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RIDER FITNESS AND STRENGTH I am a petite woman.  For the majority of my life, I have had minimal muscling and strength.  Many of the people I instruct can relate to the difficulties this kind of physique creates in being a successful rider. Through the years, many instructors have suggested that I take-up some form of conditioning exercise, outside of my riding, to increase my strength. For too many years I misunderstood the reason for adding strength. I thought more muscles would be for stronger aids to influence my horses. With some indignation, I would think to myself that I did not want to have horses that needed a weight lifter to effectively ride them.  I wished to have horses that only needed the lightest of aids. Far too many years passed where I ignored this advice.  (Except for the times during my eventing days when I would occasionally take up jogging to quiet my instructor.)  All the while I struggled to keep my seat squarely in the saddle, and most lessons consisted of the repeated advice to bring my shoulders back. It wasn’t until a few years ago, I was enlightened.  I realized that the importance of a fit and strong rider was not to give harder aids to the horse, but for the rider to maintain a correct position to be able to control and influence the horse with more subtle and lighter aids. All the years of struggling to sit evenly was not due to a lack of ability or effort, but due to a general lack of fitness and strength through the hips and core. My rounded shoulders were not due to any real or imagined genetic or conformation flaw, but to a lack of strength through the shoulders, back and abs. Once the light went on I was able to work with a good physical trainer, who was familiar with other sports and riding, to strengthen my core. My training involves an aerobic warm-up, stretching and stability work along with strengthening exercises for the core muscles. This is the program my body has had the best response to, and that fits my lifestyle.  I travel frequently, and I do not need equipment or a gym to get through a workout. When I am on the road there is no excuse to miss a workout. However there are many programs, such as Pilate’s, yoga, and core fitness that provide a good balance of stretching and strengthening. Immediately there was a positive difference in my riding.  Most notably, I am able to influence the stability of my seat in lateral movements and control where the weight of my seat goes. The other big difference is that my hips and seat bones no longer hurt after many hours in the saddle. It is easier to keep a positive attitude during rides now that there is no discomfort. Yes, I still have to constantly remind myself to keep my shoulders back.  But, at least it is something I can do without pain or frustration. Taking the time off the horse to get fit for riding is something I wish I had understood years ago.