Finally, nearly every sport has recognized the importance of strength training. These days, competitors in nearly every sport work with a strength coach, separate from their skills coach, to achieve their peak performance in their sport.

Equestrians have lagged behind somewhat in the realization that strength training is as essential for peak performance in our sport as in any other. We give so much attention to our equine counterparts: conditioning , recovery, training . . . it’s about time we riders give ourselves this same “leg up” in our sport. I want to give this opportunity to both professional and amateur equestrians.