For many equestrians, especially adult amateurs, we just do not get to spend as much time at the barn as we wish. Between work, family, and household chores, our time with our horses is precious. To make the most of your time in the saddle, many experts recommend additional physical activity to stay fit and healthy.
One popular form of exercise – yoga – has proven to benefit the physical and mental well-being of the rider, making them more effective in the saddle. In this blog, we explore yoga and the advantages to incorporating it into your wellness regime. We spoke with Helen Gilbertson, an avid equestrian, vaulter, and yoga instructor, to determine how yoga has had a positive impact on her riding abilities.
The Physical Benefits of Yoga
Let’s face it, when we feel good, both mentally and physically, we tend to ride better. By integrating self-care into our daily routines, we can transform our lives both in and out of the saddle. A devoted yoga practice will help you to be stronger, more flexible, and more balanced; which will translate to being a more secure and centered rider. By focusing on symmetry and strength in our own bodies, we can better compliment and influence our horse’s balance and engagement.
“On a physical level, a regular yoga practice can improve your strength, flexibility, range of motion, body awareness and balance,” Helen explains. “Core strength in particular is super important for riding, [with a strong core] you’re more able to absorb and react to your horse’s movement without being thrown around up there. This is all interconnected; if your core is stronger, your balance improves, and often improving balance helps improve your body awareness. If you’re more aware of your body in space, you’re going to give clearer signals and aids to your horse when you’re riding.”
Many equestrians struggle with flexibility and find the focused stretching in yoga dramatically changes their riding experience. “Would you like to find it easier to get your foot up in the stirrup or swing your leg over? Would you like a way to loosen up those hips and inner thighs once riding makes them tight?” Helen asks. “There are many poses in yoga that focus on just that!”
When looking for a yoga class or sequence to follow, look for exercises that will focus on common equestrian imbalances, such as tight adductors, IT bands, and hamstrings. There are also a number of poses that stretch the lumbar region and provide relief from lower back pain.
A Sense of Calm
Yoga can offer you so much more than the physical benefits, many yoga practitioners find it has a profound effect on their mental health as well. “The postures can be challenging, which gives you a harmless environment to practice dealing with difficult things,” says Helen. “You can first observe how you react to being challenged and then you get to practice how you would like to react.”
By learning about your emotions and establishing a sense of control, you become more in touch with your inner self and are able to integrate mindfulness into your practice. “Maybe you get mad or frustrated when it doesn’t go to plan, when you wobble or fall. Maybe you lack patience when you’ve been trying to touch your toes for months,” Helen says. “Patience, calmness in the face of challenge, smiling or laughing about the fact you couldn’t do it this time, learning to pick yourself up and give it another go, accepting the ups and downs are just a few more things we get to practice within yoga.”
As equestrians, we understand the challenges of not always being in control. “Horses are often difficult things, it doesn’t pay off to get frustrated with them,” explains Helen. “You need patience and control over your emotions in the saddle and these are skills that can be both practiced and developed on the mat.”
Dedicated Practice
Your yoga practice can be a robust 90-minute routine or it can be as simple as a few poses to ground and center you before your ride; the choice is yours. Even a small yoga practice can benefit your abilities in the saddle and improve your overall mental and physical health.
“When you start a yoga practice, give it a chance, like learning anything new it’s going to be a bit confusing, that’s all part of the process. Don’t expect it to be easy,” Helen advises. “Find a teacher and style you like. You have plenty to choose from, there are many styles and we each teach classes in our own way.”
Helen shared with us a complete yoga practice that can be done in the comfort of your own home. All you need is a bit of space and a yoga mat to experience the benefits of yoga. If you don’t have a yoga mat, not a problem, a towel works in a pinch. Now is a great time to begin a yoga practice and see the benefits in your riding throughout the competitive season.
If you enjoyed the introductory class, visit Helen at Yoga Bella on Facebook for more virtual teachings and yoga classes. “Especially at the moment when so many teachers are going online, you can practice with so many teachers from anywhere in the world,” Helen says. “ Any yoga is great, it doesn’t need to be marketed as yoga for equestrians.”
Be Kind to Yourself
When beginning a yoga practice, it is essential to have realistic expectations for your progress. Even athletes who are in fantastic physical condition find yoga to be challenging. “I tell my students to look at their yoga practice the same way as schooling their horse. You can’t expect drastic changes, but you can look forward to small, incremental improvements every day,” Helen exclaims.
Yoga is a time for self-exploration and growth. “[During your practice,] allow yourself to focus on you without the need to compare yourself to others,” she says. “You are unique. Your body is unique. Everyone’s practice is going to look a little different and have different goals and objectives.”
There are no prerequisites for practicing yoga. Discover how you can strengthen your muscles and transform your riding by exploring the age-old teachings of yoga. From awareness and mindfulness to flexibility and balance, yoga is a well-rounded form or physical activity that focuses on the whole person and the whole equestrian.
We have a variety of products to enhance your yoga practice, including apparel, YETI water bottles, books, and more.
