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Monday, 27 May, 2019
"Everything I pay for today physically is because I didn't take care of myself properly", Thierry Rozier confided to I am an Equestrian[1 ]; a shortcoming that is now proving to be a hindrance in the pursuit of his sporting career. Indeed, the preparation of the horse and the follow-up of its condition[2] are the main topics in horse riding. And yet, it is a sport that is practiced in twoThe horse and the rider! In this article, we will discuss the physical condition of the rider, with particular emphasis on the practice of yoga, which has already won over many top athletes. Known to be beneficial for the body and mind, we will see what the needs of riders are and how yoga can be an ally in this sport.
Riding is a sport like any other which requires both partners to be in good physical condition. Of course, as a rider, we often put the emphasis on the well-being of our horse[3] and neglect our own.
But horseback riding requires the horse and to the rider of many physical and mental qualities. That's why every rider must also take care to his physical condition to progress. Don't they say, "He who wants to go far, spares his mount"?
But then, what are my needs as a rider?
Above all, it must be understood that physical fitness is a combination of factors leading to performance. These factors are physical, technical, tactical and mental[4].
In horseback riding, the rider is subject to the moving forces of the horse in addition to his own. On horseback, the whole horseman's body works :
In addition to an adequate saddle posture, you must be able to adapt to the horse's reactions. For this, several physical qualities are necessary[5] :
The rider must therefore control his or her body and be both supple and enduring. We had already discussed the necessity of the physical preparation of the rider[6] and in particular the place of the warm-up of the rider.
Now, it is also important to point out that horseback riding generates a interiorization and a self-awarenessby what we do and what we think. This is where the practice of yoga could be interesting.
Yoga continues to grow in popularity. The first representations of yoga postures date back to 2500 BC, for centuries it was a marginal practice in India. Today, yoga is practiced all over the world and there are many styles and approaches.
Yoga is a practice that allows, through the means ofpostures sequences called "Asanas", coupled with a breath management "Pranayama", to harmonize the physical and psychic condition of the individual.
The two "official" branches of yoga are Ashtanga (dynamic yoga) and the Hatha (a quieter yoga), but within these two lineages, there are many sub-parts.
Many think they cannot access yoga because they are not flexible or because they do not have the time. Whereas to do yoga, you don't need anything but yourself: your body and your breathing. Flexibility is not a prerequisite either, it is precisely the regular practice of a sport like yoga that allows you to make your body more flexible.
The benefits of a regular yoga practice are immense on a physical level (flexibility, muscular strengthening, joint reinforcement, prevention and improvement of various physical disorders, energy rebalancing, etc.), psychological (relaxation, improved sleep, stress management, etc.), but also in terms of personal development (letting go, accepting one's feelings, listening to oneself, acceptance, self-esteem, etc.).
Yoga is more than just impressive postures, it is not to be confused with acrobatics and yoga!
Depending on what each individual wants to work on, a style of yoga can support him or her. No matter what happens, the first thing to integrate is that yoga is non-violent. It also implies non-violence towards oneself. It is therefore necessary to take care that the ego does not take over, with the desire to surpass oneself, to avoid injury.
It is advisable to start practicing yoga with a coach to learn the basic techniques, but it is also possible to start yoga at home with the help of online videos, applications or books.
The first thing to emphasize is the link between the physical or psychological difficulties of the rider and their direct repercussions on his or her horse. A flexible, available rider with a clear mind and a healthy body will achieve performance much more easily.
This is a prerequisite for the famous rider... Michel Robertwho lives with a constant willingness to evolve mentally and physically. This is based on an adapted lifestyle: sophrology, yoga and a healthy diet[7].
In harmonizing body and mind, allowing the individual to improve his or her physical fitness and to manage stress, each rider will be able to be more attentive to his or her sensations and understand where his or her difficulties come from.
Depending on their level, practice and objectives, each person will have their own needs. Whatever style of yoga you choose, the benefits of regular practice will be multiple.
Strength & endurance
Yoga helps to develop strength and tone by the sequence of positions. Some postures will require your flexibilityothers will strengthen your muscles, including your deep muscles. Unlike practices such as weight training, yoga offers gentle work that respects the body and strengthens it for a long time.
The majority of yoga positions will work on the abdominal belt reinforcement and work theSpine alignment. This is a perfect exercise to allow a good upper body position when riding a horse.
This body work allows you to prepare for the effort but also to recover better to reduce potential aches and pains. A toned and loose body will be more able to ride for many hours without suffering.
Flexibility & balance
Yoga does not require the practitioner to be flexible from the first session. On the contrary, yoga is one of the sports that allows you to become flexible. The human body is physiologically flexible. Flexibility is therefore neither a gift nor a gain, but something that can be found or revealed!
The flexibility The practice of yoga can help prevent injuries, especially when falling off a horse. In addition, working on your flexibility allows for a better leg descent and offers more bonding with your horse.
By working on postures that require balance, yoga allows you to body awarenessof its strengths and weaknesses. It's a great way to get back in touch with your feelings and put your finger on the blocks that you couldn't detect.
The fact that blockage detection could be linked to difficulties encountered in the saddle. A horse contracted in the right hand may be the result of a contraction of the rider's right shoulder, which, as a result, is harder in the right hand.
For example, the practice of yoga can help to establish a better relationship with your horse through clearer body language.
Concentration & mental
Yoga helps to reduce stress. During the session, attention is entirely focused on the body and breathing, in the "here and now", which is a form of meditation. A Boston University study published in 2010 showed that yoga was effective in relieving anxiety.
On the mat, you're invited to take the time to listen to your body, with attention constantly drawn back to the breath. This allows you to develop your capacity for concentration. In balancing exercises, for example, all our attention is required to maintain posture.
This exercise is excellent for working on your ability to get into your bubble when you are on horseback and free yourself from the gaze of others. Thus concentrated on your horse and yourself, you are ready to work in the best conditions and to be attentive to the messages sent by our horse.
The practice of yoga allows a better emotion management through breathing techniques. In competition, we often see riders jumping with apnea on their turn. Learning how to breathe allows you to manage your stress and be present in what you are doing. Therefore, one can easily improve one's performance.
A consistent practice coupled with the patience are the keys to feeling the benefits and feeling them on horseback. Be careful not to push too much and want to go too far, it would be counterproductive and the potential benefits of the practice would be destroyed.
The cumulative effect of progressive work with alternating periods of regeneration are THE determining factors in the improvement of physiological capacities, physical and technical skills and thus, the performance of the rider over time.
Harmony with your horse, improved posture and coordination, controlled breathing and managed stress, what if these weren't the keys to being better on horseback? If yoga can bring us there, maybe it's a complementary practice to our sessions on horseback that we can consider!
And you, apart from saddling sessions, do you practice complementary sports that help you once you are on horseback? What do you do to feel good on horseback ?
See you soon for a new article,
The Seaver Team 🙂
[1]https://www.facebook.com/iamanequestrian/photos/a.2238165633176703/2270225906637342/?type=3&theater
[2] https://seaverhorse.com/seaver-valide-scientifiquement/
[3] https://seaverhorse.com/notion-bien-etre-cheval/
4] Source IFCE
5] Source Equipédia
[6] https://seaverhorse.com/preparation-physique-quen-est-il-du-cavalier/
[7] Horse Academy by Michel Robert
