Warm Up

Purpose of a Good Warm Up

This particular warm up gets the body more mobility.  Muscles connecting into the lower back, hip flexors and Piriformis are lengthened in this warm up. You want muscles to be active yet long.  Short muscles will only restrict your horseback riding performance.  

Exercises also engages core muscles for counterbalancing in the saddle.  Recruiting the core diagonally by bringing opposite knee to elbow increases pelvic stability and balance.  The same is developed when kneeling on or off the BOSU while pushing the hands out away from the core.

This sequence helps establish core stability by developing your lower core. Position yourself better in the saddle and gain muscles for better core stabilization.  Don’t forget to breath during this warm up.  Part of riding horses includes moving on a horse with ease and grace.  Stretching while controlling your breathing is difficult and beneficial to equestrian performance.  

Equipment

For the first couple exercises you don’t need anything but a mat.  Then the BOSU Ball can be used for the KNEE TO ELBOW TWIST but is optional. Place hands on floor.  A medicine ball is also optional but a free weight can be used as an alternative.