It’s not a secret that I’ve been a proponent of working out at the gym for many years and that I believe all riders should be responsible about their fitness. It’s not just because a fit rider looks better on the horse or even that they have increased stamina while riding. It is more that, if I were a horse I would hate carting around some over-weight, panting sack of potatoes on my back. I just would feel it was unfair, it would made me sore, and I’d get pissed!

Horses don’t sit around trying to analyze why their masters decided to go out and binge eat because they were depressed over a bad score. They basically think like tiny infants. They know when they are content, scared, hungry, and uncomfortable and the reasons behind those feeling are of little concern to them. That’s why it is our responsibility to do our very best to “think like a horse” when we are dealing with them. And that empathy is again why I say, “Stay fit!”

I have a fantastic personal trainer, Bob Gutowitz, who I’ve introduced to many new clients like George Morris, Jane Clark, and Bent Jensen. Bob is an amazing trainer who, at just over 200 pounds, has shoulders which span the width of George’s and mine when standing side by side while having a 32 inch waist. You get the picture.
Now I’m not saying riders should look like body builders. That shape is not elegant on a horse, but the discipline Bob brings to training produces a lean, sculpted torso, strong legs, and a sound cardiovascular system.

And Bob believes in and practices yoga and stretching which I discussed in an earlier blog. They bring suppleness and balance to the body that is so vital, especially as we get older. Exercising is like religion. There is no “only right way” to practice it, but rather many, many excellent ways to become and stay fit. Like Maryanne Williamson once said, “It doesn’t matter if you hate working out as long as you get up and do it.” And I promise you your horse will appreciate it too!