Help improve my riding fitness

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samp

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I was told in my lesson yesterday that I need to be fitter. My horse is a typical lazy warmblood with a few quirks. She hates the school and I have to ride her every step as she just doesn't work through etc naturally.

So 1 how the hell can I improve my fitness - currently having to keep my legs on every stride, also use core muscles to stop her fighting and pulling you out of the saddle. 2 - does anyone else come out of their hour lesson looking like they've run a marathon!

I can power walk miles, do 30mins intensive on rebounder, can easily do workoout video's so where the hell am I going wrong? Happy for criticism
 
I too come out of my lesson looking like I have just run a marathon
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. I am glad I am not the only one.
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I'm not exactly unfit either but no matter what fitness I do I still seem to come out looking like a beetroot with sweat pooring off me, even in the middle of winter you will find me riding in a thin jumper at most! Any technics/fitness ideas would also be appreciated.
 
Going to watch this one with interest - I'm too have a lazy ass horse in the school and the fact I'm a lard ass as well doesn't help. My strength is fine it's just the stamina I need to work on. Been playing a bit of Wii boxing which is knackering.
 
I ride 2 a day and muck out 3 a day and I walk up a muddy hill 4 times a day. This seems to keep me fit enough The walking has made my legs very strong which I need as one horse V lazy. If I could fit one in my house I would also get a rowing machine as they are good for cardio along with core and leg strength
 
I go to the gym three times a week and complete a full work out (best friend is a personal trainer) and I don't sweat anything like the amount I do after a testing lesson on my lazy TB. I've put it down to the fact that riding clothes aren't practical - hat, gloves, chaps layered over jodphurs... No wonder I'm baking by the end.
 
When I used to have lessons..even after an hour or so afterwards people would say 'had a lesson today then' cos I was still so red in the face...!!!
My tb mare made me work big time...as my instructor said 'she wrote the book, bought the t-shirt and knows exactly what she is doing...the old goat'!!!!
I was told pilates was good for riding as it strengthens up your core...ie your stomach..and helps your posture.
I am sure something like cycling would help..as that is cardio and would strengthen your legs.
Wii fit arrived this morning...so this is now going to be my 'get fit' year!!!! (probably not actually)!!!!
 
You'll have to let us know how you get on with Wii fit then! I used to do a lot of cardio combat and I was no where near as exhausted. At this rate may have to start boxing training or kick boxing!

Glad I am not the only one. I was told off for not staying out saddle in canter enough but when your horse won't give and needs leg on every stride your legs need a break
 
And theres me doing 12 lengths of the swimming pool and thought I'd done well
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But then it was the first exercise I've done in 8 months apart from riding. I need to do something to improve my grip with lower leg when jumping though. Can see 4 counties between my bum and the saddle
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My OH is at home now trying it out....he just phoned...
Its got him sussed...he did this balance thingy on it and it gets you to be balanced and straight...he felt he was falling over but actually he was straight for once...also it picked up that he trips up alot when walking - which he does!!!!
 
Could prove amusing after several drinks I think. Knowing my luck i'd try the Wii out and do my back in
 
Doing the boxing gives me breathing problems as it is!!!
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OH took video of me playing tennis...I had done my shoulder in playing it...but carried on regardless..in pain!!! He now uses it as blackmail...I am not the most graceful person!!!
 
I have/had a lazy horse. Thought it was him, turns out it was ME! I had an instructor who got me to concentrate on working him in trot with my leg off then squeeze then leg off again - so that he thought that a leg off meant forward. What a change it has made! And in canter he does need a gentle reminder with each stride.

I also found that xc Mountain Biking is good as it uses balance - core muscles - and your legs, and using the x-Trainer at the gym and swimming. I did do weights, but I found that it was more of a hindrance than a help for me - but I gain muscle easily.

You will probably find its not your fitness, but your stamina that is the issue.
 
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