11 Best Equestrian Rider Fitness Apps & Programs

I am by no means a gym rat or a fitness junky. My workouts have largely been limited to only things that included horses (i.e. riding, grooming, bathing my horse) - you get the picture. But when I was watching myself ride on video bouncing hands, a swimming leg, and hunched over shoulders (the horror) were in all the frames. I knew that if I was too close to the camera at the end of one of my jumping rounds you would hear me gulping down air as if I just ran a marathon.

Still I was hesitant to go to the gym. I had never really worked out in the gym and I didn’t know where to start, let alone what exercises I should do to help me in my riding. I didn’t even think to try to find equestrian rider workout apps or programs. 

I just went online and found different articles talking about the ‘best’ free fitness apps. After reading all the different articles I downloaded three of them and entered the world of the gym. Swimming in workout videos ranging from HIIT, to pilates, barre, and more I felt overwhelmed and lost.

Unsure of what to do, I began selecting workouts at random just making sure I was doing 45 minutes to an hour of exercise videos/running a day. Over the next month my cardio did improve, as you can imagine it does when someone who only runs to jog their horse starts actually running for exercise. But my strength and muscle tone didn’t really seem to be changing and I wasn’t seeing the changes in my riding I was looking for.

I could still crush the lower body portion of the workout videos I choose, while doing a pushup felt like I had noodle arms. Then I got sick, had a horse show, finished school, leased out my horse and just kind of fell off the workout wagon along the way.

Now that I am getting ready to get back into riding I decided to ditch the free but overwhelming free fitness apps and find workouts designed for equestrian athletes.

Equestrian Rider Fitness

Diving into the internet and Instagram led me to some great equestrian rider fitness workouts, apps and challenges specially tailored to horseback riders. I have narrowed this list down to the top options (in my opinion) that are reasonably priced. Like many other horse owners, I have a limited budget and I'm always looking for value.

Here are the best options I've found, in no particular order.

I am always looking for new rider fitness programs, so if you know of any apps, videos or equestrian fitness challenges, I would love to hear from you.

#1 Haybales and Barbells

Image from Haybales and Barbells

I came across Haybales and Barbells while on Instagram and I immediately fell in love with the content. The founder of this company is a Certified Personal Trainer and a Recreation Therapist and Equestrian Athlete who promotes body inclusivity (which we need more of in the industry).

The company currently offers, well, basically everything. From freebies, workout guides to 2-12 week programs, studio programs, and challenges there is something for everyone. The best part is how affordable the services are. Prices start at just $10 and go up up from                                            there, making this a more affordable option. 

Highlights:

• Freebies
• Workout guides for $10
• 2 to 12 week programs
• Studio programs & Challenges

#2 DressurFit®

Image from DressurFit

Started by Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and her brother Benjamin Werndl, DressurFit® is a 12 week program based on your needs. You start off by taking the initial free fitness test and then you will get your 12 week program. Once your 12 weeks are up you have access to the library of workouts. Plus they have live trainings once a month online so you can even experience more of the that workout community while not having to go to a gym!

Highlights:

• Prices start at around $210 for 6 months then drops to about $15/month
• Online classes
• Initial fitness test for free
• Program based on your needs

#3 BioRider Fitness

Image from BioRider Fitness

BioRider Fitness is a wonderful program developed by Bridget Braden-Olson. Who is not only a USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist, but also NFPT certified personal trainer and BOSU Master Trainer. This is a subscription based service with different levels to fit different rider needs based on discipline and goals. 

They have programs that cost just $52 for 12 months, $25 for 4 weeks, and $200 for 8 weeks making BioRider Fitness a very affordable option for equestrians.

Highlights:

• Prices start as low as $52/12 months
• Different subscription levels
• Discipline specific courses

#4 Ridercise

Image from Ridercise

Ridercise is one of the other rider fitness programs designed by a personal trainer and horseback rider. The company offers monthly, quarterly, and yearly subscriptions to their on-demand workout videos. Ridercise also has a one time payment 6 week rider posture bundle along with 3 coaching options. I think it is great that there are various coaching options since there are a lot of us equestrians that may have injuries and need a more personalized approach to working out. 

Highlights:

• As low as about $15/month
• 5 different program options
• Workout videos
• Free 3 day trial for on-demand video subscription 

#5 Equifitt

Image from Equifitt

If you are an equestrian who prefers books or in person training over online videos, then Equifitt could be the right rider fitness company for you. While they do offer online newsletters and coaching, unlike many of the other companies on this list they also offer several books and in person coaching. So if you happen to be in the Ottawa Canada area you and/or your barn friends can get together and experience a fun rider fitness course.

Highlights:

• In person or online
• Books with exercises/training plans
• Group or individual sessions

#6 Dressage Rider Training

Image from Dressage Rider Training

Looking for an equestrian fitness program developed by a personal trainer, holistic lifestyle and nutrition coach? You have found it. While this program says Dressage Rider in the name, I have a feeling that the workouts will benefit you no matter what discipline you ride. There are blog posts with tons of great info, a membership option, additional paid programs, and even a 12-week program! 

Highlights:

• Monthly membership or yearly membership for about $25/month or $210/year 
• Free eBook and blog posts
• $197 for 12 week program (3 level options)

#7 Equestrian Fitness

Image from Equestrian Fitness

Started by Nicola, who holds nine different qualifications (in regards to fitness and bodywork), started Equestrian Fitness which has tons of workout options for you. Whether you want group classes or personal training there is an option for you. 

While the prices for group classes aren't published the prices for the personal training is and it is very affordable for personal training in my opinion at less than $200 per month.

Highlights:

• Prices start at less than $10/month
• Online classes
• In-person classes
• Personal Training

#8 Equestrian Coach

Image from Equestrian Coach

Equestrian Coach is a bit different from the other programs on this list since it offers more than just equestrian fitness content. It offers advice on how to work with horses and different training advice on top of fitness content. Of course this may not be for those strictly looking for workout content but for those that are maybe more interested in just exploring fitness while also getting advice for working with their horses this can be a great first resource.

Highlights:

• Offers more than just equestrian fitness content
• Can pay for individual videos or do a subscription
• Subscription is $19.99/month or $199.99/year

#9 Ride Like An Athlete

Image from Ride Like An Athlete

While Ride Like An Athlete may be geared towards Endurance riders, their workouts are beneficial to all types of horseback riders. This company offers different programs including a Stable to 40k program and Fit Rider program. Plus they offer a 7 day free trial so you can try out their program without a big commitment, which is always wonderful.

Highlights:

• Different programs
• 7 day free trial
• Blog posts with great information 

#10 Amy Hulls Fitness

Image from Amy Hulls YouTube channel

Okay, I know some of you are reading this and thinking "I want to do a rider fitness program, but I just got my latest horse bill and can’t even think about spending $10." Trust me, I get it! Luckily, Amy Hulls is a personal trainer and equestrian who has free workout videos on her Youtube channel. Whether you want to strengthen your ankles or do a full body workout she has a video to meet your needs. While there are not a ton of videos on her YouTube channel yet, there are several there to start with.

Highlights:

• Free
• On Youtube
• Workout videos

#11 Heels down fitness

Image from Heels Down Fitness

If you want an app dedicated to equestrian fitness then check out the Heels Down Fitness app. To access the programs in the app all you need to do is create a free account with your name, email, and a password. Once you are in you can see everything they offer. 

Highlights:

• App only
• Equestrian fitness focused
• Online community