Inhibitor #5

You lack confidence in your physical ability.

The Solution: Improve self-assuredness.

Riding is part skill and part confidence. If you lack confidence in your carriage, in your presentation, or in your physical capability, it shows in your riding. You’ll ride timidly and will always feel out of sync with your horse. Both of which stunt your horse’s growth. You’ll be unable to school him when necessary, push him to reach his full potential, or show him to his ability.

Confidence is also about quality of life, not just performance and appearance. If you know you lack the leg strength to stay seated during a rollback or a spook, you’ll worry about these maneuvers while you ride. Exercise improves your strength and balance, which will improve your confidence. You’ll be sure that you can stay seated no matter what your horse throws at you, and you’ll be able to ride assertively.

If you’re an older rider who lacks strength and resilience, you might worry that you’ll be able to hold your bodyweight on one leg as you mount or dismount, and are even more nervous if your horse fidgets. Resistance training improves bone density and physical hardiness, which enables you to bear the physical demands to care for and ride your horse. As you age, you must be con-

tentious to stay physically fit so you can continue to enjoy your horse without fear.

Self-confidence is also about physical appearance. Aside from improved quality of horse life, exercise helps you look better in your show outfit. You’ll have less overall movement because your body is strong and firm. And, if you know you look good, you’ll radiate confidence in the arena, and earn yourself top marks.

Kelly Altschwager lives in Wellington, Colorado, with her husband, Andy, and two sons, Cash and Cole. She’s an ACE- certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist; PiYo instructor; fitness expert at Fitness1 Club Wellington; and owns and operates Western Workouts, a personaltraining service geared toward helping the busy horseperson. Western Workouts provides short, high- intensity routines that use everyday implements for fitness around the home. Learn more at westernworkouts.com.

This hip- opening stretch requires a stable support. With your feet hip-width apart, grasp your support, and cross the ankle of your to-stretch leg over the thigh of your balance leg. Sit back as you would to take a seat. Lower until you feel a stretch...