How to Do
The light horseback riding walking should begin with good posture to avoid injury. Brace the spine by drawing your lower abdomen inward. Your core muscles should be activated to support your posture as you perform the exercise.
If any pain is experienced, immediately stop the light horseback riding walking.
Beginning
1. Place yourself on the horse's left side. (Because it is customary to work from this side of the horse, it will be used to it.)
2. Hold the ends of the reins loosely in your left hand, just in front of the saddle. (Reins are used to steer your horse, so make sure you have them ready.)
3. Step into the stirrup with your left foot. Check that your foot is on the stirrup rather than sticking your foot all the way through to the heel.
4. Step up to a standing position by putting your weight on your left foot. (Your right leg should be next to your left.)
Movement
1. Swing your right leg up and over the horse's rump, being careful not to kick them in the process.
2. Sit as gently as possible in the saddle.
3. Adjust the length of your stirrups or have your trainer do it for you.
4. Place your right foot in the opposite stirrup. Remember to place your foot on the stirrup with the ball of your foot, not the toe or heel.
ACSM Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American College of Sports Medicine advocates that you take part in a combined 30 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic or anaerobic activity most days out of the week.
What does that mean for you?
Based on the intensity and your typical hour-long strength training and cardio program, that usually works out at three to five sessions each week.
