Inhibitor #3

You lack stamina.

The Solution: Increase mental and physical resilience.

Horse ownership takes mental and physical fortitude. Early mornings and late nights at shows and on trail rides make for long, tiring days. Consider the amount of time you spend in the saddle and at an event during a long show day (or weekend). If you’re entered in several classes in a day, or a class with 100 entries or multiple splits, you need stamina to maintain energy and focus to ride well, sit tall, and smile. Trail riders who enjoy long, challenging routes must be attentive and able to withstand extended periods in the saddle to keep up with the group.

A body responds to resistance no matter your age or gender. High-intensity workouts and training give your muscles the resistance needed to grow, adapt, and become stronger. You’ll be sore initially, but like your horse, as you continue to condition yourself, your endurance increases and you experience less fatigue and post-exercise discomfort. Resilience develops through consistency. Create a routine that allows you to gradually progress. If you’re starting at zero, then one additional workout day per week will make a noticeable difference in your fitness level. The goal is to not burn out before good habits develop. So, it’s better to start small, with two to three exercise days per week every week, than to workout every day for one or two weeks, and then get tired and give up.

The mental benefits of exercise also give you a competitive edge in your riding. You go to the gym because you know it’s good for you, but determination helps you finish your routine. Exercise teaches you to push yourself even when you’re tired. This prepares you to handle an unexpected stressor at a show or to endure a long day or trip with your horse. You approach the situation confidently, knowing you have the mental stamina to push yourself through to the end.

Exercise is also a great stress reliever. It’s an outlet to release negative emotion and pent up energy. This, coupled with a post-workout endorphin rush, alleviates tension. And, if you’re less tense, you’re free to focus on your horse as you ride, instead of worry about everything else.