Preparing for a horseback riding vacation means getting your body ready for long days in the saddle, practicing proper riding posture, and making sure you bring the right gear. A little preparation now will help you ride more comfortably, avoid soreness, and fully enjoy your adventure from the very first day.
Why Preparation Matters
Horseback riding is more than just sitting on a horse – it’s a full-body workout. You’ll use your thighs to balance, your arms to communicate, and your core to keep you sitting tall. By training ahead of time, you’ll make the most of your trip and avoid common aches and pains.
1. Strengthen Your Core
Your core – abdominal and lower back muscles – is key to good riding posture and balance. The low back is the area most likely to get sore after a long ride, but strengthening your core helps you sit straighter, reduce strain, and avoid post-riding discomfort. A strong core also helps you stay centered in the saddle, even on uneven trails or when your horse changes speed unexpectedly.
Core exercises to try:
- Dead bugs
- Planks (30–60 seconds)
- Russian twists
- Bird dogs
2. Practice Proper Horseback Riding Posture
Good posture makes riding more comfortable for you and your horse. Before your trip, practice at home or visit a local riding center.
How to practice at home:
- Sit straddling a bench or wide chair.
- Align ear, shoulder, hip, and heel vertically.
- Keep your back relaxed and arms bent at 90° as if holding reins.
- Place your feet in “stirrups” and hold your balance.
Doing this regularly will help your muscles adapt and keep your horse more comfortable.
3. Build Upper Body Strength for Horseback Riding
While your legs do much of the work, strong arms, shoulders, and upper back improve rein control and posture. Strong shoulders and arms allow you to give clear rein cues without tiring, while a strong upper back supports an upright, balanced posture for hours of riding.
Upper body exercises to add:
- Plank
- Tricep pull-backs
- Upright rows
- Push-ups
4. Strengthen Your Lower Body
Strong legs help you cue your horse, maintain stability, and keep your feet properly positioned under your center of gravity. Well-trained lower body muscles also help you stay secure and comfortable during long trail rides or when navigating steep terrain.
Focus on these muscle groups:
- Quadriceps (front thighs)
- Gluteals (buttocks)
- Hamstrings (back thighs)
- Calves
Lower body exercises to try:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Step-ups
- Inner-thigh presses
5. Adapt Exercises for Horseback Riding
Modify your workouts to mimic riding position:
- Stand “horse-width” apart (slightly wider than hip-width) for squats and lunges.
- Turn toes slightly out, like they would be in stirrups.
- Keep knees slightly bent to match your in-saddle stance.
6. Add Low-Impact Cross-Training
In addition to riding-specific exercises, incorporating low-impact activities like yoga, Pilates, hiking, or swimming can help improve your flexibility, endurance, and balance – all essential for long days in the saddle.
These activities strengthen stabilizing muscles, increase range of motion in your hips and lower back, and boost cardiovascular health without putting excess strain on your joints. Even 20–30 minutes a few times a week can make it easier to maintain proper posture, stay relaxed in the saddle, and recover more quickly between rides.
7. Packing Checklist for a Horseback Riding Vacation
Make sure you’re equipped for comfort and safety:
- Riding boots with a heel
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
- Helmet (if not provided)
- Padded shorts or riding tights
- Riding gloves
- Water bottle and sunscreen
- Basic first-aid kit
On-Trail Tips for Comfort and Safety
Long days in the saddle can be incredibly rewarding – but also physically demanding. These small habits can make a big difference in how you feel during and after your rides.
- Stretch Before and After Each Ride: Spend 5–10 minutes gently stretching your legs, hips, lower back, and shoulders before mounting up. After your ride, repeat these stretches to help prevent stiffness and improve recovery for the next day.
- Pace Yourself, Especially in the First Few Days: It can be tempting to go all-out on day one, but give your body time to adjust. Start with a comfortable riding pace and gradually increase intensity and distance over the week to avoid soreness or fatigue.
- Drink Plenty of Water Throughout the Day: Dehydration can sneak up quickly, especially at higher altitudes like Colorado’s. Carry a water bottle in a saddlebag or hydration pack and sip regularly — even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Listen to Your Body: If you start feeling overly tired, sore, or lightheaded, take a short break. Your horse will appreciate the pause, too.
- Check Your Gear and Position Regularly: Make sure your saddle is secure and your stirrups are adjusted properly to prevent discomfort or strain during longer rides.
Book Your Dream Horseback Riding Vacation at C Lazy U Ranch
C Lazy U is a unique Colorado vacation for experienced horseback riders, but also for non-riders who are excited to try a new activity and release their inner cowboy or cowgirl. So even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, a vacation a C Lazy U Guest Ranch is definitely for you!
Ready to learn more? Check out our tips for beginner riders and the horseback riding tips our experienced wranglers have shared. Then contact us to schedule your horseback riding vacation today
