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 Horse & Rider Fitness - Linda J Purves
So you think that you are fit enough to ride? Well just read this book and see if you still think that you are!! Linda Purves has written a comprehensive guide to fitness for horse and rider in a fascinating book from Quiller Publishing. Illustrated with quality photos and amusing cartoon drawings, she makes the fitness process really sound fun. No visits to the gym are necessary in her plans, only exercises that can be carried out in the course of your daily routine of looking after your horse, although some of them look a bit cringe-making if you are caught out by your friends!!
Linda has defined necessary fitness and the way to reach it for different levels in excellent detail for those who ride once a week to those who specialise in one of the disciplines. She defines physical fitness and the need for it at whatever level you ride for the sake of you and your horse.
The book gives a six week programme for base fitness training for horse and rider, followed by sports specific training for both. It all looks a bit like hard work but it is made obvious what benefit is given to a horse by a fit rider. She follows on with specialised tips for various disciplines. Linda even gives tips on food---for horse and rider---in order to attain proper fitness. There are also suggestions as to how you can get fit with other horse-related activities and so provide fun with your fitness training, such as horse ball, mounted games, helping at the RDA.
This is a unique book with a wealth of information for all who ride whether they are Happy Hackers or dedicated competition riders. It does make you wonder whether you should ride at all but the whole book is written in such a readable way and with such encouragement that it makes you think why we ride. Do we ride to keep fit or should we think more of keeping fit to ride? It is definitely a ‘must’ read for anyone who rides or is contemplating starting.
Linda is a qualified Personal Fitness Trainer, Sports Therapist, Sports Coach and BHSII with 20 years experience in the equine industry and this book gives you a chance to absorb some of her knowledge in your everyday routine of caring for your horse.
Ann Fraser
Retired BHS Access Officer, 3 years ago. Have contributed to equestrian publications. In spare time write short stories.
Price £19.95 Published by QuillerPublishing
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