At last an equestrian’s workout book that gets to the core of the matter! Yes, I am talking core strength –the key to riding well.  If you are like me by mid-January you have already broke your New Year’s resolution to workout and ride better.  So when I picked by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt’s book, The Rider’s Fitness Guide to a Better Seat, I didn’t have high hopes.  I have a garage full of exercise gadgets, two gym memberships, and a personal trainer who I haven’t seen in so long, I am not sure I could pick him out in a lineup.

But the book was simple. When I flipped through it, the exercises were explained in a step-by-step manner I could actually follow. Hourdebaigt’s book explains the center of gravity for both horse and rider and has fun exercises to help readers discover their own center of gravity.  The book has simple self-tests, which make the process more interesting.  The book is also peppered with tips on exercising, breathing, and putting your posture into alignment.  It was fascinating to discover the importance of proper breathing when exercising and it was easy as a rider to see how this technique will carry over into improved riding.

Probably the best part of the book for me is the “take-along” exercise chart section.  These are great for people who travel and want to work out in the privacy of their hotel room.

Overall, the book is one of the most user-friendly workout books I have read. Because Hourdebaigt is a licensed massage therapist for both horse and human, he obviously understands the anatomy of both and how each partner might compensate for the other. This is a workout that is truly designed to improve your riding, hence the name, The Rider’s Fitness Guide to a Better Seat. Competitive riders’ owe it to themselves to pick up a copy of this book. And for enjoyment and improvements in the saddle, I think any rider would benefit from this simple program.

My only complaint was that there was not a DVD companion to the workout book.  I am lazy and would rather have a quick reminder on my screen to get my work out on track. When I emailed the author’s website (www.massageawareness.com -which I found on page 155 in the book), I discovered that my wish was already granted. The DVD of the same name, The Rider’s Fitness Visual Guide to a  Better Seat, is due out this April. 

So do yourself and your horse a favor and pick up a copy of The Rider’s Fitness Guide to a  Better Seat.  If you are willing to invest about 15 minutes per session you will see an improvement in your riding and I think you’ll agree this one is a blue ribbon book!

The Rider’s Fitness Guide to a Better Seat is available in tack stores nationally online via Amazon.com or Howell Book House publishers or on the author’s website, www.massageawareness.com.