With winter fading and longer, warmer days ahead, now is the ideal time to plan for a standout trail riding season. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the trail, these steps will help you make the most of your summer trail riding season and build a strong partnership with your horse.

Flexibility and mobility are essential ingredients for rider success both in and out of the competition ring. Equestrian sports require sustained periods of correct, upright posture, dynamic balance and total body control, all of which are directly affected by the flexibility and mobility of muscles and joints.

Being fit to ride certainly has benefits for riders but there are also benefits for our horses. The horse-and-rider partnership is unique. We owe it to our horses to be as balanced and coordinated as possible to ensure their comfort and ability to do what we ask with ease. We are not all built the same and not everyone will assume the “ideal” riding posture and position. Still, we can all work towards better posture, balance, and coordination, resulting in clearer, more effective communication with our equine partners.

Are you striving for a balanced and effective riding posture? We can help you find success. A key checkpoint while riding is ensuring your ears, shoulders, hips, and heels align. Can you maintain this posture in the saddle? If yes, you’re on the right track to refining your skills. If not, don’t worry; consistent practice with the right rider alignment exercises will strengthen your position over time.