Bluegrass Riding Academy

Bored with traditional exercise programs? Try EQUICISE. It’s an alternative, affordable and fun exercise program on horseback being developed and offered exclusively by Bluegrass Riding Academy. EQUICISE is an aerobic exercise program on horseback that promotes weight loss and improves muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory health. Unlike regular exercise, EQUICISE is not monotonous for the mind or body. EQUICISE uses every muscle in the body, including arms, legs, and abdominals. It also improves posture, coordination, concentration, confidence and relieves daily stress from work or home. Participants can burn up to 500 calories in just one class of EQUICISE.

Fitness and caloric expenditure can be monitored through heart rate since heart rate (HR) increases when a person exercises. For example, runners sometimes monitor their HR while running to achieve a desired level of fitness. Published data indicates that people can lose weight (burn fat), increase stamina/aerobic endurance; maintain excellent fitness condition or superb athletic condition by exercising at a HR of 60% to 100% of their maximum HR for 90 minutes per week.

Over the last two years, BGRA conducted research using a heart rate monitor and a set exercise regime on horseback to determine if riding horses can increase HR enough to improve fitness level and stimulate weight loss. We found out that when riding to a set routine (about 30 minutes per ride) that a person can reasonably increase their heart rate to a level required (between 60% to 70% of their maximum HR) to burn about 500 calories.

No prior riding experience is necessary to enroll in an EQUICISE program. Beginners with no riding experience can usually gain sufficient riding skills to control a horse and begin the EQUICISE program in about 12 lessons. Individuals enrolled in the EQUICISE program ride 2-3 times per week to a standardized exercise regime. If riders ride 3 times per week then they could reasonably burn up to 1,500 calories per week. That’s worth almost a ½ pound per week lost just by riding a horse! Combine this fun exercise with a healthy diet and you will have found a new way to a new you!

To participate in EQUICISE just register by contacting Bluegrass Riding Academy, bring a Heart Rate Monitor, wear comfortable clothes (including boots) to your classes and be game to ride to fitness! BGRA will help you monitor your progress toward your fitness and weight loss goals. EQUICISE is a great way to have fun, make friends, and get fit!

What's New?

EQUICISE: A New Way to a New You