In our latest episode of "Curious Equestrian," Anna Louise enjoyed chatting with NickyT, a vibrant force in equestrian fitness. Listening to Nicky was a wake-up call. The way she sees it, real strength and endurance stem not from solo achievements but from building a community that celebrated individual victories and challenged each other to grow.
The Importance of Fitness in Equestrian Life
Nicky reminded us that, just like our equine partners, we, as riders, need to focus on our fitness. Being fit doesn't have to mean hours in the gym; it can be a joyful and integrative part of our daily routines. Nicky's philosophy was simple: riding lessons should breed competence and assurance that stays with you long after you dismount. It's no secret that equestrians need strong bodies to handle the physical demands of riding – that's why strength training stole the spotlight. Whether it's about maintaining balance while riding or having the core strength to handle unexpected equine antics, being physically prepared helps us stay resilient. With stories from her own life, Nicky hammered home the connection between our physical readiness and our horses' well-being - a link that can't be ignored when it comes to peak performance.
Breaking the Stigma
A significant part of our discussion revolved around the pressures the equestrian community sometimes places on riders to look a certain way. By speaking her mind, Nicky impressed us with her conviction that true beauty stems from a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Imagine dropping the weight of self-doubt, shattering the mirror of judgment, and discovering a new narrative that holds performance and feeling good at its core. This was her passionate plea to our community.
Building a Resilient Mindset
Nicky's approach is not just about physical strength but also about mental resilience. She has learned to celebrate the beauty in her mistakes, adopting a what-can-I-learn-from-this mentality that helps her level up, one flaw at a time. Behind the elegant movements and precision riding lies a delicate world where negativity can cripple even the toughest competitors; a welcoming, uplifting atmosphere is essential to protect the mental health of riders.
Starting Your Fitness Journey
For those unsure about where to begin, Nicky assured us that starting small can lead to significant changes. She encouraged breaking down fitness into manageable steps, like dedicating 20 minutes once or twice a week, gradually building up both confidence and strength. As you tackle challenges in small, manageable doses, you'll start to notice a shift in your perspective - it's a more hopeful, empowered you, ready to take on the next hurdle.
Inspiration for All Nicky's energy was contagious, and her words resonated long after the episode ended. Her life-affirming mantra – equal parts persuasive and captivating – motivated us to step up our game, and we couldn't help but feel an overwhelming urge to rejuvenate our relationships with fitness, horses, and ourselves.
New to horse riding or a seasoned pro, her words of wisdom invite us to explore the secret to living a more purposeful, energetic life - one that stems from staying physically and mentally fit.
I couldn't help but feel inspired by Nicky's warmth and sincerity - her clients clearly mean the world to her, and her desire to help is palpable. In the saddle and in life, the potent mix of self-assurance and physical power gives us the courage to face challenges straight on.
And yes, I did root around in the back of the cupboard for my dusty weights and have genuinely started a small but sustainable weekly routine - thanks Nicky :-)
Share this post