Q: “Core Balance” ™ What is it and how does it apply to horsemanship?
A: Simply put, “Core Balance” ™ is a term I use to describe the strengthening of the core muscles of the human body. This is the “trunk” area which includes the abdomen,lumbar,and obliques, but I feel the glutes,hip flexors,abductors and adductors are equally important when riding a horse, so I have incorporated these in as well.
Chris demonstrating some of the "Core Balance"TM. exercises, during a cow clinic at The Paws Up Ranch and Resort.
Q: So why is this important, and how come there is not more clinicians and trainers talking about this?
A: I would not say this is a new concept, there has been several instructors throughout the years that have pressed the importance of good balance and stability.
Q: What makes your approach different then some of the other people out there?
A: I believe I am the only “cowboy” clinician out there that is using my ranch background, along with my “Core Balance” ™ approach, to establish an easy, practical, safe and better way to ride.
Q: Why do I need this, I’ve been riding for years!
A: We all can use this to better our riding ability, as horseman we spend countless hours working on building a relationship with our horses. Doing exercise after exercise to increase our horses sensitivity and feel, yet so many times when the “life” in our horse comes “up” even something as simply as a transition change, we tend to balance our bodies on our horses mouth by hanging on to the reins. I feel if a rider can strengthen their core muscles to help stabilize their seat, they are less likely to hang on with their hands. Which undoubtedly will scare your horse and set you back in your schooling. Unfortunately as we age, our balance becomes more and more unstable, this has the potential to lead to a hazardous situation and increased risk of injury. Even though an individual may be young and athletic or experienced and seasoned, everyone can benefit from better health and stronger core muscles…….and your horse will thank you for it! 
Chris doing a "at liberty" demonstration at the Sapphire Event Center Horse Expo.
Q: What are the exercises and how long will it take?
A: The exercises are a collection of current fitness techniques and specific exercises I have put together for horseback riding. They vary in difficulty and time duration. The standard is to start most people out with a routine of 15 min a day 3 times a week.
*It is highly recommend that a person consult their doctor and or personal trainer to have a physical before attempting these exercises.*
Q: So how do I get started?
A: The best way to get started improving your riding, is to attend one of my Horsemanship 1 clinics in your area, which deals with the fundamentals of the “Core Balance” ™ exercises. If you find that there is not a clinic in your area, there is great opportunity for those who wish to host a clinic. For more information on the types of clinics, availability and requirements check out the clinic schedule page on this site, or feel free to contact me by phone or via e-mail.
(406)370-9677 or chris@bohenekhorsemanship.com
