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Trail Tales
By Shirley DuErmit
Yes, it is definitely that time of year. Sitting by the fire and daydreaming about all those refreshing trail rides on our noble steeds. Reading maps of all the local Julian and backcountry areas that we can horseback-ride and enjoy on warmer days. Being an avid trail rider myself, I have been thinking of a plan to get in shape for the riding season. Below, I have listed a plan to help get us all in great horseback riding condition for spring and summer.
Horses usually get more exercise than their riders. The interface between the horse and rider is very important, and being in shape and having flexibility helps that union between horse and rider.
The most critical part of this riding plan is to get all of us in reasonable healthy shape using some cross training right in our own backyard. Have you ever come back from a five-hour trail ride and gotten off your horse looking like you are still riding, while you should be standing up straight? Well, we need to change that picture.
For the next few months a weekly fitness plan will be my challenge to you. Even if you can only do one or two days a week, you will be off to great start. It is best to start out slowly and gradually build up.
1. Monday: Yoga class to keep breathing correctly while riding and stretching those tight, cold muscles. Try to go to a class at least once a week to learn and stay motivated.
2. Tuesday: Walking at least one mile up some of Julian's hills.
3. Wednesday: Riding your horses or doing some very much needed ground work with them. Remember, you don't always have to ride your horses to have them well trained for the trails.
4. Thursday: Walking for at least one hour or bike riding for 45 minutes.
5. Friday: Yoga on your own or go to a class so your muscles don't forget how to stretch. Yoga is also very important for getting and keeping core body strength nice and solid for balancing in the saddle.
6. Saturday and Sunday will be free days, which most of us like to fill with hours in the saddle anyway.
Please join me in the quest to become the horseback rider our horses deserve.
Happy Trails!
The author is a certified riding instructor with the American Riding Instructors Association, owns Julian Stables Trail Rides, and is a volunteer with the Santa Ysabel open space preserve.
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