How do riders get fit for hunting?

[d_s]

My horse is very fit... and at 19 looks great
how do i get that fitness for me when i go out hunting?

 

[posie_honey]

i've just always figured my fitness increases as i get the horse fit...
first few days i'm often a bit stiff afterwards but then seem to be fine
but if you want something extra - i find cycling is a good fittner

 

[d_s]

thanks, i cycle as much as possible; forwards and backwards to the yard which is 3.5 miles

thats the problem, mare is very fit.. but i lack as much fitness as she does lol
im fit for schooling etc, but find my legs arent strong enough to stand up in my stirrups for that length of time!

 

[posie_honey]

ahh see with fittening work i do with my mare i do lots of hacking with long canter and trot hill work - and do it all out of the saddle to strengthen my legs so maybe try that too

 

[JenHunt]

Try doing lots of squats, thrusts and lunges etc.... this builds up the strength in your knees and quads to help with standing in your stirrups. I do 3x20 of each two or three times a week.

or try http://www.britmilfit.com/ for an all round fitness workout. I've started going about a month ago, go once a week and I've already lost 6 pounds and feel so much fitter.

 

[spotty_pony]

I was really still last season after my first day out! I wasn't used to riding with such short stirrups for such a long time. I now ride all of the time with shorter length stirrups to get my legs used to it, also I trot and canter for longer amounts of time whilst schooling and out hacking to improve my fitness.

 

[chancing]

Had my first day out hunting on last meet of this season just gone march time. I hadnt ridden for a coupe of months and was worried about my fitness. Jumped on a horse I had never ridden or seen and off we went. I didnt tire until about an hour before the end when I literally couldnt ride anymore this was about 5 oclock and we left meet at 11!

I wouldnt worry about fitness Im hooked and planning on hunting next season and not worrying about any special fitness work I will just get fitter as my horse does. Having worked in an event yard as a groom the eventers used to swim and cycle as the best way then both upper body and lower body are prepared for a day standing in the stirrups.

Sorry its abit of a ramble hope it may give you some ideas

 

[guccigivi2001]

haha i dont i have enforced excersise called p.e at school, and pockets full of sugar plastered sweeties keep me buzzing and wide awake all day... all i need now is a cushy sheepskin seat saver to cushionmy backend and i could go for days

 

[fitzaud2]

I go to stretch and tone classes, walk the dog 5 miles 4 tims a week, kick boxing and i'm still shagged for the first week or two, and I ride during the summer. I dont think i have ever been hunting fit to start out with, but neither has the horse, thank god