Hobby horsing is not only a creative pastime, but also a competitive sport that requires body control, endurance, and skill. A proper warm-up is essential to avoid injuries and achieve optimal performance. In this article, we explain why warming up is so important, which exercises are ideal for hobby horsing, and how you can specifically improve your fitness.
Why is warming up so important for hobby horses?
Horsing may seem like a simple hobby at first glance, but it puts a lot of strain on the body. Jumping, dressage, and other forms of exercise place a significant strain on the legs, arms, back, and even the abdominal muscles.
An effective warm-up has many benefits:
- Injury prevention: Muscles that are warmed up and stretched before training are less susceptible to strains or other injuries.
- Performance improvement: A warmed-up body reacts faster, is more flexible and has more endurance.
- Concentration: Warming up prepares not only the body but also the mind for the challenges ahead.
The best warm-up exercises for hobby horses
Here are some exercises that will help you prepare your body for the hobby of horse riding:
1. Light cardio exercises
- Goal: Stimulate circulation and supply blood to the muscles.
- Beispiele:
- Jump rope: Jump lightly with a jump rope for 2-3 minutes.
- Jumping Jacks: Do 20–30 jumping jacks to get your body moving.
- Easy jogging: Run on the spot or do a short, easy jog of 2-5 minutes.
2. Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching prepares the muscles for stress and increases mobility.
- Lunges with rotation: Take lunges and rotate your upper body slightly to the side.
- Arm circles: Slowly circle your arms forward and backward to loosen the shoulder area.
- Leg swing: Hold on to a wall and swing one leg back and forth.
3. Balance exercises
Balance is essential in hobby horsing, especially when jumping.
- One-legged stand: Stand on one leg and try to maintain your balance for 30 seconds. Then switch legs.
- Lateral Bends: Bend sideways while standing on one leg to activate the obliques.
4. Activation of jumping power
Jumping is a core aspect of hobby horsing. Prepare your leg muscles specifically.
- Knee lift run: Run on the spot and pull your knees up as high as possible.
- Side hops: Jump from left to right to activate your legs and coordination.
- Squat Jumps: Do squats and then jump explosively upwards from the squat.
Additional strength and conditioning training for hobby horsing
In addition to warming up, you should work on your fitness in the long term to be successful in horse riding. Here are some exercises to help you:
1. Strength exercises
- Planks: Stabilize your core with this exercise that strengthens the abdominal and back muscles.
- Squats: This exercise trains the legs and buttocks – perfect for jumping.
- Push-ups: Build arm strength needed to hold the Hobby Horse.
2. Endurance training
- Interval training: Alternate between fast and slow runs to improve your fitness.
- Cycling: Strengthens leg muscles and improves endurance.
- Swimming: A holistic workout that uses all major muscle groups.
Tips for the perfect warm-up for the Hobby Horse
- Timing: Take at least 10-15 minutes to warm up before you start training or competing.
- Regularity: Make warming up a regular part of your routine.
- Adaptation: Adapt your exercises to the intensity of the training – a casual hobby horsing requires less warm-up than an intense competition.
- Breathing: Make sure to breathe deeply and evenly during the exercises to ensure your body is supplied with enough oxygen.
Conclusion: Being well prepared is half the battle
A proper warm-up is an essential part of hobby horse riding. It not only protects against injury, but also improves your performance and helps you mentally prepare for training. With the right exercises and a little discipline, you can get the most out of your hobby horse experience.
Get started now with Hobby Horse Planet
Are you ready to take your hobby horsing to the next level? Visit our shop Hobby Horse Planet and discover our selection of hobby horses and accessories. We have everything you need for your training – from the perfect hobby horse to practical tips!
