DefinitelyDressage.com

How can I get myself in riding-shape without actually riding a ton? What exercises approximate riding?

My horse is recovering from a lameness. I am hand-walking him for now.
I am in the process of scheduling a riding lesson at another barn once a week.

Five years ago a friend and I decided to take an epic riding vacation when we turn 50. That is THIS year. Our plan is to take our vacation this Fall. My friend is a god of fitness while I am not only dealing with a lame horse but also recovering from frozen shoulder. The frozen shoulder happened last year - it's much better, but I really took a hit fitness-wise - shoulder is still not 100%.

I do a brisk 30 min. walk/day and do a 30 min. workout each day. I alternate between a kettle bell workout and Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.
I usually average 12000 steps per day.

What can I do to get those riding muscles back?

Lease a horse?

It's crossed my mind, FatCat. I think you're right. The only way to get those riding muscles is to ride (and supplement with work outs).

Here's my whine -
Paying full board for my horse, his vet bills, and my own weekly lessons doesn't leave me much $$ to lease another horse.
There may be a horse at my barn I can ride for free now and then. Finger's crossed.

Artemis wrote:It's crossed my mind, FatCat. I think you're right. The only way to get those riding muscles is to ride (and supplement with work outs).

Here's my whine -
Paying full board for my horse, his vet bills, and my own weekly lessons doesn't leave me much $$ to lease another horse.
There may be a horse at my barn I can ride for free now and then. Finger's crossed.

Remind me where in Oregon you are? I may know someone.

I'd put the word out in your horsey circle of friends and see if there's someone who has a horse needing more work than they can give it.

Thanks FatCat.
I'm in West Linn - a few miles south of PDX.