In this video, I sit down with Stephanie to talk about rider fitness and why what we do off the horse matters just as much as the time we spend in the saddle. Stephanie is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a lifelong rider, and she specializes in working with equestrians. Her work blends clinical knowledge with real-life riding experience, which makes her approach especially practical for riders.
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is how important off-horse work is for improving your position. When you train your posture, balance, and muscle activation away from your horse, it becomes much easier for your body to find those same patterns while riding. Over time, your nervous system learns to fire the correct muscles automatically, so you don’t have to think about every detail in the saddle.
We also talk about the importance of choosing the right kind of fitness program for your body. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise for riders. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is finding something you enjoy, can stay consistent with, and that supports your riding instead of leaving you overly sore or fatigued.
Riding is a cardio and strength sport, especially for those of us who don’t ride every single day. Maintaining balance, core stability, and overall fitness off the horse helps you stay more even, more supple, and more effective in your aids when you do ride.
For me, the motivation to work out has always been simple. I want to ride better. When your fitness routine supports your riding goals, everything feels clearer, more stable, and more harmonious with your horse.
Don’t forget to check out the Rider Position Blueprint!
Happy Riding,
Amelia
