A rider’s lack of flexibility, strength and fitness can severely limit their ability to perform, but by following the exercises in our series of fitness videos, a relatively small investment in time can have far reaching positive effects on your performance as a rider. Here we explain how to improve horse rider flexibility…
You should warm up your muscles by taking a brisk walk, or similar, after riding before performing any of these exercises. If you suffer any ongoing physical issues, we recommend you speak to a health professional before you start.
Each exercise is shown at three different levels of difficulty, so you can choose the version that is most suitable to your current physical condition and then progress through the levels as you improve.
How to improve horse rider flexibility
Exercise one: upper back and shoulders release
A series of stretches to reduce rounding of your shoulders and upper back, which will improve your posture and balance in the saddle.
Stretching the hip flexors can help reduce lower back pain, allow your pelvis to follow your horse’s back movements more closely and improve control of your seat.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Exercise three: lower back stretch
Free up any tightness in the lower back and avoid excessive curvature of this area, leading to improved distribution of the rider’s weight through the seat.
Dee is the founder of Dynamic Sports Therapy. A keen rider, she has competed at national level and was part of the small stables team at the London 2012 Olympics. Dee works with some of the world’s leading horse and rider combinations, including some of those on track for Rio 2016.
Dee is an equestrian sports science graduate from Hartpury College and went on to complete the International Therapy Examination Council Diploma in equine sports massage, delivered by veterinary chartered physiotherapist Mary Bromiley, and now stands as the ESMA Chairman.
Dee is a level four sports massage therapist with the Sports Massage Association. She also holds certificates in human and equine kinesiology taping and muscle energy techniques, as well as using deep oscillation therapy.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
