What area of equestrian fitness do you need most help with?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  What is your biggest struggle in the saddle?

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  • A.
    My shoulders always creep forward and my posture is just not the best.
  • B.
    I can’t seem to stop my legs from swinging or gripping! I just don't have good leg position.
  • C.
    I get tired too quickly, especially during longer rides.
  • D.
    Keeping my core engaged the whole ride seems impossible
  • E.
    Sitting the canter or trot without bouncing or losing rhythm.
  • F.
    All of the above!
• 2.
  How confident are you staying centered when your horse spooks or changes gait suddenly?

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  • A.
    Not confident at all – I often lose my seat or lean.
  • B.
    Sometimes wobbly – I manage but feel unsteady.
  • C.
    Mostly balanced – I recover quickly if I shift.
  • D.
    Very confident – I stay centered and stable every time.”
• 3.
  Do you struggle to coordinate hands, legs, and seat smoothly?

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  • A.
    Yes, often – I feel like my aids get out of sync.
  • B.
    Sometimes – it happens on tricky movements.
  • C.
    Rarely – I mostly coordinate my aids well.
  • D.
    Never – my hands, legs, and seat work together smoothly.
• 4.
  Does your riding quality drop after 20–30 minutes in the saddle?

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  • A.
    Yes, I get tired and my seat, balance, or aids suffer
  • B.
    Sometimes – I notice it on longer or more intense rides.
  • C.
    Rarely – I mostly maintain quality throughout.
  • D.
    Never – I can ride consistently without fatigue.
• 5.
  When sitting the trot, do you feel like you’re bouncing too much or losing contact with the saddle?

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  • A.
    Yes, almost every ride – I feel unstable.
  • B.
    Sometimes – it happens on longer rides.
  • C.
    Rarely – I mostly stay connected to the saddle.
  • D.
    Never – I sit the trot smoothly and steadily.
• 6.
  From 1-10, how much do you think your fitness is affecting your riding?

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  • A.
    1-4 — Not much, I don’t think my fitness level affects my riding. I feel pretty good and strong!
  • B.
    5-7 —It shows on harder rides, I feel a bit wobbly or tired. At times, my strength or balance limits me in the saddle.
  • C.
    8-10 — Almost entirely, my fitness really holds back my riding. I get fatigued and struggle to stay stable most days.
• 7.
  Do your knees pinch or your heels lift involuntarily during posting or canter?

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  • A.
    Yes, almost every ride – I can’t keep my legs quiet.
  • B.
    Sometimes – it happens on faster or longer rides.
  • C.
    Rarely – I mostly maintain a steady leg.
  • D.
    Never – my legs stay quiet and stable.
• 8.
  Do you feel stiff or restricted in the saddle, and does it affect your harmony with your horse?

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  • A.
    Yes, I feel very stiff, and it’s hard to move with my horse smoothly.
  • B.
    Sometimes, stiffness makes some movements tricky or uncomfortable.
  • C.
    Rarely, I’m mostly mobile and can move freely.
  • D.
    Not at all, I feel relaxed and in sync with my horse.
• 9.
  Do you notice your lower back arching or collapsing while riding?

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  • A.
    Yes, almost every ride – my posture feels unstable.
  • B.
    Sometimes – it happens on longer or faster rides.
  • C.
    Rarely – I mostly maintain a neutral lower back.
  • D.
    Never – my lower back stays strong and stable.

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  You need help with: Core and Seat Stability

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  According to your answers, core and seat stability is your biggest opportunity for growth in the saddle. Your core and seat stability are the secret weapons of every rider. They keep your pelvis neutral, your seat steady, keeps you balanced and your aids clear. Weak or unstable core muscles? That’s when your seat wobbles, your body moves excessively, and your connection with the horse feels off.Workouts and Programs suitable for you on the Haybales and Barbells app:✨ Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips✨ Core Strength and Stability Workout Collection✨ Hip Strength and Mobility Workout Collection✨ All 12 Week ProgramsStart your free trial! 📲3 Simple Steps to Start Riding at your Best 💪1. Start your free trialDive into the Haybales & Barbells app and get instant access to 500+ on-demand workouts, including our Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips program. Every program is included, so you can explore core, hip, mobility, and full-body strength workouts that improve your ride.2. Set Yourself Up for SuccessTake a moment to set realistic goals and intentions. Decide how many days a week you can commit to your workouts, and plan how they’ll fit into your schedule. Small, consistent steps create lasting results.3. Take Action in the SaddlePut your new strength and stability to work! Practice your core and hip exercises consistently, then notice the difference in your rides. The stronger your seat and the more mobile your hips, the more confident, balanced, and connected you’ll feel on your horse.Hi, I'm Jamie and I'm here to help you! ♥️Hey, I’m Jamie! I’m the founder of Haybales and Barbells, and I’ve been riding for over 20 years so trust me, I know how hard riding can be. I also know how much your fitness directly impacts your seat, balance, and connection with your horse. I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, Youth Exercise Specialist, Recreation Therapist, and Sports Performance Specialist, and I’ve designed programs to help riders get stronger, more stable, and more confident in the saddle!I compete in Dressage with my Danish Warmblood, Quilan, and when I’m not at the barn or in the gym, you’ll usually find me hanging out with my husband and our two rescue dogs. My goal is simple: help riders like you feel stronger, ride better, and enjoy every moment in the saddle! 🐴💪🏽Resources to Help You Get Started:1. Download this free equestrian fitness guide. Kickstart your journey with our free guide, offering insights into the Haybales & Barbells fitness philosophy and a sample full-body workout routine tailored for equestrians 2. Follow me on Instagram. Stay inspired with daily tips, exercises, and motivation to enhance your riding and fitness journey.3. Join our community of equestrians worldwide. Connect with riders worldwide, share experiences, and find support in our vibrant community through our app.
• 2.
  You need help with: Balance & Proprioception

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  According to your answers, balance and proprioception is your biggest opportunity for growth in the saddle. If you ever feel wobbly during transitions, when your horse spooks, or on uneven ground, you’re not alone it just means your balance and stability could use a little extra love. This usually comes down to how well your body’s stabilizers and balance system are working together. The good news? When you build that strength and awareness, you’ll feel more centered, ride with less overcompensation, and stay in much better sync with your horse.Workouts and Programs suitable for you on the Haybales and Barbells app:✨ Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips✨ Full Body Strength Workout Collection✨ Lower Leg Stability Workout Collection✨ All 12 Week ProgramsStart your free trial! 📲3 Simple Steps to Start Riding at your Best 💪1. Start your free trialDive into the Haybales & Barbells app and get instant access to 500+ on-demand workouts, including our Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips program. Every program is included, so you can explore core, hip, mobility, and full-body strength workouts that improve your ride.2. Set Yourself Up for SuccessTake a moment to set realistic goals and intentions. Decide how many days a week you can commit to your workouts, and plan how they’ll fit into your schedule. Small, consistent steps create lasting results.3. Take Action in the SaddlePut your new strength and stability to work! Practice your core and hip exercises consistently, then notice the difference in your rides. The stronger your seat and the more mobile your hips, the more confident, balanced, and connected you’ll feel on your horse.Hi, I'm Jamie and I'm here to help you! ♥️Hey, I’m Jamie! I’m the founder of Haybales and Barbells, and I’ve been riding for over 20 years so trust me, I know how hard riding can be. I also know how much your fitness directly impacts your seat, balance, and connection with your horse. I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, Youth Exercise Specialist, Recreation Therapist, and Sports Performance Specialist, and I’ve designed programs to help riders get stronger, more stable, and more confident in the saddle!I compete in Dressage with my Danish Warmblood, Quilan, and when I’m not at the barn or in the gym, you’ll usually find me hanging out with my husband and our two rescue dogs. My goal is simple: help riders like you feel stronger, ride better, and enjoy every moment in the saddle! 🐴💪🏽Resources to Help You Get Started:1. Download this free equestrian fitness guide. Kickstart your journey with our free guide, offering insights into the Haybales & Barbells fitness philosophy and a sample full-body workout routine tailored for equestrians 2. Follow me on Instagram. Stay inspired with daily tips, exercises, and motivation to enhance your riding and fitness journey.3. Join our community of equestrians worldwide. Connect with riders worldwide, share experiences, and find support in our vibrant community through our app.
• 3.
  You need help with: Hip Mobility & Leg Control

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  According to your answers, Hip Mobility & Leg Control is your biggest opportunity for growth in the saddle. If your hips feel tight or your legs don’t stay where you want them, it’s usually a sign your hip mobility and leg control need some extra attention. Immobile and weak hips can make your seat less effective, cause your knees to pinch, or make it hard to keep a long, quiet leg. By improving mobility and control, you’ll find it easier to sit deep, move with your horse, and apply clearer, more effective aids.Workouts and Programs suitable for you on the Haybales and Barbells app:✨ Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips✨ Hip Strength & Mobility Workout Collection✨ Lower Leg Stability Workout Collection✨ Pre Ride Warm Up Workout Collection✨ Ride Recovery Workout Collection✨ All 12 Week ProgramsStart your free trial! 📲3 Simple Steps to Start Riding at your Best 💪1. Start your free trialDive into the Haybales & Barbells app and get instant access to 500+ on-demand workouts, including our Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips program. Every program is included, so you can explore core, hip, mobility, and full-body strength workouts that improve your ride.2. Set Yourself Up for SuccessTake a moment to set realistic goals and intentions. Decide how many days a week you can commit to your workouts, and plan how they’ll fit into your schedule. Small, consistent steps create lasting results.3. Take Action in the SaddlePut your new strength and stability to work! Practice your core and hip exercises consistently, then notice the difference in your rides. The stronger your seat and the more mobile your hips, the more confident, balanced, and connected you’ll feel on your horse.Hi, I'm Jamie and I'm here to help you! ♥️Hey, I’m Jamie! I’m the founder of Haybales and Barbells, and I’ve been riding for over 20 years so trust me, I know how hard riding can be. I also know how much your fitness directly impacts your seat, balance, and connection with your horse. I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, Youth Exercise Specialist, Recreation Therapist, and Sports Performance Specialist, and I’ve designed programs to help riders get stronger, more stable, and more confident in the saddle!I compete in Dressage with my Danish Warmblood, Quilan, and when I’m not at the barn or in the gym, you’ll usually find me hanging out with my husband and our two rescue dogs. My goal is simple: help riders like you feel stronger, ride better, and enjoy every moment in the saddle! 🐴💪🏽Resources to Help You Get Started:1. Download this free equestrian fitness guide. Kickstart your journey with our free guide, offering insights into the Haybales & Barbells fitness philosophy and a sample full-body workout routine tailored for equestrians 2. Follow me on Instagram. Stay inspired with daily tips, exercises, and motivation to enhance your riding and fitness journey.3. Join our community of equestrians worldwide. Connect with riders worldwide, share experiences, and find support in our vibrant community through our app.
• 4.
  You need help with: Upper Body & Shoulder Posture

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  According to your answers, Upper Body & Shoulder Posture is your biggest opportunity for growth in the saddle. Struggling to keep your shoulders back or finding your upper body rounding forward in the saddle? That’s a cue that your posture muscles especially in your shoulders, chest, and back, need strengthening and rebalancing. When your upper body is aligned and stable, your hands get quieter, your aids more consistent, and your whole ride feels more polished and connected.Workouts and Programs suitable for you on the Haybales and Barbells app:✨ Upper Body Posture Workout Collection✨ Full Body Strength Workout Collection✨ Core Strength and Stability Workout Collection✨ Pre Ride Warm Up Workout Collection✨ All 12 Week ProgramsStart your free trial! 📲3 Simple Steps to Start Riding at your Best 💪1. Start your free trialDive into the Haybales & Barbells app and get instant access to 500+ on-demand workouts, including our Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips program. Every program is included, so you can explore core, hip, mobility, and full-body strength workouts that improve your ride.2. Set Yourself Up for SuccessTake a moment to set realistic goals and intentions. Decide how many days a week you can commit to your workouts, and plan how they’ll fit into your schedule. Small, consistent steps create lasting results.3. Take Action in the SaddlePut your new strength and stability to work! Practice your core and hip exercises consistently, then notice the difference in your rides. The stronger your seat and the more mobile your hips, the more confident, balanced, and connected you’ll feel on your horse.Hi, I'm Jamie and I'm here to help you! ♥️Hey, I’m Jamie! I’m the founder of Haybales and Barbells, and I’ve been riding for over 20 years so trust me, I know how hard riding can be. I also know how much your fitness directly impacts your seat, balance, and connection with your horse. I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, Youth Exercise Specialist, Recreation Therapist, and Sports Performance Specialist, and I’ve designed programs to help riders get stronger, more stable, and more confident in the saddle!I compete in Dressage with my Danish Warmblood, Quilan, and when I’m not at the barn or in the gym, you’ll usually find me hanging out with my husband and our two rescue dogs. My goal is simple: help riders like you feel stronger, ride better, and enjoy every moment in the saddle! 🐴💪🏽Resources to Help You Get Started:1. Download this free equestrian fitness guide. Kickstart your journey with our free guide, offering insights into the Haybales & Barbells fitness philosophy and a sample full-body workout routine tailored for equestrians 2. Follow me on Instagram. Stay inspired with daily tips, exercises, and motivation to enhance your riding and fitness journey.3. Join our community of equestrians worldwide. Connect with riders worldwide, share experiences, and find support in our vibrant community through our app.
• 5.
  You need help with: Endurance & Fitness

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  According to your answers, Endurance & Fitness is your biggest opportunity for growth in the saddle. If you ever feel wobbly during transitions, when your horse spooks, or on uneven ground, you’re not alone it just means your balance and stability could use a little extra love. This usually comes down to how well your body’s stabilizers and balance system are working together. The good news? When you build that strength and awareness, you’ll feel more centered, ride with less overcompensation, and stay in much better sync with your horse.Workouts and Programs suitable for you on the Haybales and Barbells app:✨ 2 Week #RIDEFIT Bootcamp✨ #RIDEFIT Cardio Workout Collection✨ Full Body Strength Workout Collection✨ All 12 Week ProgramsStart your free trial! 📲3 Simple Steps to Start Riding at your Best 💪1. Start your free trialDive into the Haybales & Barbells app and get instant access to 500+ on-demand workouts, including our Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips program. Every program is included, so you can explore core, hip, mobility, and full-body strength workouts that improve your ride.2. Set Yourself Up for SuccessTake a moment to set realistic goals and intentions. Decide how many days a week you can commit to your workouts, and plan how they’ll fit into your schedule. Small, consistent steps create lasting results.3. Take Action in the SaddlePut your new strength and stability to work! Practice your core and hip exercises consistently, then notice the difference in your rides. The stronger your seat and the more mobile your hips, the more confident, balanced, and connected you’ll feel on your horse.Hi, I'm Jamie and I'm here to help you! ♥️Hey, I’m Jamie! I’m the founder of Haybales and Barbells, and I’ve been riding for over 20 years so trust me, I know how hard riding can be. I also know how much your fitness directly impacts your seat, balance, and connection with your horse. I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, Youth Exercise Specialist, Recreation Therapist, and Sports Performance Specialist, and I’ve designed programs to help riders get stronger, more stable, and more confident in the saddle!I compete in Dressage with my Danish Warmblood, Quilan, and when I’m not at the barn or in the gym, you’ll usually find me hanging out with my husband and our two rescue dogs. My goal is simple: help riders like you feel stronger, ride better, and enjoy every moment in the saddle! 🐴💪🏽Resources to Help You Get Started:1. Download this free equestrian fitness guide. Kickstart your journey with our free guide, offering insights into the Haybales & Barbells fitness philosophy and a sample full-body workout routine tailored for equestrians 2. Follow me on Instagram. Stay inspired with daily tips, exercises, and motivation to enhance your riding and fitness journey.3. Join our community of equestrians worldwide. Connect with riders worldwide, share experiences, and find support in our vibrant community through our app.
• 6.
  You need help with: Overall Mobility

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  According to your answers, Overall Mobility is your biggest opportunity for growth in the saddle. Feeling stiff, restricted, or like your body doesn’t move as freely as your horse? That’s a sign your overall mobility needs work. Limited mobility in areas like your hips, back, or shoulders can block your horse’s movement and make riding feel harder than it should. Improving mobility helps you move more fluidly, follow your horse’s motion with ease, and ride in greater harmony.Workouts and Programs suitable for you on the Haybales and Barbells app:✨ 4 Week Mobility Program✨ Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips✨ Ride Recovery Workout Collection✨ Post Ride Cool Down Workout Collection✨ Pre Ride Warm Up Workout Collection✨ All 12 Week ProgramsStart your free trial! 📲3 Simple Steps to Start Riding at your Best 💪1. Start your free trialDive into the Haybales & Barbells app and get instant access to 500+ on-demand workouts, including our Stable Seat: 4 Weeks to Stronger Hips program. Every program is included, so you can explore core, hip, mobility, and full-body strength workouts that improve your ride.2. Set Yourself Up for SuccessTake a moment to set realistic goals and intentions. Decide how many days a week you can commit to your workouts, and plan how they’ll fit into your schedule. Small, consistent steps create lasting results.3. Take Action in the SaddlePut your new strength and stability to work! Practice your core and hip exercises consistently, then notice the difference in your rides. The stronger your seat and the more mobile your hips, the more confident, balanced, and connected you’ll feel on your horse.Hi, I'm Jamie and I'm here to help you! ♥️Hey, I’m Jamie! I’m the founder of Haybales and Barbells, and I’ve been riding for over 20 years so trust me, I know how hard riding can be. I also know how much your fitness directly impacts your seat, balance, and connection with your horse. I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, Youth Exercise Specialist, Recreation Therapist, and Sports Performance Specialist, and I’ve designed programs to help riders get stronger, more stable, and more confident in the saddle!I compete in Dressage with my Danish Warmblood, Quilan, and when I’m not at the barn or in the gym, you’ll usually find me hanging out with my husband and our two rescue dogs. My goal is simple: help riders like you feel stronger, ride better, and enjoy every moment in the saddle! 🐴💪🏽Resources to Help You Get Started:1. Download this free equestrian fitness guide. Kickstart your journey with our free guide, offering insights into the Haybales & Barbells fitness philosophy and a sample full-body workout routine tailored for equestrians 2. Follow me on Instagram. Stay inspired with daily tips, exercises, and motivation to enhance your riding and fitness journey.3. Join our community of equestrians worldwide. Connect with riders worldwide, share experiences, and find support in our vibrant community through our app.