Ever wondered how yoga could make you a better horse rider? Do you know that yoga can help strengthen your core and exercise the muscles you use while on horseback? If you are wondering what are the yoga poses that can make you a better rider, then you should read this post. Listed here are some simple yoga asanas that will make you a better horse rider!

Why Yoga?

Yoga has many health benefits for the average horse rider. Yoga helps:

• Improve balance
• Improve body symmetry
• Boost Flexibility
• Increase Mental focus

Poses To Perform:

As a horse rider, you need a strong core and good balance. Yoga helps improve your sense of balance and improves your core strength while improving your mental focus.

Some of the common poses that riders need to perform include the Eagle pose, Camel pose, Cat-cow pose and the Tree pose. Each of these poses teach us how to develop flexibility and open up certain locked or tight muscles.

1. Eagle Pose Or Garudasana:

The eagle pose is excellent for improving your balance, and riders should practice this asana regularly. It also helps promote back strength and flexibility.

1. Begin by standing upright in mountain pose.
2. Balance on your right leg and bend the knee slightly.
3. Lift your left leg and cross it over the right leg.
4. Hook the right leg with your left leg.
5. Your left foot should be touching your right shin.
6. Now raise your arms to shoulder height and keep them parallel to the ground
7. Cross your right arm over the left and join your palms (1).

2. Tree Pose Or Vriksasana:

Another pose that is great for improving your balance, the tree pose or vriksasana is also effective in boosting reproductive health.

1. Begin standing upright and keep your feet together.
2. Raise your left leg and bend the knee.
3. Lift your left foot towards your thighs.
4. Now begin to raise your arms until they are directly above your head.
5. Join your palms, while your fingers point upwards.
6. Hold the pose for 10-15 seconds.
7. Repeat on the other side (2).

3. Camel Pose Or Ustrasana:

This pose is good for opening up your back. It helps boosts spinal flexibility and increases back strength. Ustrasana also has other health benefits like improving mental focus and calming your mind. Camel pose also helps loosen those tight hip flexors, which will decrease the probability of you getting cramps and makes the experience more comfortable.

1. Get down on your knees and keep your back straight.
2. Your hands should be on the body’s side.
3. Begin bending backward and continue until you feel your back stretch.
4. Try and grab your heels with your hands.
5. Keep holding the pose for around 10-15 seconds.
6. Repeat (3).

4. Cat-Cow Pose Or Bidalasana:

The Cat-Cow Pose or bidalasana is one pose that helps improve your back strength and enhances your posture. It has many benefits for the average horse rider, and the pose is also used by golfers to better their swing.

1. Begin by getting down on your hands and knees.
2. Flatten your back so that it is parallel to the ground.
3. Now begin taking a deep breath and arching your back upwards.
4. Lower your back in the same smooth motion.
5. Repeat raising and lowering your back around 5-10 times.
6. Return to starting position.
7. Rest.

Learn how to perform the Bidalasana; check out this video.

So, practice these yoga poses and improve your horseback riding skills today. To tell us of any particular yoga based pose that you practice before going out on a ride, leave a comment below. Our readers would love to hear your views.

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by Ameya C via STYLECRAZE