• Lifestyle & More
  • Tips
  • Training
  • Care
  • Interviews
  • Inspiration
  • How To’s
  • Faith
  • Seasonal/Holiday
  • Recipes
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

The Narrow Trail

Inspire, Learn, & Grow in Horses, Faith

  • The Narrow Trail
  • About
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Category Index
  • Ministries
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Refund and Returns Policy
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Prints

Search

Home » Equestrian Fitness

Equestrian Fitness

Share

7 shares
  • Facebook

Staying fit as a rider in 2022

Whether it is a goal to get in shape, lose weight, or be more active, 91% of American New Year’s resolutions include some kind of fitness goal. The sad fact is that by February they’ve already given up.

The best way to keep a goal is to make it a lifestyle and part of your every day or weekly routine. The key is to not make unrealistic goals for yourself. You know your habits and tendencies, so take that into consideration when making a plan for your fitness goals. What is going to work with your schedule and keep you motivated?

Knowing those things will keep you on track, but keep in mind you may still have to tweak your schedule throughout the year depending on what changes happen in your life. Also, the change of seasons can affect where and how we workout so being flexible with what you do is also important.

Here is a list of things you can incorporate into a weekly routine with your horses and out in the barn.

Equestrian Fitness - Carrying feed sacks
Carrying this really heavy feed sack

Equestrian Fitness Idea #1 – Walking

Walking is one way I love to stay fit as an equestrian because it’s enjoyable. I can do alone this or with my horse. Yes, you can take your horse for walks! In fact, I think it is a great way to spend time with your horse. It’s a good way to get some training time on the ground too. You can roughly burn 100 calories per mile you walk. This is just an estimate because terrain and pace can play a role in calories burned.

Equestrian Fitness Idea #2 -Carrying Feed Bags

This is something we do albeit not daily usually, but we could take it further and do some laps around the barn with a feed bag on our shoulders. I think it’s a pretty easy way to get some strength training in. Maybe some people will think you look a little crazy, though.

Equestrian fitness Idea #3 – Shoveling Manure

This task is not one of the funnest. I’ll be the first to admit that, but it’s a job that’s got to be done and it really works your upper body. So, grab the wheel barrow and your rake and get to scooping manure. Depending on your setup, this could be a daily or weekly job. 

Equestrian Fitness Idea #4 – Workouts

I suggest finding a workout you can do at home in less than 20 minutes and ideally you can fit into your day. There are a lot of options on YouTube and, in fact, I found a channel that is directly related to equestrians. Horse Learner Fitness Channel on YouTube has great workouts that are all 20 minutes or less. She usually uploads a new video twice a week. If you wanted to workout more than that, she has a lot of videos to choose from. 

Equestrian Fitness - Workouts
Working out at home

Equestrian Fitness idea #5 – Stretching

Stretching your muscles is easy and is not strenuous, so it’s a simple thing we can fit into our routine. Take a few minutes before you get in the saddle to limber up and your body will appreciate you later. In fact, spend a few minutes after your ride as well stretching you and your horse. It helps reduce sore muscles and injury.

Equestrian Fitness Idea #7 – Riding Bareback

This actually is a great workout for your inner thighs and your core. Not only that, but riding bareback can help your balance. You may not feel it while riding, but the next day your legs will probably be sore. Just remember to be safe and ride in an area you are comfortable with.

Equestrian Fitness Idea #7 – Grooming

Grooming is already something we do with our horses, but it can actually be great for toning your upper body. Use this time to not only bond with your horse, but burn some extra calories. When grooming, I often get the curry comb out and, with circular motions, get the dirt worked up to the surface. It won’t take long before you feel a burn in your arms!

Equestrian Fitness - Grooming
Grooming Raven in the cold.

Tips for Success

Set realistic, measurable goals

If you have a broad goal of getting in shape, then that goal is more likely to diminish over time because it is not measurable. For example, if you set a goal of being able to run one mile, then you can take small steps to reach that goal. You will start small and work your way up. That is a measurable goal.

Write your goals down

You are 42% more likely to reach your goal if you write them down. I suggest writing your goals down in a yearly planner and looking at them throughout the year and setting smaller goals from that each month.

Equestrian Fitness - Goals
Making lists is what I do

Have an accountability partner

If you have a friend that can help you stay accountable, then it will make it that much easier to stay motivated, not only that, but it will make the process more enjoyable. Maybe a riding buddy that will go on walks with you. Get together and discuss what goals you both might have and how you can help each other. Maybe it’s a text or call to each other each week to give encouragement and help each other stay on track.

Celebrate Small Successes

If you can’t celebrate your minor victories, then you won’t enjoy the journey. Because life is more about the middle than the end. It’s enjoying life in the moments of each day that makes the difference. If you dread your workouts, then you will be less likely to succeed. Just like when we praise our horses for doing well, we should do the same for us. It may look different for each person. Maybe you treat yourself to something new or a day doing something you really love.

I hope you found this list inspiring. If you have more ideas on how to stay fit with your horse, please leave me a comment below.

As always thanks for being here. Good luck with your fitness goals this year!

Luke 12:7 T-Shirt

Luke 12:7 T-Shirt

This t-shirt is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It’s comfortable and flattering for all.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather ar…

$28.50
Shop now

Related

«
»

Lifestyle & More 8

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah says

    January 6, 2022 at 12:17 am

    I LOVE making goal lists for the year! It’s so fun looking back being able to see the physical growth. Great ideas to stay fit! I enjoy all of them, but ESPECIALLY the grroming. 😊

    Reply
    • rachel says

      January 6, 2022 at 6:13 pm

      Yesss, the grooming is my fave!

      Reply
  2. Meggie Farmer says

    January 6, 2022 at 5:47 pm

    Love this post!! After many years of jumping, I can attest that these are all great tips to stay in shape! I miss my riding regimen so much and hope to be able to get back to it one day! It’s not only great for your body but also for your mind! 🙂

    Reply
    • rachel says

      January 6, 2022 at 6:14 pm

      Thank you Meggie, I hope you can get back into it someday soon. Also, I always wanted to learn how to jump, it looks so fun!

      Reply
  3. Jen says

    January 6, 2022 at 6:27 pm

    I’m going to share this with my Aunt! She is an advisor rider. Beautiful post!

    Reply
    • rachel says

      January 7, 2022 at 7:32 pm

      Thank you Jen for sharing!

      Reply
  4. Anja says

    January 6, 2022 at 6:58 pm

    As a life-long horse rider, I can attest how important it is for the rider to be fit. It also makes it easier for the horse! I feel like simply having a horse and doing barn chores yourself creates a certain level of fitness but the stretching part is definitely important, too!

    Reply
    • rachel says

      January 7, 2022 at 7:32 pm

      Thank you Anja. I believe if we expect our horses to be athletes then we should be too.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Blog Categories

From the Shop

  • Narrow Trail Long Sleeve Tee $29.50
  • He is Enough Tee $25.00
  • Narrow Trail Embroidered Champion Packable Jacket $50.00
  • Narrow Trail Logo Tee $25.00

Featured Articles

How to Bond With a Horse

Prayers for the Loss of a Loved One

Groundwork for a Nervous Horse

Interview with Braveheart Beasts

Footer

Follow on Instagram

thenarrowtrail

Faithful Friday Mark 20:28 Just as the Son of Man Faithful Friday
Mark 20:28
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a 
ransom for many.
I can’t think of any other animal that embodies the Lord and Savior more than a horse. They are both majestic and humble servants. 
Jesus stepped down from His seat at the right hand of God and came to Earth not to be served, but to serve. When I’m serving others, I can grow weary and burdened, but I remember I’m never more like Christ when I lay aside my own desires and put others first. Horses are such a blessing to us. I hope my life is a blessing to others as well.
To me, the bond is EVERYTHING! I wrote this week To me, the bond is EVERYTHING! 

I wrote this week's blog on the topic of bonding with your horse. Link in story.
I love how this picture my friend Rachel Sisco too I love how this picture my friend Rachel Sisco took wearing her new faith over fear tee. These are available on my website or on Etsy. Your choice!
Use coupon code SNOW15 to save 15% for the next 2 days only. (Coupon code is valid for both platforms.)
Find a link in my bio under Etsy or Shop/Merch.
Have you ever struggled to build a bond with a hor Have you ever struggled to build a bond with a horse? Believe it or not, I felt the same way about Poncho at first. At times, I thought he might be better off with someone else. We had some growing pains. But I can't imagine not having him. This week's blog is how to build that connection and bond with your horse. Follow the link in my bio and click on most recent articles. 
.
.
.
.
#horselover #ighorse #horsesofinstagramdaily
Faithful Friday Galatians 2:20 I have been crucifi Faithful Friday
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

After my baby Anna died, our pastor started a series on Galatians. I remember him asking the congregation if they ever had a life verse, and I didn’t. When he came to chapter 2 of Galations, this verse not only spoke to me, but jumped out at me. Not that I hadn’t read it before or was familiar with it, but it took on a new meaning. I knew I wanted this to be my life verse. 
After relinquishing my hopes of having an Earthly life with Anna, I found my heart open to releasing more than that- some of my past pain, my dreams, and my own will and path for my life. The lens of my life I look through looks different. 
I want Christ to live in and through me like never. I no longer focus solely on my own goals, but say, “I’ll go and do what you want me to do Lord. Not my will, but yours.” I want to live by faith! But God is so good because in so many ways, I am living my dreams. 
Do you have a life verse? I’d love to know what it is.
It's a winter wonderland here today. It's been abs It's a winter wonderland here today. It's been absolutely beautiful. 
.
.
.
.
#horsephotography #beautyofsnow #winterhorsephoto
I don't have a new blog post this week because I'm I don't have a new blog post this week because I'm working on a big project that I look forward to sharing as it gets closer to fruition. 
But I wanted to share with you my most popular blog post, "Non Riding Things to do with Your Horse."
Part of my daily routine is just hanging out with my horse in the barn. I'll usually feed him some hay, brush him, and sometimes I sit on his back. I enjoy these quiet moments and it helps build a strong bond. Time spent with your horse where you're not asking anything of them or expecting anything is really valuable to the relationship. 
You can find a link in my bio.
Faithful Friday...a day late. Psalm 34:18 The Lor Faithful Friday...a day late. 
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I saw this rock hiking this morning, and I thought it was so pretty, but I realized what made it so unique was it was broken. I was seeing the inside of this rock. 
It reminded me that in our brokenness our true beauty is revealed because we lean so heavily on our God. 
.
.
.
.
#devotional #psalms #psalm34 #brokenness
This came just in time for this week's blog post, This came just in time for this week's blog post, which is prayers for the loss of a loved one. 
I'd waited weeks for this monument for my daughter, Anna Roan. I'm really happy with how it came out. Anna's middle name Roan comes from my old horse who was a red roan and this picture represents him so well. He had a beautiful blaze face. I love how it honors both of them. 
If you or someone you know has experience loss even if it was a beloved horse, I hope these prayers help. Follow the link in my bio and click on most recent articles to read more. 
.
.
.
.
#lossoflovedone #grief #infantloss #praye
I'm a daughter of the King. At times you must remi I'm a daughter of the King. At times you must remind yourself who's you are and what He thinks of you.
Faithful Friday Matthew 6:25-26 “Therefore I say Faithful Friday
Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
What do you need more than anything right now? Maybe you’re struggling financially or have health problems. Our Heavenly knows what you need before you ask. He causes the grass to grow so our horses may eat. He clothes them with a warm coat all winter. How much more does He care for you? Or do you think He cares very little? Maybe because you have problems in your life and it feels like He’s not listening. Do you ever doubt His goodness because He's not given you what you've asked for? 
But have you considered what He wants? He wants you to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. What does that mean? 
It means pray to Him, fight your battles on your knees. 
It means love your neighbor, be His hands and feet. 
It means lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, seeking wisdom above all by reading scripture. 
For you can take nothing with you from this world. And no one will remember what your clothes looked like, if your hair looked good, or your house was clean, but they will remember how you made them feel and the time you took to show you cared.
Sometimes I just have to say it outloud! It fills Sometimes I just have to say it outloud! It fills me with hope knowing I'm His!
Groundwork for a nervous horse. In this week's blo Groundwork for a nervous horse. In this week's blog you can read 3 ways to help a nervous horse calm down and get their focus on you. Here is just a brief check in with Poncho. By leaning to the side, I'm getting him to give me two eyes. This tells me I have his full attention. Sometimes when you're working with a horse and they keep lifting their head to look at something else, this brief check in can really help. Over time, they'll get used to tuning back into you. Find the link in my bio to read the full blog under most recent articles. 
.

.
.
.
#groundwork #horsetraining #nervoushorse #naturalhorsemanship
No place that lifts my spirits more. Well besides No place that lifts my spirits more. Well besides my kids laughter. I wouldn't want to have to choose. 😊
Enjoy your Sunday. Get outside! Give thanks! Show kindness and grace!
Faithful Friday Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive ot Faithful Friday
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
What do you see when you look at a horse? Some see fear. Maybe they've been bitten, kicked, or even thrown. The horse to that person meant pain. But not all horses are the same. Some are gentle and have the capacity to feel your pain and emotions and offer healing. 
Though some are fearful and misunderstood, often acting out. Maybe they've been treated poorly in their past and have trauma. A good trainer won't treat a traumatized horse any differently. They may change their tactics, but the treatment is the same- with love and respect. 
People are like that too. Maybe someone has hurt you with their words or actions. It's so easy to hold on to those feelings, but as believers in Christ, we are to forgive. Even to go as far as loving our enemies. 
We can't know what a person or horse has gone through in their life. Let us offer mercy and forgiveness, since our Heavenly Father has shown us such grace. 
.
.
.
.
#devotional #devotion #forgiveness #matthew6 #horsephotography #photogrpahy #sunrise #morningfog
A little tribute drawing to our horse Daisy that w A little tribute drawing to our horse Daisy that we lost in October. It was also a gift for my husband for Christmas. 
#horseart #horsedrawing #pencilsketch
A new year. A time for setting goals and hopes for A new year. A time for setting goals and hopes for achieving dreams. I'm a little happy to say goodbye to 2022, but in a way I don't want to let it go. I had to let go of my daughter and the dreams of having a little girl, but God pulled me close and taught me so much! He mentored to me and spoke to me like never before. I have peace that she is with Jesus. At times I miss holding her and singing to her, but I wonder what sounds she's hearing that are so much better than my voice. 
This year's goals for me look a little different. I want to enjoy more sunrises and sunsets. I want to grow and reach more people to share Jesus with. I want to be outside and enjoy God's beauty and be thankful for each day. 
I tried hard to embrace my trials last year and trust God. This year I want to listen for His voice on what to do next. 
.
.
.
.
#horseblog #equestrianblogger #infantloss #grief #horselover #horsephotography
Interview with Kaleigh Marie, a professional liber Interview with Kaleigh Marie, a professional liberty trainer. You may know her as @braveheartbeasts. This is such an inspiring interview, perfect for kicking off the new year. Kaleigh has had an interesting start with horses and her background includes a variety of species. I really enjoyed this interview as always! I draw so much inspiration and learn so much. I love learning about people's starts, their passion that drives them, and what keeps them grounded and faithful to their horses. A huge thank you to Kaleigh for this interview! 
Follow the link in my bio and click on most recent articles. Or find a link in my story! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#libertyhorse #libertyhorses #libertyhorsemanship #libertyhorsetraining #libertyhorsemanshiptraining #braveheartbeasts #horseblog #lifestyleblog #horsemanship #horsetrainer #horsetraining #tricktraining
Faithful Friday I looked at the goals I'd written Faithful Friday
I looked at the goals I'd written out for 2022 and I crossed them out and wrote beneath them- God had other plans. 
My year didn't go as expected, but I learned a lot and I grew a lot. 

When making and planning goals for the new year remember God may have different plans. You may have to relinquish your will to His. It may be painful, but it will never be in vain. 

Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, Immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 
1 Cor. 15:58 

Wishing you many blessings in 2023.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

About the Author

Hi, I'm Rachel. I am the creator of The Narrow Trail. I've been riding horses since before I could walk. I was the horse obsessed girl that just never grew out of it you could say. I'm like most people, my days are busy and filled with taking care of my kids, running a house, and running my own business, but I always find time to have fun with all- two-legged and four-legged alike. Welcome to my site! Read More…

Copyright © 2023 · Darling theme by Restored 316

7 shares