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It's not often you pair up with a workout buddy named, "Pondo" or "Bambi"; okay, maybe "Max," but would he have a shiny coat and let you ride his back? When you think of exercising, treadmills and spin classes may come to mind, but horseback riding?

Some may think that the horse does all the work, but they would be wrong. “It works all these tiny little muscles you never even knew you had,” said rider Kim Stewart, who has been taking both private and group riding lessons for two years at Cash Lovell  Stables & Riding Academy. Not only is it great exercise, but it gives her many opportunities to bond with her daughters, who also take riding lessons. “That’s the main reason I started learning — to be with them. We take riding lessons, go to horse shows and eat together afterwards,” said Stewart.

While guiding Lucia Zinzow on her horse, “Max,” in a Saddle Seat Equitation lesson, instructor Jamie Jankowicz explained, ”Riding takes a lot of balance, strength and focus to stay up and guide your horse with your body movements.” She noted that, “At first, many riders can’t stay up the entire time.” Lucia has been riding for nine months and appreciates how riding increases your core strength, as well as leg and thigh strength.

Read more on page 58 in the September Issue of FW magazine