 Finding a good book that outlines a physical fitness program for equestrian athletes isn't easy. Fortunately, The Total Rider: Health and Fitness for the Equestrian (1995), written by Tom Holmes and published by Half Halt Press, outlines an excellent equestrian physical fitness program.
The information compiled by the author appeared to be accurate and well-researched. An extensive list of acknow-ledgements included eight nationally-recognized equestrians as well as professionals with advanced degrees in nutrition, psychology, physical therapy, and exercise physiology. A large paperback text, its 121 pages are full of illustrated exercises. The book has three major sections: (a) The Equestrian Workout, (b) Nutrition Strategy, and (c) The Mental Advantage.
The Equestrian Workout addresses virtually everything you need to know to design a personal physical fitness program. It includes daily and weekly workout schedules, a muscle reference guide as well as warm-up and aerobic exercise procedures. The author outlines over 50 exercises for the development of muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, balance, posture, and relaxation. The section includes seat-specific exercises for forward, balanced and saddle-seat riders.
The exercises presented are easy to follow, although not always easy to do. Each well-illustrated exercise accompanies a detailed written description. The author provides beginner, intermediate and advanced version of most of the exercises, targeting individual fitness levels--and when he says advanced, he means advanced!
You may want to develop a chart to record the number of repetition and sets performed for each exercise during your workouts. The author simply recommends repeating the exercises until fatigued and then performing a certain number of sets. Charting your progress will not only guide you along in your daily workouts, it will also provide motivation.
The nutrition and sport psychology sections are refreshing to see. Colorado State University nutrition extension specialist, Jennifer Anderson, Ph.D., R.D., assisted the author with The Nutrition Strategy section. This portion of the book provides information on healthy eating habits, weight control, and nutritional tips for equestrian athletes. The Mental Advantage section highlights a mental practice program designed to reduce stress and performance anxiety. Margot Nacey, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist and equestrian, developed the program.
© 1997 by Johanna L. Harris. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.
Johanna L. Harris has an M.A. degree in Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the editor/publisher of The Equestrian Athlete, a monthly newsletter providing equestrians with exercise and sport science information. You can also reach her at (800) 404-8514. |
