15 Equestrian workouts
Whether you’re a beginner who dreams of sitting the trot without bouncing, or a competitive rider fine-tuning your performance, one thing is clear: being fit off the horse makes a huge difference when you’re in the saddle.
That’s where an equestrian workout plan comes in. Unlike generic gym routines, workouts for equestrian riders target balance, mobility, core strength, and stamina.
The good news? There are already tons of fantastic personal trainers, physiotherapists, and equestrians who love fitness creating programs for us horsecrazy riders.
While there are a ton of resources out there, I know that having a million options can be overwhelming. So I fifteen of the best equestrian workouts and resources (in my opinion). These resources are a mix of YouTube videos and channels, structured programs, and some workout routine articles. No matter your level, you’ll find something to help you feel stronger, safer, and more connected in the saddle.
Just remember that I am not a doctor, personal trainer, or anything like that. So make sure you are talking to a professional about your workouts.
Horse Learner Fitness (YouTube Channel)
Image from the YouTube Channel Horse Learner FitnessIf you’re looking for a wide range of equestrian workouts that are easy to follow, check out the Horse Learner Fitness channel on YouTube. This channel is a great starting point as it has a ton of workout videos for a huge range of different exercises videos. The routines are rider-specific, focusing on things like core stability, hip mobility, and balance through stretches, Pilates, bodyweight exercises, and more.
Price: Free
Ride Like an Athlete
Image from Ride Like an AthleteCreated by rider and personal trainer Sarah Cuthbertson, Ride Like an Athlete is all about helping equestrians treat themselves like athletes. You’ll find a selection of workout options, a community, and 1:1 training options if you need something more tailored. Plus you can try it free for a week to see if it is the right fit before you commit which is a huge bonus, because let's be real working is hard enough as it is you don't want to be paying for a program you don't like.
Price: A week free then price depends on what you select
8-Minute Equestrian Workout (YouTube Video)
Image from YouTube channel JSHorsemanshipOnly have 8 minutes? Check out this video from the YouTube channel of JSHorsemanship. It is a quick video that is less than 8 minutes and will take you through some equestrian specific exercises and how they can help your riding! Covering posture exercises, stability exercises, glute exercises and more it is a great way to find some potentially new exercises to your workouts without having to guess how they will help your riding.
Price: Free
Beginner Core Workout for Equestrians (YouTube Video)
Image from the YouTube Channel Johanna J Equestrian PhysioIf you’re new to working out (or just for a new equestrian specific core workout), this beginner-friendly core workout from Johanna J Equestrian Physio is a great resource. It goes over how to build up over the weeks and takes you through 3 core exercises, how to do them, and tips. If you like the video and the instructor the good news is that she has a ton more equestrian workout videos on her channel!
Price: Free
Cathy Woods Yoga for Equestrians
Image from Cathy Woods YogaYoga and horseback riding really have so much in common that we take for granted. Having to be in the moment, in tune with our bodies, staying balanced...Cathy Woods has built an entire practice around it. Her programs and classes connect body awareness, flexibility, and breathwork to improve your presence both on the ground with your horse as well as in the saddle. Her book Yoga for Riders is a great resource for learning how to use yoga for riding and if you enjoy her work she also hosts clinics so you may be able to work with her in person.
Price: About $35
The Eventing Physiologist
Image from The Eventing PhysiologistThe Eventing Physiologist offers online rider fit classes through their EP RiderFit Club which has a 6 week course, a library of workouts, education, and access to their Facebook group. In addition to the EP RiderFit Club they offer rider biomechanics consultations, exercise physiology consultation, and online Rider Fit consultations.
Price: Depends on what you select. The EP RiderFit Club is a one time payment of $89.95 plus $34.95/month
Dressage Rider Training
Image from Dressage Rider FitnessWhile it is called Dressage Rider Training this website is for all equestrians. There are tons of free resources for everything from mindset, suppleness, stamina, and more. If you want a more structured option there are paid program options as well so you can find something that works for you.
Price: Free options and paid options
No Bounds Wellness Co.
Image from No Bounds Wellness CoNo Bounds Wellness CO is a fitness and nutrition service for equestrians. All workouts can be performed with body weight or household/barn items which is great especially for those just beginning their fitness journey and don't want to or can't make a commitment to buying fitness equipment at the moment. The owner of the company offers nutrition advice as well both with the NBW membership and as a separate service.
Price: NBW membership is $30/month with other services varying in price.
Strength Building for Equestrians
Image from FEIThe FEI put together a strength building bodyweight workout specifically for riders. It’s a simple 6 exercise routine that doesn't require equipment, you can even do it at the barn if you want. Containing exercises like superman, single leg deadlifts, and supine toe taps, many of these exercises work several muscles to help make you a stronger and more balanced rider.
Price: Free
Haybales and Barbells
Image from Haybales and Barbells.Haybales and Barbells is a super well known equestrian fitness company that has a ton of different product options. Whether you are looking for a 12 week rider fitness program, a fitness challenge to keep you accountable, a workout guide, or a fitness app tailored to equestrians Haybales and Barbells has all of this and more.
Price: 3 day free trial + other freebies then price depends on what you select
Amalia Dempsey’s Rider Programs
Image from Amalia DempseyAmalia Dempsey has a range of programs some of which include rider fitness. She has a free guide that 10 exercises for riders specifically and a paid 8 week rider specific exercise program. If you decide to go with her paid program each week you get 2 workouts, a stretch/mobility video, and an exercise to work on when riding. This can be really nice for those just getting into fitness training or who just can't commit to 5 workouts a week.
Price: Free and paid options
Equestrian Fitness Academy
Image from IFAFITThe Equestrian Fitness Academy has a ton of free resources in their blog posts from nutrition to plank workouts for equestrians. They have two different 12 week program options with slightly different offerings but both provide workouts, support, and access to the app. Plus if you and some of your barn friends like the program you could even potentially have a group workout or even host a clinic.
Price: Free resources plus paid options
The Sweaty Equestrian
Image from The Sweaty EquestrianThe Sweaty Equestrian is primarily geared towards endurance riders, but let's be honest workouts are workouts and doing some sort of exercise is usually better than doing nothing. So if you aren't an endurance rider, but feel like this is calling you - why not try it. The TSE membership offers a range of workouts that are designed for minimal equipment, a private Facebook group, trainer talks, and more.
Price: $46/month or $38/month depending on the plan you select.
BioRider Fitness
Image from BioRider FitnessBioRider Fitness has a free 30 day workout plan (with videos to show you how to perform the exercises). If you are wanting something more you can check out their numerous blog posts, jumping fitness program, dressage fitness program, western fitness program, or one of their bronze through gold level programs.
Price: Free resources plus paid options
Rider Fitness
Image from Rider FitnessRider Fitness definitely stands out as it seems to be focused on individual needs. While they do have some free resources like a mini course on myths of riding with stiffness and pain along with a free masterclass on 5 keys to being a better rider they are more for people wanting personalized support. Luckily the rider evaluation is free so you can get a better idea on what the program entails and decide if it is the right fit for you.
Price: Free resources and paid options
You got this
Working out might not sound as fun as riding (and let's be real it isn't since there really is nothing more fun that horseback riding), but the truth is: the stronger and more balanced you are off the horse, the better you’ll ride when you’re in the saddle. Whether you’re following along with a quick YouTube session or committing to a structured 8-week program, these equestrian workout resources give you plenty of options to choose from.
Remember, consistency is key. Try a few of these workouts, see what you enjoy, and build a routine that supports your riding goals. Your horse will thank you when your seat is quieter, your aids are clearer, and you're balanced in the saddle.
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