11 Best Equestrian Rider Fitness Apps & Programs

I am by no means a gym rat or a fitness junky. My workouts have largely been limited to only things that included horses (i.e. riding, grooming, bathing my horse) - you get the picture. But when I was watching myself ride on video bouncing hands, a swimming leg, and hunched over shoulders (the horror) were in all the frames. I knew that if I was too close to the camera at the end of one of my jumping rounds you would hear me gulping down air as if I just ran a marathon.

Still I was hesitant to go to the gym. I had never really worked out in the gym and I didn’t know where to start, let alone what exercises I should do to help me in my riding. I didn’t even think to try to find equestrian rider workout apps or programs. 

I just went online and found different articles talking about the ‘best’ free fitness apps. After reading all the different articles I downloaded three of them and entered the world of the gym. Swimming in workout videos ranging from HIIT, to pilates, barre, and more I felt overwhelmed and lost.

Unsure of what to do, I began selecting workouts at random just making sure I was doing 45 minutes to an hour of exercise videos/running a day. Over the next month my cardio did improve, as you can imagine it does when someone who only runs to jog their horse starts actually running for exercise. But my strength and muscle tone didn’t really seem to be changing and I wasn’t seeing the changes in my riding I was looking for.

I could still crush the lower body portion of the workout videos I choose, while doing a pushup felt like I had noodle arms. Then I got sick, had a horse show, finished school, leased out my horse and just kind of fell off the workout wagon along the way.

Now that I am getting ready to get back into riding I decided to ditch the free but overwhelming free fitness apps and find workouts designed for equestrian athletes.

Equestrian Rider Fitness

Diving into the internet and Instagram led me to some great equestrian rider fitness workouts, apps and challenges specially tailored to horseback riders. I have narrowed this list down to the top options (in my opinion) that are reasonably priced. Like many other horse owners, I have a limited budget and I'm always looking for value.

Here are the best options I've found, in no particular order.

I am always looking for new rider fitness programs, so if you know of any apps, videos or equestrian fitness challenges, I would love to hear from you.

#1 Haybales and Barbells

I came across Haybales and Barbells while on Instagram and I immediately fell in love with the content. The founder of this company is a Certified Personal Trainer and a Recreation Therapist and Equestrian Athlete who promotes body inclusivity (which we need more of in the industry).

The company currently offers, well, basically everything. From workout guides to 6/12 week programs, bootcamps, video riding analysis, and even affordable one on one coaching, there is something for everyone. The best part is how affordable the services are. Prices start at just $10 and go up to $200, making this one of the cheapest options out there. Plus there are also free meal inspiration options with the 6 or 12 week program options.

Highlights:

• Prices start at $10
• Workout guides
• 6 or 12 week programs
• Bootcamps
• Video riding analysis
• One-on-one coaching
• Meal inspiration guides

#2 The Fit Equestrian

If you are into rider fitness, chances are you have heard of The Fit Equestrian;  after all, they have over 40,000 Instagram followers. The Fit Equestrian offers a subscription to video workouts at just $10 a month, nutrition guides, and fitness guides.

Everything on their website is reasonably priced making it a great option for equestrians on a budget (such as myself). Another benefit to their video workout subscription is that you can choose what video(s) you want to do. Whether you only have time for 20 minutes, need a quick stretch, don’t have equipment, or are challenging yourself with a full body workout they have something for you.

Highlights:

• Prices start at $10/month
• Workout videos (subscription)
• Nutrition guides
• Fitness guides
• Equipment free workout options

#3 BioRider Fitness

BioRider Fitness is a wonderful program developed by Bridget Braden-Olson. Who is not only a USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist, but also NFPT certified personal trainer and BOSU Master Trainer. This is a subscription based service with different levels to fit different rider needs.They have courses for those coming back into riding to programs for specific discipline improvement.

The lowest level subscription starts at $20/month and goes up to $100/month. The nice thing about this particular program is that they offer courses for jumping, dressage, and western riders specifically at the gold subscription level.

Highlights:

• Prices start at $20/month
• Different subscription levels
• Discipline specific courses
• Bonus courses and articles with subscription

#4 Ridercise

Ridercise is one of the other rider fitness programs designed by a personal trainer and horseback rider. The company offers monthly, quarterly, and yearly subscriptions to their on-demand workout videos. Along with a wide range of workout videos, you will also receive access to a private Facebook group where the founder of the company answers questions you post and can even give you tips about your riding and extra help on performing certain exercises.

I personally love the idea of being able to ask questions as I go along and get further insights on my riding for no additional cost. Plus there is a free 7-day trial.

Highlights:

• About $25/month
• Workout videos
• Free video analysis/questions with a subscription
• Equipment free options
• Free 7 day trial

#5 Equifitt

If you are an equestrian who prefers books or in person training over online videos, then Equifitt could be the right rider fitness company for you. While they do offer online newsletters and coaching, unlike many of the other companies on this list they also offer several books and in person coaching. So if you happen to be in the Ottawa Canada area you and/or your barn friends can get together and experience a fun rider fitness course.

Highlights:

• In person or online
• Books with exercises/training plans
• Group or individual sessions

#6 Dressage Rider Training

Looking for an equestrian fitness program developed by a personal trainer, holistic lifestyle and nutrition coach? You have found it. While this program says Dressage Rider in the name, I have a feeling that the workouts will benefit you no matter what discipline you ride. Unlike some of the other programs that offer guides year around, this is a 12-week program with online workout videos that runs only at certain times so you have to register in advance.

This program is more expensive than some of the others I have mentioned in this article, but if the pages of glowing reviews on the website are anything to go by, it is definitely worth the investment.

Highlights:

• $197 for 12 weeks
• Online workout videos
• 12-week program

#7 Equestrian Fitness

Started by Nicola, who holds over nine different qualifications (in regards to fitness and bodywork), Equestrian Fitness has tons of workout options for you. Whether you want online classes or personal training there is an option for you. Both in person and online options are available making this a great option for those that like flexibility.

Oh, and did I mention that this is one of the most affordable options I have come across? Prices start at less than $10 a month for the online classes and personal training is less than $200 per month.

Highlights:

• Prices start at less than $10/month
• Online classes
• In-person classes
• Personal Training

#8 Correqtechnique

If you are like me and need some extra accountability and goal setting to accompany your workout plan then Correqtechnique may be a great fit for you. Besides having a great membership price at $21/month, this company also offers free goal setting prompts and the ability to mark your workouts as complete to keep you accountable. Of course, this program was also started by a sports medicine certified personal trainer so you can feel confident about the information and exercises you are receiving. One thing that is unique about this program is that instead of just having a set of workout videos to cycle through, Christi actually uploads a new workout each week to keep you progressing.

Highlights:

• $21/month
• Equipment free workouts (mostly)
• Online workout videos
• Goal setting & accountability

#9 Ride Like An Athlete

While Ride Like An Athlete may be geared towards Endurance riders, their workouts are beneficial to all types of horseback riders. This company offers a collection of online workout videos and adds new workouts and activities every week. They also have fun challenges for those with a subscription. Members also get exclusive discounts on their apparel, courses, and more. But if you don't want a subscription, no worries, they also offer two different courses that you can buy instead.

Highlights:

• Prices start at about $20/month
• Yearly or monthly subscription
• Online community
• Online workout videos
• Courses
• Discounts (with subscription)

#10 Amy Hulls Fitness

Okay, I know some of you are reading this and thinking "I want to do a rider fitness program, but I just got my latest horse bill and can’t even think about spending $10." Trust me, I get it! We have all had those moments. Luckily, Amy Hulls is a personal trainer and equestrian who has free workout videos on her Youtube channel. Whether you want to strengthen your ankles or do a full body workout she has a video to meet your needs.

While there are not a ton of videos on her YouTube channel yet, there are several on there to start you on your fitness journey. You can also keep up with her and her fitness tips on Instagram.

Highlights:

• Free
• On Youtube
• Workout videos

#11 Heels down fitness

If you are looking for a twelve-week fitness program for equestrians and want a free trial, then Heels Down Fitness app for you. To access the programs in the app all you need to do is create a free account with your name, email, and a password. Once you are in you can see everything they offer. The nice part about this app is that all the workouts are advertised as equipment free allowing you to do them anywhere.

Plus prices start at just $10.99 and there are bundle offers also available.

Highlights:

• Equipment free
• App only
• 12-week program
• Challenges
• Prices start at $10.99
• Free trials
• Can keep progress pictures