Fit for riding?

[RachelB]

I've just got myself a nice shiney new job that involves a LOT of riding. I currently work part-time at a yard and usually ride about once per day when I'm working, and hardly at all in between as my share horse and my own horse are both off injured. I'm fit in that I can muck out all morning and then ride one and lunge a few without bother, but I don't think I'm fit enough yet to be riding seven or eight a day!
Does anyone have any tips on how to get fit enough to ride? It's a dressage yard (and I don't jump anyway) so anything working 1) on general fitness and 2) on muscle strength would be particularly useful!
How do you all get fit for riding? Or do you generally not bother?!

 

[scotsmare]

Running is good - check out www.coolrunning.com for a fitness plan

 

[trendybraincell]

yoga
pilates
swimming

I always say I should do something else to improve my fitness and to make me more supple, but to be honest I never get round to it.

 

[RachelB]

Genius - I love the "new runners" bit! Thanks

 

[Irishcobs]

You will get fit with the riding. I was used to riding 3 a day so riding 5 isn't much difference. But my friend started to ride 5 a day after having a year gap from horses, only riding once and a while, she found it quite tiring to start with and that her muscle hurt but she very soon got fit.

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

running, one of the best ways to get fit
i run 2-3 miles at the moment 4-5 times a week, i am slowly going to up it to longer distances-not too much more mind, i go to the gym on average 4 times a week and do about 30mins there on average doing mostly cardio, really makes me feel better fitness wise, i noticed when i didnt go for a little while, but running will really help you get fitter for all those horses

 

[RachelB]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did try running at one point earlier this year in a random "get fit" bid but ended up with shin splints as I was running in my Ariat shoes (couldn't afford trainers

) Hopefully now I have this job I can treat myself - firstly to a pair of trainers, and also to a pair of nice new riding boots!

 

[Henbug]

tbh I ride one, occasionally two, a day when during term time at uni and then during the holidays I ride about six a day. So I go from riding one a day to six a day and I don't find that I really have a problem.

 

[RachelB]

Maybe I'm fitter than I thought then! I assumed going from about five a week to five + a day that I'd not be fit enough. I've never ridden as much as I have recently though so I haven't a clue really!

 

[Ziggy_]

I wouldn't bother either - I used to ride 4 or 5 a day and was fine despite being chronically unfit and living on burgers and coffee