#Riderfitness

A growing body of research on rider biomechanics is forcefully arguing what many horse lovers have felt in practice: fitness matters as much as technique when you’re in the saddle. An expert in horse–human biomechanics recently stressed that riders need to be fit not only to ride well but to ride safely. The key message is simple and striking: cross-training outside the horse can reduce common injuries, while off-horse workouts build the muscular foundation that makes those elegant strides look effortless in the arena. For Thai riders—from weekend enthusiasts at local clubs to young athletes dreaming of national teams—this could be a turning point in how training is designed, who delivers it, and how families structure time around sport.