Fitness

Anyone who exerts themselves through exercise (in whatever form that may be) knows that you don't just push yourself to the limit all at once. You don't get to the finish line at the start. You set a goal, apply stress to the body and balance that with rest and nourishment. It takes however long it takes. You learn along the way how far to push, when to quit and when to take the day off. You build upon each workout in small increments until you eventually reach your goal. The goal of all goals is to reach your destination in a healthy body and happy mind having avoided injury and burnout. To find yourself healthy, capable, and happy!

If you don't currently work out, I encourage you to start incorporating an outside form of exercise into your weekly schedule. You don't have to do something massive. A run to the end of the street, or push ups, or jump rope. It can be anything really, outside of riding, that you find enjoyable and which challenges your mind and body. Set a goal for that exercise (run a mile without stopping, do 10 pushup in a row, do a bodyweight pull up, squat 45 lbs., etc.) Take the time to learn how to push yourself within that exercise and balance the push with rest and nourishment as you work towards your goal. Take small steps and build upon those. Be patient and take the time it takes.

Then apply that to your horse. Whether your horse jumps or does trail, they have to balance the weight of a rider and be strong enough to do whatever you are asking of them with the added weight. Approach their fitness they way you approach yours. When we understand what an athlete (definition: a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise) goes through, and understand what an athlete needs, we can understand what our four-legged athletes go through and what they need. It's not so different from us. Start small. Build up. Take the time it takes. Balance it with rest and nourishment. And most importantly, make sure your approach leads to a healthy, capable, and happy athlete.