs and resources, and content covers fitness basics with an opportunity to learn and try various helpful exercises. Clinics can be a half-day or full-day, depending on the number of participants. At a clinic, fitness assessment includes mounted observation where alignment, posture and other fitness issues are observed. Mounted observation notes are combined with an off-horse fitness assessment for each participant. A final step includes a workshop where riders learn applicable fitness principles and exercises, and receive individual exercise recommendations and other take-home material. Clinics can also address pre-show prep and stress using sport psychology principles. Clinic fees are very affordable: the average is $60 per participant plus applicable travel costs. Download Workshop and Clinic Flyer for Your Barn! Clinics, workshops and small group classes can be organized to work for you- if you think there may be interest at your barn or group, contact EQUIFITT and let's see what we can put together. Group Classes for Equestrians For something a little different, added fun, and a way to help you get the most out of your time in the saddle, EQUIFITT can also run a series of weekly or bi-weekly group fitness classes at your riding facility or other location. Many clients follow-up on a clinic with a series of small group training classes that help keep you motivated and on track. Small group training is a very affordable way to get semi-private instruction and follow-up, without full private training cost. Contact EQUIFITT to discuss your requirements and inquire about availability. Current Group Classes Open to the Public Equestrian Fitness Bootcamp: Don't be intimidated by the word bootcamp! Classes focus on low-impact total body workout to elevate heart-rate and improve stamina, core work to improve posture and alignment in the saddle, and other exercises to develop body awareness and flexibility for better balance and more effective aids. Classes draw on multiple disciplines, including sport conditioning, pilates and yoga. (If you're not riding these days, you can still participate!) TUESDAY 6pm-7pm UGuelph, Kemptville Campus WEDNESDAY 7pm-8pm Vernon Community Centre (Just off Bank Street, just south of Dalmeny Road, turn left at centre of Vernon. There are signs for the community centre.) June 4 - July 16 (no class July 2) OTHER OPTIONS: Additional bootcamps are run on Monday morning & evening, and Wednesday mornings in Kemptville. These are not equestrian-specific, but would be suitable cross training for equestrians. For more information, see the Group Class section on the Fitness page of this website. DOWNLOAD FALL BOOTCAMP & FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE HERE. Register by contacting EQUIFITT: (613) 258-4866, personaltraining@equifitt.com TO ORGANIZE A FITNESS BOOTCAMP, WORKSHOP or CLINIC AT YOUR BARN, CONTACT EQUIFITT.
Yoga for Equestrians EQUIFITT recommends yoga as part of a balanced training program for equestrians, particularly useful for flexibility and balance training. Fitness programs draw inspiration from yoga for flexibility. Ask about possible workshops organised in conjunction with the local yoga studio, or recommendations for private yoga-for-equestrians instruction. Moms n' Tots Get fit, have fun, and don't compromise your health and fitness at a time when you have more reasons than one for avoiding injury and maximizing whatever saddle time you do get. If you have a new baby or young children, you probably find it difficult to ride, let alone also squeeze going to a gym into your schedule. You may even be taking a break from riding. EQUIFITT invites you to bring your small child to the private studio, or book your training sessions at your home so you can have your child with you. Why not try semi-private training with a friend of yours who is in the same situation as you are? Students and Seniors Students and Seniors rates and programs are available. Fee Schedule Since part of the EQUIFITT mission is to make fitness more accessible and achievable in a rural and small-town setting, there is no weekly or monthly minimum number of sessions required. It is recommended that you train at a frequency that matches your goals and budget, whether that means training several times a week for a period of time, or booking occasional sessions to keep you accountable, and progressing forward. Your program does need to be re-assessed at the six-week mark so that your body does not adapt and 'plateau'. GST charges apply, travel charges may apply for training at your location. Customize a training package to your budget & schedule Double the fun: share with a friend and train semi-privately Ask about gift certificate options
NEW! Virtual Coach: Nowhere near Ottawa/Kemptville? No problem! Get riding discipline specific program recommendations you can do from your home or local gym. Email and phone support, food log monitoring and program reset are included. Call to inquire.
Ottawa Area $60/person Other areas: inquire Non-riding participants and clinic auditor prices vary depending on area. Travel and expenses are additional where applicable.
** Packages and pricing can be tailored to your needs: call or email to inquire **Travel fee additional where applicable** Contact EQUIFITT to book a clinic at your barn. Download Clinic Flyer for Your Barn
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Testimonials: clients get results!
"Heather has helped myself and my students alot with our strength and flexibility. She made sure that each rider was treated individually, and designed a program for each one's specific needs. We owe it to our horses to make sure we are as fit and flexible as we expect them to be!" Gina Smith, Canadian Olympian and head dressage trainer
"Heather provided me with valuable feedback during my on-horse evaluation and off-horse group exercises. She helped me to identify a rider weakness that ultimately led to a breakthrough in addressing a crookedness issue I was having with turning my horse to the left. I am enjoying the social and motivational aspect of our weekly exercise group for riders. The personal fitness program designed for me by Heather has made a huge impact on my muscle tone and flexibility post partum." Kylie Panciuk, Dressage Rider and Owner,
WindDance Lane: Horse Transport, Arena Footing & Sport Horses
"I find my balance and upper body strength is alot better. I really feel a difference in the abdominal area too. I feel motivated to keep up with exercise during the week because the classes with Heather have made a difference. I'm feeling really good!" Melanie, Western pleasure rider
"Heather's session on preparing riders for the upcoming season was very much appreciated by all the Pony Clubbers who attended the Eventing Clinic on April 6, 2008 at Stevens Creek Farm. Thank you so much Heather for sharing your personal fitness knowledge and expertise, and your positive attitude with the riders." Marlene, education chair, Oxford Downs Pony Club
"In just a few sessions, I have already noticed a big improvement with riding my horse. I need fewer breaks and am able to use my aids more effectively with less effort." Kristina, Dressage Rider with exercise-induced asthma
"My training with EQUIFITT is helping my self-confidence, which is improving my confidence on the horse. Specific exercises directly related to riding help me achieve my goals, both with my personal fitness and my riding. It's a great feeling to have a plan, along with a knowledgeable expert to help me achieve it!" Laura, Western Rider
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