In this video, Laura Crump Anderson leads us through five exercises designed to strengthen a rider's position. Anderson begins by demonstrating a wall sit, then moves on to body weight squats. If body weight squats are not challenging enough, she suggests adding a weighted object, like a bucket filled with horse feed, to increase the difficulty of the exercise. Next, Anderson moves on to demonstrating dips, which can be done with the help of a chair. Anderson rounds out the exercise program with push-ups and the plank.
Laura Crump Anderson holds a degree in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science from Longwood University. She focuses on rider fitness and establishing exercise regimens that work for the competitive equestrian. She completed a 400-hour internship under the tutelage of physical therapist Jill McKay. Laura is the founder of Hidden Heights Fitness LLC and is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and 200 Hour yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance. She developed a passion for sustainable programs that have the benefits of strength training without losing time in the saddle.
If all goes according to plan in the first part of the extended weekend, we will see 36 horses galloping across Derek di Grazia's CCI5*-L cross-country course at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (DK3DE). We partnered up with the team at CrossCountry App to bring you a preview of both the five-star and CCI4*-s tracks this year.
Lights, cameras, action! The first formal horse inspection (which some might informally refer to as "the jog") at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (DK3DE) takes place this afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. While this part of the event is a fan-favorite historically based on the impeccable turnout of the horses and the stylish and forward fashion choices of the riders (we are looking at you Boyd Martin in hopes that you bring back the American flag suit circa 2022), it serves a very important purpose: ensuring that each horse is fit, sound, and ready to compete at the five-star level.
There are so many things to love about the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and the opportunity to peruse the booths of so many amazing vendors is definitely one of them! Don’t forget to stop by the USEA booth, located just behind the Rolex Stadium next to the large Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event booth, to stock up on all of your favorite USEA apparel.
After the first competition at Modified was held at The Horse Park at Woodside in California in 2023, the level will be under an even bigger spotlight with the Modified Match that will be offered at the 2024 Woodside Spring Horse Trials that will take place from May 24-26.