Fitness for Kids

Good habits such as light stretching before and after riding will really help your child focus and prepare her body to follow the motion of the horse. Improving balance on the ground will improve balance in the saddle. A little rider with good cardiovascular conditioning will have more stamina and be able to control her body better because she will be getting more oxygen to her muscles. Cardio for kids can be anything, as long as it’s fun and not repetitive: playing soccer in the yard with you, going biking or swimming, or any activity that’s fun and gets the heart rate up for a few minutes a day.

Exercise #1

Rowing with Tubing

Standing on a balance object makes this exercise a little bit harder by challenging the child to keep her weight even in both feet while double-tasking. Balancing with the lower body while building back strength and maintaining good riding posture with the upper body challenges neuro-muscular pathways and helps prepare the child to maintain posture while focusing on a jump course.

Exercise #2

Straddling the Ball

Here Allison is practicing turning the “horse” with her knees and torso, rather than simply pulling with a rein. As she turns her belly-button and shoulders in the direction she wishes the horse to go, she maintains solid posture in her mid-section, engaging her abdominals. She is able to maintain control of the ball because she maintains control of her pelvis. Straddling the ball is a good way to practice turning and even posting or jumping while building up inner thigh and core strength.

Exercise #3

Balance Objects

Balancing exercises are good anytime, anywhere. You can use pods, cushions, more expensive balance tools, or make a game out of finding ways to practice balance with simple items like tennis balls and pool noodles.

Exercise #4

Pushups with Feet on the Ball

Practicing holding the pushup or “plank” position, or actually doing pushups with feet on the ball is a great way to build shoulder and core strength while working on balance and hip control. The fitness ball is the right size for your child if she can sit on it with close to a 90 degree bend in her knees.

Exercise #5

Standing Leg Extension

Another great way to work on balance is to do different movements with limbs and torso while standing on one leg. In this movement, Allison is working on quadriceps strength while challenging herself to maintain balance on one leg. She is also working on the torso strength needed for good riding posture by leaning slightly forward and resisting the body’s natural tendency to lean back while lifting a leg forward.