The Mind-Body Connection in Showjumping

As a professional showjumper and endurance athlete, I’ve experienced firsthand how essential physical fitness is to performing at my best in the arena. There’s a common misconception that riding doesn’t require the same level of fitness as other sports—after all, the horse is doing all the work, right? Wrong. Riders, especially at the professional level, need to be in top physical and mental shape to communicate effectively with their horses and manage the intense demands of competition. In this post, I’ll share how my training outside the saddle, particularly in endurance sports, has significantly impacted my performance in showjumping.

The Physical Demands of Showjumping
Showjumping is much more physically demanding than it might seem. As riders, we need strength, balance, and stamina to stay in sync with our horses. Our core muscles help us maintain balance, our legs keep us connected to the horse, and our upper body needs to remain steady yet responsive. On top of that, the ability to maintain focus and control through a course of jumps, often at high speeds, requires immense mental stamina.

I’ve found that being physically fit not only improves my control in the saddle but also helps me stay sharp mentally—especially when things get tense in the ring.

Endurance Sports and Their Impact on My Riding
Training for marathons and triathlons has been an incredible way to build both physical and mental endurance. These sports push me to new limits and have helped me develop a mindset that I bring into the showjumping arena. Here’s how:

1. Mental Toughness: Running long distances or competing in a triathlon requires resilience. It’s about pacing yourself, staying focused, and pushing through discomfort. This directly translates to showjumping, where you need to stay calm under pressure and maintain focus through an entire course.
2. Cardiovascular Fitness: Having excellent cardiovascular health allows me to stay energized and focused during intense competition days. I’ve noticed that I’m less fatigued during shows, which means I’m able to think more clearly and respond quicker to my horse’s needs.
3. Strength and Balance: Endurance sports require cross-training, which has helped me strengthen my core, legs, and upper body. I feel more connected to my horse and better able to make subtle adjustments that can make the difference between a clear round and a fault.

Fitness Tips for Equestrians
If you’re an equestrian looking to improve your fitness, here are a few tips that have worked for me: 

• Core Work: Pilates or yoga are excellent for building core strength, which is essential for maintaining balance in the saddle.
• Cardio: Running, cycling, or swimming can significantly improve your cardiovascular health, making those long show days more manageable.
• Strength Training: Focus on leg and back strength to support your riding posture and control.

The connection between mind and body is undeniable in showjumping, and being fit allows me to perform at my best. Whether it’s my ability to stay focused during a jump-off or maintain my energy through a long show day, fitness is a key component of my success. I encourage every rider, whether amateur or professional, to prioritize their physical health. It’s not just about how you look in the saddle—it’s about how you feel, both mentally and physically, as you guide your horse to victory.