Rider Fitness & Riding Instruction

Equifitt is about better biomechanics and posture for riders. This means that Equifitt trains fitness and conditioning specifically for riders.

Fitness clients come from all disciplines, and with all riding ability from beginner adult amateurs, to youth to professional World competition level riders. Clients have included Olympic & WEG riders, 'late-bloomers', riders with disability and the following disciplines: polo, eventing, hunter/jumper, western, natural horsemanship, trail, pleasure, endurance.

Riding instruction is also available for basic riding skills and equitation, and Dressage (up to Level 2). The coaching approach is based on the foundational principles of classical riding- principles which align with Centered Riding and good biomechanics.

It's about using your body more effectively, so your horse can move the way he was designed to. When you carry yourself correctly, and have awareness, stamina, core strength and mobile joints, you help your horse move better.

Services include: see the Services page for more complete service format description

classic riding instruction
clinics, workshops and talks
one-on-one fitness training
facilitated fascial stretch therapy
virtual coaching available for:
- Personal fitness
- Posture assessment
- mounted riding assessment
- talks & small group training
- life & wellbeing coaching

Bring your trainer to you, anywhere with an internet connection!
Equifitt has been a leader in the rider fitness field since 2007.

Dressage Coach Jane Savoie interviewing me about rider fitness and riding better, longer in life (1 hour)

Facilitated fascial stretch therapy onsite at a national dressage show: loosens joints and tight areas deeply.

Doing some postural and body work with a client using the Equicizer for unmounted training to improve awareness and muscle activation.

Download Rider Fitness eBooks

More Free fitness training and health tips:

Signup for the Equifitt rider fitness and training newsletter.

Or 'like' the Facebook pages: Equifitt Facbook: equestrian fitness and training

Heather Sansom Coach: Tips on health, wellness, better living and reaching your goals and dreams.

New: Core Workout Plan for Runners book

Click the book cover for more info or to purchase.

Or run a search on Dressage Today for free rider fitness articles by Heather Sansom.

Great Client Questions about Fit2Ride

Does this workout need lots of gym equipment? I don't have time for a gym.

GREAT question. Actually, I specifically designed the workout to be do-able at home or barn, since almost all of the clients that I work with- especially the ones I work with on Skype, don't use gyms. They are just too busy, or live rurally and cannot also fit going to a gym at some other location into their schedule. So all the equipment needed is simple, common or easily available items.

If you do have access to a gym, you can also do the workouts there of course.

How do I get the book outside the US?

You can order directly from www.horseandriderbooks.com, however you might save shipping costs by asking your local bookstore or equestrian supply to stock it so you can buy through them. In Canada, it is expected to be available through Greenhawk.

Client Quotes

"I find my balance and upper body strength is alot better. I really feel a difference in the abdominal area too. I feel motivated to keep up with exercise during the week because the classes with Heather have made a difference. I'm feeling really good!" Melanie, Canada

My program is achievable, even though it challenges me. Being accountable really helps with achieving results. In six weeks I lost 4kg, an inch off my waist, 2.5 inches off my thighs and improved my Body Mass Index by over 3%. I'm having fun, and feeling great! "
Lorna, Client Living with MS

"I was hitting a plateau in my routine and not getting the toned feeling I wanted. I'm enjoying training in a more private environment and one on one, because my alignment is carefully monitored allowing me to get the full benefit of my workout in a safe and compassionate way. And, I'm liking the results! In eight weeks, I've lost 2 inches off my waist." Gwen, Yoga Teacher

Client Quotes

"With your help, I went from non runner to finishing the Boston marathon!" Anne, USA

"Heather has a wonderfully positive attitude and it is contagious- even through online training." Laura, USA

Being accountable really helps with achieving results. In six weeks I lost 4kg, an inch off my waist, 2.5 inches off my thighs and improved my Body Mass Index by over 3%. I'm having fun, and feeling great! "
Lorna, Client Living with MS

Equestrian Client Quotes

"Heather Sansom did a wonderful job at our first Annual Equine Symposium at Kemptville Campus. Most serious riders are pretty educated about conditioning their horse properly for the job they need to do. Heather brought home the importance of how much a toned, balanced rider contributes to the success of the horse in competition." Elaine, University of Guelph Lecturer

"Heather provided me with valuable feedback during my on-horse evaluation and off-horse group exercises. She helped me to identify a rider weakness that ultimately led to a breakthrough in addressing a crookedness issue I was having with turning my horse to the left." Kylie, dressage rider

"In just a few sessions, I have already noticed a big improvement with riding my horse. I need fewer breaks and am able to use my aids more effectively with less effort." Kristina, rider with asthma

"My training with EQUIFITT is helping my self-confidence, which is improving my confidence on the horse. Specific exercises directly related to riding help me achieve my goals, both with my personal fitness and my riding. It's a great feeling to have a plan, along with a knowledgeable expert to help me achieve it!" Laura, Western rider

Inspiring Quotes about Rider Fitness

"How many times have you blamed your horse for being disobedient, when, in fact, the problem stems from a lack of control of your own body or because you're sitting crookedly when you give an aid. If you give your aids from an unsteady, crooked, or uncentered position, those signals can't be as clear and effective as aids that are given from a fit body and a stable seat. It might not be glamorous to work on your position or your fitness, but the rewards are well worth it. Your horse will thank you!" Jane Savoie

"As in most athletic endeavors, the rider must develop the seemingly contradictory qualities of relaxation and strength." "If you can't discipline your own body, you cannot discipline your horse." Charles de Kunffy

"A good piece of advice to all who want to ride well, and who wish to acquire a good position, would be to do gymnastic exercises, which give suppleness, ease and sureness in riding...Only the rider who is free from any contraction will have a horse equally free from contraction."
Nuno Oliveira, Reflections On Equestrian Art

"Everyone who rides should incorporate a cross-training program and proper nutrition in their regimen to stay fit and healthy and prevent injury." "Riding alone does not provide the fitness required for performance, especially if you only ride occasionally. Like any other sport, riding requires that other athletic activities be added to the mix."
Mary D. Midkiff Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian

Equifitt Services

Service format descriptions are on this page. For more information about training content and approach, click the Fitness, Wellbeing or Equestrian tabs in the menu bar at the top. Remember lots is available under the Books and Resources tab as well.

Equifitt Service Formats

Online: personal training, riding instruction, small group training and workshops. Webinars coming soon!
In person: bring me in for workshops, talks and clinics. Face to face coaching is available if you are geographically near Ottawa/Kemptville (Ontario, Canada)

DOWNLOAD ONLINE COACHING FLYER

Heather's Professional Certifications are With

"I really wasn't sure how online coaching would work, especially with my shoulder problem. But it really did! You really were able to target the right things, and get me what I needed. I'm very happy to have worked with you!" MT in Montreal