THE RIDER, THAT FORGOTTEN ATHLETE.
When practicing equestrian sports, it is very common in competition to focus all attention on the horse's fine-tuning and good physical condition; but we rarely remember that this sport is practiced as a pair, and both parties should work to be at 100% of their capabilities. When this is not the case, the rider, without realizing it, may ask the horse to contribute more to the team, as it is the better prepared of the two.
Physical preparation is not only essential to achieve excellent performance but also to prevent possible injuries that may prevent us from continuing our sports practice.
In addition, for personal reasons, good physical training and a good diet will help you be more mentally active, which will indirectly improve your training or track rides, accompanied by your horse.
We have contacted a rider who has all this very clear:
Marcos Díaz, from Yeguada La Mesada DC.
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How are you, Marcos?
First of all, we want people to get to know you a little better,
Where are you currently training your horses?
For approximately 7 years, we have been based at Hipica Porceyo, in Gijón, Asturias, where we train daily with our horses.
What discipline do you practice?
I practice show jumping.
What is your career in the horse world in broad strokes?
Well, I have been riding since I was 8 years old, and I started due to family tradition, as my father was the creator and is the owner of Yeguada La Mesada DC; until 6-8 years ago, I dedicated myself more exclusively to competition. Currently, I am dedicated to preparing young horses and coordinating everything related to the stud farm's breeding.
Despite the current situation... Have you recently participated in any Championship?
As I mentioned before, I do not currently participate in many competitions, as professional rider Gerardo Menendez is the one who competes with La Mesada's adult horses.
Well, we know you are a very athletic person... How long have you been interested in sports?
The truth is that about 5 years ago, I started practicing a sport other than equestrian, and I'm not going to lie, I did it for a bet among friends, but over time I started to notice the benefits of practicing sports routinely.
What is your training rhythm?
I try to train 4-5 days a week.
Do you think physical preparation provides you with benefits when training with your horses?
Of course, practicing horse riding is a quite physical activity, and staying in shape is vital when training daily and competing with horses.
Do you take care of your diet?
Yes, I consider diet to be one of the 3 fundamental pillars for staying in shape, along with training and rest.
Do you think the rider's personal training is more, less, or equally important as on-track training with your horse? Explain a little bit why you think so.
I believe that over the years, and as has happened in many other sports disciplines, the level of demand in competitions has increased; there are more and more participants in competitions, and the level of horses has also improved significantly in recent years thanks to the perfection of breeding. I am of the opinion that it is the horses that truly provide the level, but once a certain level of competition is reached, it is essential to be well physically prepared to make a difference. These are horses, they are extremely strong animals with a lot of temperament, and it is obvious that we do not dominate them by force. Riding is a sport of precision, and as we go up in level in the events, the margin of error becomes smaller and smaller, and this is where balance takes on special importance. It is thanks to this that we will be able to maintain the stability of our body on the horse and do so with the greatest possible harmony.
I suppose a large part of your close circle is from the equestrian world... Do you think they value the importance of the rider's physical condition, or do you think they simply focus on that of their horses? Tell us a little bit why you think so.
I believe that for some years now, most riders who compete regularly are clear about the importance of physical condition and routine training to improve it. I think we have all seen the videos on social media of American rider Kent Farrington, currently number 7 in the FEI Ranking, training in the gym and the unbeatable physical condition and dexterity he demonstrates in his training, something that I believe translates into the superb balance he maintains on the horse when he competes.
Do you focus any part of your training on improving your performance as a rider, or do you do general training?
I currently do two or three training sessions a week aimed at gaining strength and muscular endurance and combine it with two other days of personal training focused on improving core stability and balance specifically with the aim of improving these skills while practicing riding.
What do you think are the indispensable physical characteristics a professional rider should have?
From my point of view, the lowest possible body weight, both in terms of body fat and muscle volume, something that in excess
I also don't consider positive as it will make us lose agility and elasticity; and keeping our back, shoulders, and abdomen well strengthened will prevent us from suffering injuries and will help us with balance on the horse.
Have you had any complicated injuries? Do you think your preparation has helped with this?
Fortunately, I have never suffered serious injuries, but I can confirm that I firmly believe that being in good physical shape when I have fallen from a horse has helped me to counteract worse injuries as a result of these.
Based on your experience and to conclude, what exercises would you recommend for training aimed at equestrian practice?
Lately, I work a lot with instability exercises to strengthen the core (abdominal, lumbar, pelvic, gluteal muscles, and the deep muscles of the spine) which are the ones that provide stability.
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Thank you very much, Marcos!
for attending us and offering us your point of view as a rider and athlete, in this content-rich interview.
We hope to talk to you again very soon. Surely, you will continue to have much success in your career as a rider.
