By Bridget Braden-Olson

Something I never see at barns is a rider warming up before they get in the saddle. I get it – horse life is busy and very energy-consuming – but the body works better if it is properly warmed up.

Unless your schedule allows time for a full workout, rarely will you get more than ten minutes for a warm-up. I ride in the morning hours and there is seldom time for a long warm-up.

My trick to warming up before riding is to do the exercises while I am getting ready. While brushing my teeth or preparing my meals for the day, you will find me sneaking in a warm-up exercise. It might not be the most ideal situation and I probably look like an idiot, but at least I know when I have to get on the first horse that my muscle fibres will be engaged and stimulated. Give me five minutes on the horse and I will be completely warmed up.

These leg exercises are terrific because you can do them with your riding boots on. Take a moment right before you’re about to get on, and run through these dynamic exercises.