Fitness, Performance, and the Female Equestrian

An all-discipline, all-breed approach to improving the female rider's performance, with tips on health, fitness, nutrition, safety, and comfort. Provides information on biomechanic and anatomical considerations for women, diet in daily riding and competition, and riding's relationship to aging, pregnancy, and lifestyles. Offers stretching and strengthening exercises, and saddle balancing and fittings tips. Illustrated by b&w photos and diagrams. For new and experienced riders.
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This book gives an understanding of female anatomy and how it relates to the movement of the horse. In addition to suggestions for good nutrition, exercises for specific sports or situations, and information on preventing injuries, the book provides a look at the mental side of fitness as well.

In praise of Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian

"This book is an important guide for women who want to feel well, ride well and extend their active years." Chrystine Jones Tauber former member United States Equestrian Team Grand Prix Jumping Squad

"Mary Midkiff is a new voice in our evolving cultural freedom, where insights unique to women in this case, in relation to horses and riding are welcome and needed." Richard M. Timms, M.D. chairman and CEO, Troxel Companies

"This is an exciting approach to an ancient relationship. Mary Midkiff has done horsewomen an important and useful service in bringing it all together." Mary Vernon practicing physician and professor of medicine Lawrence, Kansas

The Howell Equestrian Library is a distinguished collection of books on all aspects of horsemanship and horsemastership. The nearly fifty books in print offer readers in all disciplines and at all levels of competition sound instruction and guidance by some of the most celebrated riders, trainers, judges, and veterinarians in the horse world today. Whether your interest is dressage, show jumping, or western riding, or whether it is breeding, groomi ng, or health care, Howell has a book to answer your needs. Get to know the books in the Howell Equestrian Library; many are modern-day classics and have achieved the status of authoritative references in the estimation of those who ride, train, and care for horses.

The Howell Equestrian Library

Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian is an all-discipline, all-breed approach to improving the "team performance" of the female rider and her horse. It's all about AWAREness (A Woman's Approach to Riding Effectively), a series of tips signaling key points on health, fitness, nutrition, safety, and comfort. Designed for experienced riders as well as newcomers, this indispensable resource guide provides information on:

• Biomechanic and anatomical considerations for women
• Stretching and strengthening exercises to enhance riding performance
• Techniques to gain more performance with less effort
• Saddle balancing and fitting tips
• Safety tools
• Riding and its relationship to aging, pregnancy, and lifestyles
• Nutrition and dietary factors in daily riding and competitions

In Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian, Mary D. Midkiff, a rider and horse business professional, offers a new perspective on the way horses are understood, equipped and ridden by women. She joins with other experts to take us though the changing dynamics of women on horseback, arriving at a new approach to riding effectiveness. Women now represent over 80 percent of today's horse enthusiasts and riders. The techniques, equipment and teaching methods used with horses, however, have not moved in step with the growing involvement and influence of adult and young women. Until now.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-193) and index.

About the Author Mary D. Midkiff is a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and a University of Kentucky graduate in advertising and communication. Her lifelong involvement as a participant and a business professional in the horse industry has been diverse. In 1976, she received her Horsemaster's certification and has trained and instructed throughout the Northeast ever since. From 1986 to 1991, she served as the American Horse Council's Executive Secretary of Showing, State Horse Councils, and the Animal Welfare Task Force. In 1991, she founded Equestrian Resources (EQR), an Alexandria, Virginia-based equestrian marketing firm specializing in the promotion of show, sport, and recreational horse activities. She is also the founder of Women & Horses?(TM), a fitness and performance program devoted to practical advice and product information for the female equestrian.

Foreword.

Introduction.

1. What's behind the Magic.

2. The Female Rider Is Different.

3. Let the Force Move You.

4. More Performance with Less Effort.

5. Common Injuries and Their Causes.

6. Exercises for Your Half of the Partnership.

7. For Your Health and Safety.

8. Fuel Up for High-Energy Performance.

9. Growth, Pregnancy and Aging.

Afterword.

Bibliography.

Contributors.

Acknowledgments.

Index.