Horseback riding (called "horse riding" in England) is one of the best ways to not only get physically fit, but emotionally fit, as well. Steering a one thousand pound animal around a course gives you self-esteem you can't imagine. You also learn cooperation, empathy with someone who can't speak your language, and get friendship from the horse. Horseback riding uses muscles in your inner thighs that are used for no other exercise that I can describe on an all-age website. Here are some fitness tips for those itching to get back in the saddle again.

Stick To A Diet

You need to eat healthy in order to have your body work at maximum efficiency with the minimum of pain. Horseback riding is one of the most intense activities known to man or woman – not with just the riding, but with taking care of your horse, and then trying to catch a runaway mount after you've tumbled off. And it's not a lot of fun for a horse to have to cart around a fat rider. Horses do get back aches.

If you remember no other fitness tips, remember this one – no fad diets! They will not work and may leave your body dangerously short on essential nutrients. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas or fruit juices – not alcoholic beverages, coffee or fizzy drinks. The last three drinks will dehydrate you – which is the last thing you need. And, water helps you feel full, which is another helpful fitness tip.

Heel Walking

Another fitness tip for riders is to do some exercises every day, even if you can't ride that day. Your muscles can forget how to position themselves on a horse, even though your brain will remember. Bike riding won't work the leg muscles you need to grip your horse. As you know, you don’t squeeze with your knees – you grip with your inner thighs. This takes a long time to learn. Keep your muscle memory from forgetting by walking on your heels as much as you can. This is the closest approximation of the riding position your body is going to get.

Wear A Sports Bra

Perhaps one of the most sadly neglected fitness tips is female riders not wearing a sports bra. Don't fool yourself – you need some kind of support! A regular bra just will not do. After bouncing around for twenty minutes, your breasts will get incredibly painful. It is also considered in bad form by show judges to not wear a support bra.