Get Fit – Exercise Tips for Equestrians

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224 – July/Aug, 2016

By Elizabeth Arnold

Many exhibitors are used to hearing these familiar instructions repeated countless times as they navigate the practice pen. Those same exhibitors likely believe that the only way to improve their Horsemanship form is to spend more time in the saddle. But, what if spending more time in the gym was another way to improve performance in the horse show arena? Auburn University Strength and Conditioning Coach Anthony Kincy shares his thoughts on how time in the gym can equal better results in the show ring.

Kincy should know; his prescribed exercises helped the Auburn Tigers win their fourth National Collegiate Equestrian Association Championship victory. The 2016 title came after a program-best 16-1 season. In Kincy’s view, making exercise part of an equestrian’s practice regimen improves strength, stability, and flexibility, all of which lead to better rides.

“A strength and conditioning coach is a little like a doctor, in that we prescribe an exercise to solve a problem,” Kincy says. “My role for the team is to look at what they need to improve, see where their weaknesses are, and find out how I can use exercise to fix those issues.” The goal for Kincy is to create a workout plan for each of Auburn’s riders that will address their specific needs and make them better competitors.

Kincy will admit that he’s learned a lot about riding since he started as the Equestrian Team’s Strength and Conditioning Coach. Kincy arrived at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, as a strength and conditioning coach for the school’s football team. He soon learned that he’d also be working with the top-ranked equestrian team. “The athletics administration told me I’d be working with the equestrian team, and I asked, ‘what’s that?’ I didn’t know if they expected me to train the horses, or the players!” he says with a laugh.

Click here to read the complete article
224 – July/Aug, 2016