Q&A for How to Avoid Soreness During Your Horse Riding Training

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  • Question
    How can I make my legs less sore after a ride?
    Jessica Rude
    Equine Expert
    Jessica Rude is an Equine Expert currently working on a cutting horse ranch in Valley View, Texas as well as a horseback riding center in Princeton, Texas. Previously, she was a Trail Guide and Wrangler at a camp and retreat center In Dallas, Texas, and an Equine Breeding Barn Manager at a reining ranch in Tioga, Texas. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Science from Tarleton State University. She has studied equine nutrition, reproduction, and management. Jessica specializes in equine breeding as well as instructing horseback riding lessons, leading trail rides, recognizing equine illnesses, and administering treatments.
    Equine Expert
    Expert Answer
    Make sure your stirrup length is the right fit for you. It's typically most comfortable if your knees are bent at about a 45° angle, so your foot stays flat instead of pointed down. If the stirrups are too short, your knees will be bent too much, and your knees will hurt after a ride. If your stirrups are too long, your legs will be straight, which will also put strain on them.
  • Question
    My legs and thighs are in pain and I have a horseback riding lesson soon. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    There is really no way to stop the soreness completely, but after a few weeks, your legs and thighs shouldn't hurt, because horse riding uses different muscles you never knew you had. You will notice you gain muscles in your thighs more. Do some exercises to strengthen yourself more. When I was in pain from riding, I just kept moving, and running, and jumping, and eventually, it will wear off after a day or two, depending on how much you exercise.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of pain after falling?
    Community Answer
    First, ice the area and take some painkillers if you need to. Keep the injured area rested for a few days. If the pain persists, see a doctor.
  • Question
    I'm super sore after 2 hours of riding. I have to do 4 to 6 hrs of riding a day, and it's killing my inner thighs and my knees have a lot of bruising. What can I do to stop the pain?
    Community Answer
    You could try to stretch well before and after riding. You might also try to take some ibuprofen or something like that before riding. Some muscle pain is good, it means that you are building your muscles and endurance. However, if the pain is severe, you could ask your doctor to advise you.
  • Question
    I had someone tell me the reason you got sore from riding was because the person has too much uric acid in their body. Is this true?
    Community Answer
    Uric acid does cause soreness, but so do other factors.
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