How Does Horse Riding Affect Your Body?
I used to think that riding, was a great way to tone my body and get my exercise, but then I realized that getting in shape, especially balance and flexibility would help my riding and my courage!

Riding does help keep my body toned and in shape.  People say the horse does all the work and I just offer to let them take a horse around a course of jumps.  It is a lot more strength than anyone really thinks about.  Riders are athletes just as much as their horses, except maybe those that just relax on easy trail rides (which I used to do).

Let's take it a step further.  If we can improve our balance and our flexibility, we can be better riders and then gain even more strength and benefit from the riding.  I recently did an 11-day jumpstart program to reduce inflammation and I was shocked at how much better I felt overall.  My wedding ring fit over my knuckles, which it hadn't done in three years!  I could touch the ground at my feet, which I am not sure I have ever been able to do.  

This newfound flexibility is a breath of fresh air.  I can't wait to get riding this spring now that I feel GREAT, my body feels better, and even though I didn't want to, I lost weight.  Most of all, with reduced inflammation, my energy levels are through the roof!  That means cleaning the tack room, cleaning tack, mucking stalls, and all the other chores are so much easier.

So, back to the question, how does horse riding affect your body?  Well, the riding improves how my body is toned but all the other things I can improve about my health, improve my riding and that to me is everything!  Bring on SPRING!



If you want in the next 11-day jumpstart for riders, Click here!

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Hey there! I’m Elise Hittinger—Fear Slayer, Confidence Creator, and your go-to Courage Coach.

 
Once upon a time, I was that fearless kid riding deep into Angeles National Forest without a second thought. Then bam—life threw me a plot twist. A horse flipped on me, pinning me beneath it, and fear crept in like an uninvited guest who wouldn’t leave.

That moment tested everything. But here’s the wild part—I walked away with only bruises and a divine reminder that I wasn’t done yet. Fear may have stolen my joy for a while, but it did not get the final say.

Fast forward to a move to Kentucky, where the trails were calling my name. I had two choices: let fear keep the reins or take them back. Spoiler alert—I took them back. Now, I help other riders (and, honestly, anyone sick of fear running their life) do the same.

I make fear pack its little bags and GTFO. Whether it’s through hypnotherapy, NLP, or a little well-placed humor, I help people trade anxiety for confidence, doubt for courage, and overthinking for action.

So, if you’re ready to kick fear to the curb and rediscover the joy you deserve—I’m here for it. Let’s do this.

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