It’s not just the horse that needs to be strong - Core stability

Core stability will help you as a rider to improve the coordination, strength, and symmetry of your core muscles. Great core stability is essential for horse riders because it plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, control, and overall riding performance, which will improve both you and your horses’ experience of any ride. In collaboration with One Switch, we have listed a number of reasons why core stability is important, especially for horse riders.

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Malgré Tout has spoken to the renowned Dutch company One Switch who specialises in equestrian vitality. They guide riders to improve their rider specific physical skills, such as mobility, coordination, symmetry, core strength and balance. They work with riders from different disciplines and levels, from recreational to Olympic. Their workouts and trainings are accessible and manageable for every rider no matter discipline and level.

This is the third article of eight in a series on rider exercises, helping you to become a better training partner for your horse.

Besides training and planning the programs, the 27 years old Janneke den Otter is also the face of the company, One Switch. She is present in all the photos in this series of eight articles and guides the videos that the QR-codes link to. Janneke has a psychological education as well as a personal trainer degree.

Better rider mobility may help with:

• Balance and posture: A strong core helps riders maintain an upright and balanced posture in the saddle, which is essential for effective riding and to prevent falls.
• Control and communication: Core strength allows riders to better control their movements and communicate with the horse through their seat, legs, and reins. A strong core enables riders to have an independent seat, meaning they can move different parts of their body without interfering with the horse's balance or cues.
• Injury prevention: A stable core can help prevent injuries by reducing the risk of being thrown off the horse during unexpected movements or spooked reactions from the horse. Also, it diminishes the imbalances between left and right oblique muscles and lower back and abdominal muscles, which decreases the risk of injuries caused by muscle hypertension. In showjumping and eventing riders, strong core muscles absorb the impact on the spine during landings, which prevents injuries of the spine.
• Better transitions: Core stability helps the rider in smooth transitions between gaits and movements, ensuring a more comfortable ride for both the rider and the horse.
• Improved confidence: Knowing that they have a strong core and stable seat gives riders confidence, which can positively impact their overall riding experience.

In summary, core stability is a fundamental aspect of riding for horse enthusiasts. It not only enhances performance but also contributes to safety, balance, and overall riding enjoyment. Riders who prioritize core strength will likely find themselves more skilled and confident in the saddle.

When performing these exercises, be aware that you might feel differences between left and right. If this is the case, spend a little more time on the side that feels weaker. This helps you to minimize the left-right differences and therefore also improves your symmetry, which is an important factor in developing a more balanced seat and communication with your horse.

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