How to Strengthen Legs for Horseback Riding

Horseback riding uses muscles in your body that you will use for no other sport. Even cyclists will feel that their legs are weak the first time in the saddle. A lot of riding is with your legs to give the aids to your mount and to keep your balance. Here are easy exercises to help strengthen your legs for horseback riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Stairway with a banister
  • Exercise clothes (optional)
  • Exercise mat or a safe patch of floor
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Instructions

  1. You Will Feel The Burn

    • 1

      Yawn and stretch like you would when you wake up in the morning. Kick your legs out and shake them to wake up the circulation.

    • 2

      Go to the bottom step of the stairs. Face the rest of the stairs as if you were climbing up. Hold on to the banister with one hand and put the other hand on your hip. Put the balls of your feet on the stairs and let your heels suspend in mid-air. When you feel balanced, slowly let your weight drop your heels down. Bop back up again. Do this for five times at first, then add five more "bops" with each passing week.

    • 3

      Sit down on your exercise mat or safe bit of floor. Spread out your legs to the side, but not so far that you are in agony. Your legs will look like a letter V. Lean over to touch your toes (or as far as you can) to one side for a count of five. Then lean forward as far as you can for a count of five. Then lean over to the other side for a count of five. You can add more counts of five with each additional week.

    • 4

      Lie down flat on your back. First, you lift one leg at a height comfortable for you and do five circles as large as you can. Then do five of the smallest circles that you can (still moving the whole leg and not cheating by just making circles with your feet). Switch legs. You can add more counts of five with each week you do this exercise.

    • 5

      Lift both legs in the air, support your lower back with your hands, and pretend you are riding a bicycle upside-down. Do this for as long as you can.

    • 6

      Get up slowly and walk on your heels as far as you can.