The Legal Equestrian

I’m back.

Hi everyone,

It has been quite a while, but I needed to take a very much needed break from the online world, especially social media.

If you have been following me closely, you may have noticed that my Twitter has been completely deactivated. I also have been using Facebook sparingly. Basically, my only use of social media has been Instagram.

I do plan on detailing what I have been through the past few months – or even six months – because it has been a lot. Some of it to do with riding, and some of it personal – which unfortunately ended up affecting my riding.

I am looking forward to bringing you new product reviews, rider interviews, and other informative articles as well as news. I would like this blog to be a positive, yet authentic, place for equestrians to go to of any age.

If you’ve stood by me through the ups and downs, I thank you immensely. Your unwavering support has been so so crucial to my sanity and to knowing that keeping this blog is the right thing to do.

Preparing for a hurricane (specifically Irma): Equine edition

By Joscelyn Richards.

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Hurricane – a word that is synonymous with Florida – during my time living in FL (pretty much my whole life), I’ve encountered numerous hurricanes.

Just a year ago, Hurricane Hermine hit Tallahassee, which is where I currently live for college. I also keep my horse, Ariel, in this area. Even though the Hurricane was only a Cat. 1, Tallahassee suffered serious damage in some parts, and many were without power for over a week.

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Roads were completely blocked after Hurricane Hermine in TLH. Photo Courtesy of Joscelyn Richards.

As Hurricane Irma, now a Cat. 5,  looms in the Atlantic Ocean, I urge horse owners to start taking action sooner rather than later. While the direct path is still uncertain, a state of emergency has been declared by Governor Rick Scott for the entire state of Florida as of yesterday, Sept. 4, 2017. For the most recent hurricane advisory check the NOAA website here. 

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Hurricane Irma as of 8am Photo Credit; NOAA.

For those of us with equine partners, hurricanes are even more stressful. I have compiled a concise but thorough hurricane preparedness plan as a guide for equine owners in the event that a hurricane does hit.

(Important Disclaimer: This is just a guide, and The Legal Equestrian and its staff cannot be held liable for any action or inaction taken because of this guide.) 

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A barn in Redlands, Florida, after Hurricane Andrew Picture Credit: H.A.A.R.T. Foundation & John Ehmke Photography

Shelter

Finding a safe, hurricane-proof barn for your horse is a crucial thing to do. Or, you can evacuate your horse(s) from the hurricane, to higher ground, if needed. Most haulers won’t ship within 48 hours of a hurricane making landfall, so make preparations and arrangements as soon as you can. Check local equine Facebook groups, contact local officials, or even ask friends for references of places to which you can evacuate your horse. Here is a Google Doc containing some places or transportation companies for evacuation use. Remember if you plan to leave the area, too, one of the worst things you can do is leaving your pet(s) behind in your home.

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Photo Credit: I.C.E. Products

Identification 

In the event that the looming hurricane destroys the barn at which your horse is staying, your horse gets lose, or the area gets flooded, it is vital that your horses have proper identification on them. A lot of horse owners now have their horses microchipped now because of the new USEF rules. But, without proper tools, the microchip can’t be read by a rescuer. As an alternative, many equine owners will use luggage tags attached to the horses mane, halter, or even bridle, with the horse’s name, barn address, owner(‘s/s’) name with multiple phone numbers, vet information, and any other special requirements that the horse may have. As a FL resident that has to deal with hurricane threats often, I recently discovered I.C.E. horse products. The company makes mane and tail tags, halters, and clips. One note: Do not keep a Coggins test with your horse because there are some dishonest people out there who may try to steal your horse. As an alternative, make sure to keep all your horse’s/s’ identification papers such as bill of sale, Coggins, microchip information, pictures, etc. in a safe place.

Preparing your Barn for a hurricane 

Even if your barn is hurricane-proof, there are still major hazards that could cause damage to your barn and severely injure your horses. As a precaution, store all outdoor items such as jumps and poles in a safe place, preferably indoors. Secure trailers, campers, and any other vehicles that could possibly be blown away. Make sure to remove items from the barn aisle, because they can easily turn into dangerous debris in the air. Additionally, flashlights should be available and should contain fresh batteries. Battery back-ups should be kept somewhere easily accessible yet safe, too. You should also have a battery-operated radio and turn off circuit breakers as to avoid a fire if there is a power surge. A good item to have is a generator. If you can get one to run electricity to your barn though, make sure you have plenty of fuel for it.

Preparing your horse(s) for a hurricane 

As mentioned earlier try your absolute best to have your horse(s) in a hurricane-proof barn if you decide not to evacuate. Make sure you have up to a two-week supply of grain and hay for each horse in the barn. The food should be stored in a dry and safe place. The reason for two-weeks is because you really do not know exactly how bad the damage can be after the hurricane makes landfall and leaves. You don’t know how long it will be staying. As a result, you will be unsure where and when you can next get food either for yourself or your horse(s). Additionally, have between 12 and 20 gallons of drinking water per horse. The water should be stored away in the event that the water supply becomes undrinkable or cannot be retrieved safely/properly/at all due to power loss. Be on the lookout for water advisories after the hurricane for more exact details on if the water is safe, You should also make an emergency horse supply kit for each horse which includes all possible medication, ointments, and vet supplies that might be needed. Finally, put extra bedding in your horse(s’) stall so they will feel comfortable, and they can lay down if needed.

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Hurricane Wilma in 2005, passing through my hometown Boca Raton. Photo Credit; NOAA.

During the hurricane

During the storm make sure the horses have hay and at least two (2) full water buckets (also known as 10 gallons) to drink from. This is because you do not know when you’ll be able to go to the barn next. DO NOT stay in the barn with the horses during the storm, as tempting as it may be. You, or someone else who wants to stay, could get severely injured or even killed. Nowadays, many barns have video surveillance. If your barn has this perk, you can monitor the horses that way. Also remember that horses have a natural survival instinct that will kick in, when necessary, so if you are the midst of worrying, the horses most likely know what to do and have done it.

After the hurricane has passed

After the hurricane has passed over the area there will most likely be downed trees and power lines. There will probably also be major flooding. Wait until you know that it is safe before going to the barn to check on the horses. (Side note: If you are a boarder, make sure to stay in contact with your barn manager/owner. The last thing they need is 20 worried horse owners/boarders showing up to the barn after a hurricane.) Also, if there is major flooding, do not drive through it as this is how most people end up dying after a natural disaster where major flooding is involved. When at the barn after the storm, be on the lookout for dangerous wild animals that might have sought refuge at the barn. Since it is Florida, we can include alligators as well as snakes. Avoid live electrical wires, and also avoid standing water. Make sure that all your horses (and others) are okay, check for and tend to any injuries, and assess if there are any immediate emergencies. You can and should also remove debris to clear a direct path to the barn from the road, if safe and possible.

In all the chaos of getting your horse ready for the hurricane, don’t forget to prepare yourself for the hurricane and take your own precautions as well! Remember price gouging is ILLEGAL, report it to your local authorities if you find any cases of this.

The best thing you can do is follow your own hurricane plan and stay safe.

Additional Resources for reference

http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/PDFS/CHAP02/D02-12.PDF

http://www.floridahorse.com/hurricane/hurricane.html

http://extension.vetmed.ufl.edu/files/2011/10/Hurricane-planning-for-horse-farms.pdf

ps. We are doing a silent auction to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Harvey which hit the Houston area last week. The auction runs until September 12th at 11:59 p.m. Please go here to check out the amazing items we have to offer and to make your bid to benefit organizations working to help those in need. Fifty percent of the profits will be going to the Houston Food Bank, and the other 50 percent will be going to the ASPCA.

First Derby Finals? No problem! Geoffrey Hesslink brings home top honors

Photo Courtesy of The Chronicle of the Horse.

Photo Credit: The Chronicle of The Horse.

International Derby Finals were this past week. Tori Colvin took Champion honors on Cuba, owned by John & Stephanie Ingram, LLC, Geoffrey Hesslink was Reserve Champion, as well as Champion in Section B, on his mount, Cadoretto, and Amanda Steege came in third on Wendy Salomon’s Maitre D’. Coming in fourth was Taylor St Jacques on Heritage Farm’s Charisma.

We caught up with Geoffrey Hesslink to discuss his Reserve Championship placing in Section A and his Champion placing in Section B. (To read our previous interview with Geoffrey, click here).

When we last talked to Geoffrey, he was hopefully to have his own mount soon. He found that partner in Cadoretto, a 6 year old chestnut gelding with two white socks and a white blaze.

Geoffrey described Cadoretto, barn name “Cadbury,” as “on of the easiest young horses [he has] ever had the pleasure of working with.”

“On top of that he is the sweetest, most kind horse to deal with around the barn and in the stall. Some refer to him as the gentle giant. He will snuggle with you and lick you for hours, I absolutely adore him!”

Geoffrey had been competing in the hunters with Cadoretto, often taking home top honors. They won an International Derby at Old Salem Farm a few months ago, but Geoffrey was not expecting to go to Derby Finals. However, he said after purchasing Cadoretto and seeing his new horse’s talent, he changed his plans.

Geoffrey prepared for Finals by making sure his horse was ready. He said that knowing his horse was ready gave him peace of mind which allows him to stay calm and focused on his rides.

As for Cadbury, Geoffrey put in lots of practice which included setting up spooky or different looking jumps. They also practiced a lot of handy tracks in preparation for the handy round. Geoffrey credits his trainer, Andre Dignelli, for his preparation.

Derby Finals consists of two rounds, the Classic round and the Handy round. During the Classic round, fences are set at 3’6” to 4’ in height. There are four option fences set at a minimum height of 4’3” and no higher than 4’9”. Additionally, there is at least one of the following: An in and out, a bending line, a line with an unrelated distance, and a fence with a long approach. This year’s classic round consisted of 12 fences.

Photo Credit: Phelps Sports

Photo Credit: Phelps Sports

Going into the Classic round, Geoffrey wanted a “smooth round with no major mistakes.” He said he wasn’t really trying to “go for it,” but just wanted to be mistake-free and ultimately, advanced to the second round.

After the Classic round, Geoffrey found himself sitting in fourth place overall.

“I was very excited to place fourth in the classic round. I went very early in the class and maintained a strong score to stay at the top which was a nice surprise,” he said.

Next came the Handy round. For the Handy round, there must be a minimum of 8 obstacles set at 3’6” to 4’ in height with high options of a minimum of 4’3” and a maximum of 4’9”. According to the official specifications from the USHJA, the handy course should simulate riding over hunt country. As such, a minimum of three of the following handy options should be included in the course: tight turn options, different tracks, clever options for jump approaches, pen type obstacles, hand galloping to a jump, trotting a lower obstacle not to exceed 3’, a walk fence not to exceed 12” in height. The Handy round at this year’s Finals had 12 obstacles with fence no. 7 being a trot fence.

“My plan for the handy round was similar to the classic round plan. I wanted to maintain a forward pace, have another smooth round with no errors and utilize the high options when appropriate,” Geoffrey said. “My goal was to complete the course feeling good about Cadoretto and my first [D]erby [F]inals experience.”

Photo Credit: The Chronicle of The Horse.

Photo Credit: The Chronicle of The Horse.

Geoffrey placed second in the Handy round with Tori Colvin placing first and Taylor St Jacques placing third.

Overall, Geoffrey felt both courses were “excellent and very well-designed.”

When asked if anything didn’t go as planned, Geoffrey said he originally was not planning on jumping all of the high options. However, he said once he got in the ring, his horse felt “amazing,” so he changed his plan and tackled all the high options successfully.

Overall, Geoffrey said he was very pleased with how the week went, and he was especially pleased with his horse. Although Cadbury is only 6 years old, he handled the prep for Finals and the large ring, including being under the lights, like a “true champion.”

“To take a 6-year-old horse to an event of that caliber and be that successful is so rewarding for me,” Geoffrey said.

Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

Geoffrey said it is hard to put into words how he feels about bringing home Reserve Champion for Section A and Champion for Section B at his very first Derby Finals. He said he is extremely grateful for the opportunity, is incredibly humbled, and has certainly set the bar high for years to come.

Geoffrey had a successful junior career and was a working student for many years for Heritage Farm. He said he feels that experience greatly helped him get to where he is today.

“Determination and hard work have been the biggest factors in getting me where I am today. If I have learned anything in this business it is that no one will hand you anything[,] and you have to work to be successful in and out of the show ring,” he said. “Being a working student when I was young taught me how to manage myself and my horses and gave me perspective on what it really takes to be successful in this sport. In addition to that I have had some terrific mentors along the way and I try to learn as much as I can from them.”

Geoffrey also said that he believes if an equestrian works hard, there is a way to make opportunities for oneself so that one can pursue the sport without the financial means that other equestrians may be fortunate enough to have.

Geoffrey + Andre Dignelli sharing a high five after one of Geoffrey's rounds at Finals. Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

Geoffrey + Andre Dignelli sharing a high five after one of Geoffrey’s rounds at Finals. Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

“It is not easy, but if you are passionate about the sport and willing to make sacrifices and work hard it is possible. Finding the right opportunity is very important,” he said. “I had complete support from my parents and family as well as great trainers.”

Currently, Cadbury is taking a small break before the fall. Geoffrey plans on attending some of the indoor shows, as well as the Hampton Classic, Gold Cup, and Capital Challenge. Finally, Geoffrey will be in Wellington for the winter circuit where he will continue competing in the professional hunter divisions and in hunter derbies. He also hopes to break into the jumper ring this year and become competitive in the U25 Grand Prix classes.

While Geoffrey has not made any concrete plans yet for his professional status, he said he does really enjoy riding, training, and showing all types of horses.

“Each horse, whether it is a client’s horse, my own horse[,] or a catch ride, provides challenges and opportunities to improve and learn. Each horse can teach me something as well as a rider and that makes every ride unique and special,” he said.

Geoffrey said he also enjoys teaching and helping other riders.

“It is really fun to see a rider make a connection with their horse and have success … I believe that as a professional in this sport we need to give to others and support other riders,” he said.

Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

As for next year, Geoffrey plans to continue to be competitive in the professional hunter divisions, the National and International Hunter Derbies, and the U25 Grand Prix classes.

Geoffrey certainly showed his talent as a junior rider with some big wins in the big equitation classes, and he is certainly proving to be a big contender in the professional hunter divisions.

To see Geoffrey’s rides at Derby Finals, as well as other individual rides and the full class, you can click here.

17 things you should be checking out this summer

By Jordan Nassif.

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milkMILK Face Spray: I was a bit skeptical of this product at first. I went into Sephora looking for an affordable alternative to the Dior primer spray I had been using for a while. There was a representative there at the store who just happened to hear and offered up the $38 Blur Spray. The selling point of their products to buyers is their cruelty-free, pro LGBTQ[IA+] makeup (i.e., If you buy their Glitter Stick online, they will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Transgender Youth Community Center). I was pleased with the product after one use. Not only does it function as a primer, but it also doubles as a setting spray which, like a BB cream, nourishes your skin as it primes.

Le Fash Sunshirts: I recently ordered a Paulo Alto shirt in black and white from Le Fash because of its similarity to the Equiline Catherine shirt without the $198 price tag. The Paulo Alto, while certainly still expensive, is cute and a fabulous take on the classic sunshirt with mesh sleeves (Editor’s Note: The mesh is super durable, so it doesn’t catch on sharp things like other sunshirt mesh.). While it doesn’t boast the “stable to street” versatility that their breeches do, it’s still a nice shirt.

denimDenim accessories: Although denim shirts and chambray have been making appearances on the runway since 2012, I’ve only begun embracing the trend in the last year. Aquazzura’s denim and crystal Christy flats made their debut in my closet about six months ago, and even with their statement piece status, make regular appearances in my outfits. Valentino, Stella McCartney and other big names have also embraced denim accessories, reinventing the denim bag that Louis Vuitton debuted in the 90s. In equestrian fashion, denim breeches have been around for about 8 years, but only recently have brands been rolling out fresh-takes on the dated denim breech. I decided to give Le Fash’s Uptown/Downtown City Breeches a try (they are based off of denim, as is their Williamsburg City Breech – their newest denim print piece) and was pleased with the breeches’ interchangeableness from street to stable. However,

Christy flats.

Christy flats.

the material is a little thin and is not real denim. If you are looking to add a pair of denim breeches to your wardrobe, I suggest looking at Horze breeches. I purchased a pair for around $70 and get compliments on them all the time. And yes, you can wear them outside of the barn.

Longchamp’s S/S 2017 Ready-to-Wear: I only recently discovered that Longchamp sells more than expensive plastic bags, and I waited for weeks for their Spring/Summer 2017 line to go on sale. Longchamp’s clothes and accessories this season are easily recognizable with their bright pink and blue stripes and creamy florals. I ordered these flats to match a salmon-colored wool Gucci blazer.

Lana del Rey: Okay, I’ve been following Lana since her Lizzie Grant days, but to be fair her new music this summer has revived her sad strums of summertime blues out of my car’s speakers. Her new song, Summer Bummer feat. A$AP Rocky, set to be released on June 29th before her new album’s debut in July, has me checking YouTube every day for leaks. Ever since Lana worked with Rocky on her song Ridin’, and the rapper appeared in her National Anthem music video, I have been obsessed with the pairing. Unlike Lana’s previous albums, however, the music this summer is set to be more upbeat with her title track Lust for Life feat. The Weeknd.

solowSolow Sport clothes: I don’t want this obsession to be misleading— I hate everything about exercise, except the clothes. I love lounging in cute exercise clothes, whether at school or at home. I love the idea of a messy ponytail, sporty Alexander Wang bag and all-white exercise ensemble. Solow combines the comfort of exercise clothes with street style. They are priced around the same as Lulu Lemon but with an edgier look and darker colors. Like most boutique brands, they run about a full size small, so definitely size up. You can also check eBay for discounts and deals. Add a leather moto jacket and a nice pair of tennis shoes to your exercise outfit, and you’ve got an outfit worthy for dinner.

equifitEquiFit leather half pad: I’ve been using EquiFit products for years (girth, boots, pads, etc.), and I’ve owned two or three of their back pads over the course of that time. But every summer I remember how much I love my low-maintenance, clean-looking, extremely helpful half pad. It cleans up with just water, stays clean, protects my horses’ backs and doesn’t look sloppy like some other brands. It’s barely noticeable underneath a saddle.

Blaze Pizza: My mom got a coupon for this pizza place in the mail which promoted $8 pizzas with whatever toppings you can imagine. Each pizza is handmade in front of you according to your specifications (goat cheese,  garlic cloves, extra pepperoni and parmesan is my favorite combination), baked for a couple of minutes and served to you. It really is a good deal, and the pizza itself is actually delicious. As it turns out, Blaze Pizza is located all over the country. I was skeptical, but now I know where to go whenever I want a cheap, but good, full meal.

grapefruitFruity drinks: I feel like I don’t even have to explain this one. I freakin’ love fruity cocktails in the summertime. My favorite flavor this summer is grapefruit. A vodka grapefruit soda goes perfectly with breakfast, lunch or dinner. (Editor’s Note: Grapefruit does have an adverse reaction with some medications. Make sure to check the interactions with any medications you are on before indulging in grapefruit-based drinks or talk to your doctor.)

blzersColorful Summer Blazers: Black and grey blazers are so tired. Give your funeral ready-to-wear a break this summer and invest in a few colorful additions. I’ve always believed that if you’re going to invest in a certain part of your work wardrobe it should be in blazers. Add a nautical-pattered blazer with white and blue, like this one from Equipment, or a brightly colored one like my favorite salmon-colored blazer from Gucci. For less expensive options, check out LOFT or J. Crew Factory, which frequently hold major sales events. ‘Wow’ your coworkers with a floral embroidered pink blazer, white silk twill pants and a white button down. Tie it all together with a belt with a small crystal accent and peach-colored shoes. It’s so easy to get creative this summer with just a couple of bright blazers.

Pokemon Go: Yes, to answer your question, I “still play that.” Nothing, not even my own health, has motivated me to get up and go outside like the Pokemon Go app has. And with Niantic’s release of 80 new pocket monsters and Gym raids, there are more reasons than ever to get walking. I have actually stayed in shape because of this little game. And my dog loves going Pokemon-ing with me, too.

stellaStella McCartney: This could possibly be my favorite brand of all time. Not only is the Stella McCartney brand such a fabulous and youthful 100 percent vegan high-fashion brand, but she also does a collaboration line with Adidas that makes runway-worthy exercise clothes. Stella’s signature chain-lined vegan bags are trendy yet quickly becoming a classic in the same way that Valentino’s Rockstud and Chloe’s Drew purse lines are becoming classics. Stella also brought us the platform oxford tennis shoes this year.

bedSleeping: Here is your daily reminder to close your laptop and go take a nap. We often do not get enough sleep during the summertime as fun events and longer daylight keep our minds stimulated way past 9 p.m. If you’re looking to treat yourself to something this summer or want an extra ‘oomph’ for the coming school year consider investing in a new mattress pad or Tempurpedic pillow. After all, if you can’t relax in your own bed then you’re likely to stay tightly wound. I love my white linens and the clean lines in my bedroom which keep the atmosphere crisp and refreshing. Loud colors and patterns in your safe space can sometimes affect your breathing pattern or keep you from relaxing. Consider cleaning up the clutter so you can be prepared for the busier fall and winter seasons.

graphictBrooklyn Edgy with Uptown Chic: RHOBH’s Erica Girardi brought us the chunky Chanel necklaces and Moschino shirt dresses with the classic glam of a pair of Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps this year. My style inspiration this summer is graphic tees and pumps, baggy Wildfox sweaters and classic heels. I love the classy/trashy wardrobe mash-up. First, your outfits double when you mix mediums, and besides that, most of this trashy-chic looks can crossover from daytime to nighttime. Pull a graphic tee from your closet, add a pair of leather pants or black or dark wash jeans and finish the outfit off with a clutch and pair of classic black pumps for an updated chic look.

Bai Water: I have two packs of these (28 ounces each/packs of 12) auto-shipped by Amazon every two weeks. Not only is the autoship convenient, but it holds me to a sort of water schedule to make sure I drink plenty of fluids each day. Bai’s “anti-water” is antioxidant-infused electrolyte water that tastes better than any type of bottled water I’ve ever tried. I keep them on me at the barn, at work, in my bedroom and in the car so that I always stay hydrated.

revolveREVOLVE: It’s no secret that this is my favorite online store. Actually, I do most of my shopping online. Revolve is perhaps the greatest online boutique for someone who likes anything from boho chic to edgy downtown style with brands like For Love and Lemons, Giuseppe Zanotti, WILDFOX, Stuart Weitzman, Fenty by Puma and more. Use the code CANDY to get 10% off of your order, plus 2 day shipping is always free. 

Stealing mints at work and bringing them to the barn: I’m not advocating employee theft, but my horses just really like those soft little mints.

 

All photos courtesy of + property of Jordan Nassif. Do not use without permission.

How to maintain fitness while off the horse

By Peyton Bodziak.

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Contrary to what many in the world believe, equestrians are athletes. Being an athlete involves practicing on a daily basis, monitoring your health, and doing whatever it takes to make it to the top.

The hard part about “practicing” riding, compared to other sports, is that for most of us we cannot go in our backyard and “pass the ball with our dad.” There are others ways, though, to develop a better seat.

My trainer, Kathryn Hope, (besides being an amazing instructor) has a workout business as well. She is especially tuned in on equestrian workouts and helped immensely with this article. I would definitely recommend Kathryn Hope Beyond Fitness to anyone asking.

One way to maintain our riding fitness is to work out. Like every other sport, there are many different workouts specifically tuned to the muscles that equestrians use. Running everyday may help your cardio, but it isn’t helping the exact leg muscles you use when riding.

The most common muscles used in riding are the obliques, the transverse abdominus, psoas, ilicaus, piroformis, and the gluteus muscles. Cross-training is the key to getting in the best shape possible. It works the many different muscles that equestrians use everyday.

Here are a few equestrian workouts that you can do at home with minimal supplies:

  • Yoga. Besides just being relaxing, yoga works many different muscle groups and strengthens your flexibility. Flexibility makes the muscles stronger, as well as makes you less likely to get injured while riding. It focuses a lot on abdominal strength, which is a key component in balance and a good seat. Besides taking a class, there are many YouTube videos that teach yoga. My recommendation is Sadie Nardini’s channel.
  • Cardio. Running and biking are primary examples of good cardio. Although when it comes to running, it can stiffen the hip flexors and other joints that need to be supple while riding. Walking on an incline is good cardio as well.
  • Core & Stability. This is especially tuned towards hunter/jumpers who need the strength to elevate their core with the horse’s rhythm. Stability will help balance going over fences and just in general.

Working out does not have to be a burden.

It can be made fun by listening to music or making a game out of it. You have to think about the big picture, not just what’s going on in the moment. Get a group of friends together and do group yoga. My barn has a group workout twice a week where we focus on getting into the best shape for the upcoming show season. Besides just getting into shape and being active, we are bonding and everyone has a great time.

So, if you want to improve your riding, get off the couch and go hit the gym! But remember: Think about the big picture.

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