Ignore those people who say ‘riding isn’t a sport’; we all know that riding is a serious workout. Whether you’re riding in the low AA hunters or the 1.20 jumpers, having strength and flexibility seriously ups your game in the saddle. Core strength, hip flexibility, back and should strength, and strong lower legs all contribute to riding correctly, winning ribbons in the eq, and staying on if your horse decides to embarrass you by bucking like a rodeo horse after the single oxer.

Yoga is one of the absolute best ways for riders to get fit out of the saddle in a way that will directly translate to actual riding. Yoga builds strength, endurance, and flexibility – plus, it reduces stress, which we probably all need. We’ve teamed up with amateur rider and certified yoga instructor, Emilie Gaffney, for a monthly installment of yoga moves that will help you look and feel better in the saddle. She will be bringing together her experience with yoga and riding to offer some simple things you can do to help stretch, strengthen and even manage stress specifically geared toward the amateur rider.

About Emilie: