This episode is dedicated to a listener question from Julie in New Mexico. Her question has to do with cross training. A lot of us like to do other activities aside from riding – yoga, swimming, or, in this case, running.

As it happens, Jec and I are both runners. So is Katrin Silva, a Best Horse Practices Summit presenter and part of the Cayuse Collaborative Clinic initiative.

Together, we chat about cross-training in general and running specifically. We talk about the importance of core strength for riding and running. I've always felt that core strength and paying attention to the fitness of tiny little core muscles, not just those typical six pack abdominal muscles, is where a lot of us could stand to dedicate a bit more attention and time.

We have some excellent articles from guest columnists on best horse practicesdot com  and I will link to them in our show notes.

Also. We thank Skratch Labs for sponsoring this episode. Skratch Labs makes drinks and energy bars and chews. They all have less sugar than most sports drinks and have more sodium. If you are sweating, you need to replace your electrolytes.

Every ingredient has a purpose. No junk. Good-tasting products that your mouth and your belly and your brain will appreciate. Check out their Summer Peach Sport Hydration drink mix and their Raspberry Energy Chews.

See you later, Season Two! This is our 30th episode and our 60th since we started this shindig less than two years ago. We’ll be back soon for our third season.

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. Lucerne is this outstanding little company in northern Maine. Forage is chopped hay, an excellent option when you can’t have your horse on pasture or when you need to add calories and nutrients to your horses’ diet.

We also thank Redmond Equine for being part of our sponsorship family. Redmond rocks and other offerings come straight from their mine in Redmond, Utah. 

And we welcome back Pharm Aloe. Pharm Aloe offers aloe pellets and gel and other products to support horses’ GI health, and immune system. 

Do you consider yourself an athlete?

Do you feel connected to your body?

Maybe these are weird questions. But I’m truly curious about the intersection of horse work and athleticism. I’ve observed that a lot of riders don’t seem to consider themselves athletes and don’t consider riding a sport as much as a job, pastime, or recreational activity. That’s a shame, I think. When we hold our own fitness, training, conditioning, and body awareness to a higher standard, we necessarily elevate our connection to our horses and make it possible to do more, be more, connect more. It matters. Short term and long term. In the moment and over the years. Fitness and agility matter. What do you think?

LINKS to Core Fitness articles

Core Insight from Katrin Silva

Developing the Intelligent Core

Core Strength Moves with David Stickler

 

We LOVE hearing from you. While we take a little break before our third season, send us your thoughts. Topic suggestion? Training question? Or maybe you just want to share something great or not so great that happened with you and your horse. All good. Looking forward to your emails.

We thank Kate’s Real Food and Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Did you know? All ya gotta do is comment or suggest a podcast topic or send us a training question here and you’ll be automatically qualified for our monthly Patagonia WorkWear giveaway.