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.
Amanda Walker wasn’t sure what she’d gotten herself into when she went to try Runaway Romeo as a potential sales project in 2018. The gelding was a bit bigger than Walker was looking for and was quite pushy coming out of the stall. When she got on, it didn’t get much better.
For seasoned and novice riders alike, it is always good to revisit the basics. Serving as the foundation for any eventer, the positions used on the cross-country course differ from those in the dressage or show jumping ring. The USEA tuned into five-time Olympian, three-time World Equestrian Games rider, two Pan-American Games rider, and USEA ECP certified coach Karen O'Connor as she walked coaches and students at the USEA ECP Symposium through the basic positions for effective cross-country riding.
The USEF's main phone number and fax number have changed. We wanted to notify you so you continue to get the support you need.
With the recent wrap-up of the 2023 Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Symposium in Ocala, Florida, USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown chats with ECP Faculty Members Jennifer Howlett Rousseau and Robin Walker about all things related to the ECP. From the USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels to the benefits of pursuing certification, selecting the best coach for you, recapping this year's Symposium, and more - this week's USEA podcast is the perfect educational tool for coaches and riders alike!