Do Barn Chores Count as Training? And what is the Physical Activity Paradox?

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're likely aware that riders (or any athlete, really) need to be doing some kind of dry-land training to supplement their riding. If not for the performance aspect of it, at least training to give your horse the same courtesy they give you; namely, showing up as a active partner, not a passive burden.

But, in the comments, the DMs, and sometimes even in person, one of the biggest pushback comments I get to this statement is, "But I do barn chores/muck 25 stalls/get 30k steps in a day... I don't need to go to the gym too!".

In this podcast, we'll talk through why that statement doesn't hold up against what we know from research, from principles of tissue adaptation, and more. We'll explore the differences between recreational and occupational physical activity, highlighting a principle known in research as the Physical Activity Paradox.

Takeaways

• Occupational activity is shown in research to have a more neutral health impact, and may even lead to more injuries than benefits.
• Recreational fitness has clear health benefits for function, health, disease prevention and longevity.
• This discrepancy is known as the Physical Activity Paradox.
• For similar reasons as to why this paradox exists, barn chores alone aren't enough for building mobility and strength.
• Barn chores, like other manual labour jobs, are often too low load or low intensity, too repetitive, too single sided, and don't offer enough recovery time between bouts to see true tissue adaptation (like strength or mobility gains) past a certain point.

• Our bodies only adapt to be capable of what we ask of them.
• If we make our chores = our training, our bodies will only adapt to be capable of the daily tasks, not more. Leaving us operating close to our threshold on a daily basis.
• Dry-land training should prepare you for daily demands, meaning it needs to be performed in a way where we are building up our body's capacity to exceed what is required for day to day tasks.
• In this way, we build up a "buffer zone" with our training, working to "over-engineer" our bodies for the daily demands of chores and riding.

Keywords

equestrian fitness, physical activity paradox, strength training, riding performance, occupational activity, recreational sports, equestrian training, injury prevention, cardio training, equestrian health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Life Updates

04:38 Understanding the Physical Activity Paradox

10:39 The Implications for Equestrians

14:38 Training for Daily Demands

16:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode, we discuss the core values and mission behind the training system. We'll talk through the importance of treating equestrians as athletes, the need for evidence-based training, and the significance of empowerment through education.

I outline the journey of building this training system, the challenges of identifying quality programming, and the importance of commitment and capacity in training, while also highlighting the principles of structured autonomy and lifelong development, aiming to create a stronger equestrian culture.

Takeaways

• The equestrian industry lacks a focus on treating riders as athletes.
• Rider's also struggle with identifying what good quality training actually looks like, and building the habit of training consistently.

Values

• Empowerment Through Education: We don’t just tell riders what to do. We show them why it matters. Knowledge builds confidence, autonomy, and long-term results.

  Athlete Identity: Riders are not passengers. They are athletes, and deserve training systems that reflect the strength, skill, and resilience that role demands.

  Commitment That Respects Capacity: Progress matters, but it also has to be sustainable. We train with intention, but never ignore life’s reality. Consistency is the foundation of everything, and this system reflects that.

  Structured Autonomy: We offer flexible systems, but not aimless ones. Riders are supported to adapt, reflect, and and make choices that fit their body, schedule and environment while staying grounded in evidence.

  Evidence-Informed Everything: Every strategy is grounded in the best available science and refined through clinical and coaching experience. We’re not here to sell flashy moves, we’re here to give you what actually works.

  Lifelong Development: This isn’t about short-term gains or quick fix goals. It’s about building strength, awareness, and habits that hold up across decades, not just seasons.

  Paying It Forward: We believe in building a smarter, stronger equestrian culture, through education that empowers the next generation of riders and coaches.

  
  

  Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Core Values
  • 03:53 The Journey of Building a Training System
  • 08:37 Identifying Gaps in Equestrian Training
  • 12:51 Core Values of the Equestrian Physio Training System
  • 16:44 Empowerment Through Education
  • 20:54 The Athletic Identity of Equestrians
  • 25:11 Commitment and Capacity in Training
  • 29:37 Structured Autonomy in Training Programs
  • 34:07 Lifelong Development and Paying It Forward

  
  

  Keywords

  Equestrian Physio, training system, core values, athlete identity, evidence-based training, empowerment, equestrian health, strength training, behavior change, lifelong development

  Come say hi!

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  Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode of Equestrian Physio on Air, we dive into the complex relationship between gym training asymmetries and their potential impact on riding performance. We discuss the importance of critical thinking in evaluating claims about asymmetry (and in general), the benefits of both bilateral and unilateral training, and the necessity of movement variability.

We see this all the time online: concerns that squatting, deadlifting, or pressing with a small hip shift or rotational bias will reinforce asymmetries and make you more crooked in the saddle. But let’s not just parrot that – let’s break it down:

We’re asking:

• Does lifting with mild asymmetry actually cause one-sided development?

• Does that matter for our riding?

• Do the benefits of bilateral training outweigh the risks?

• What even is “perfect” movement, and should we be chasing it?

• Can movement variability actually help, not hurt?

• How do we manage or prevent the risks?

Takeaways

• Asymmetry in the gym may affect riding performance.
• Critical thinking is essential when evaluating training claims.
• Bilateral lifts can provide greater strength/hypertrophy/neuromuscular gains than unilateral lifts.
• But unilateral training can help reduce asymmetry in athletes.
• Movement variability is beneficial for injury prevention, too.
• Riders often develop asymmetries over time due to various factors.

• Perfect movement is a myth; variability is normal and healthy.
• Strength training builds confidence and resilience in riders.
• Monitoring and addressing asymmetries can enhance performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Topic Overview

05:37 Exploring Asymmetry in Gym Training and Riding

20:13 The Impact of Asymmetry on Riding Performance

32:17 Balancing Bilateral and Unilateral Training

37:51 Strategies for Managing Asymmetry in Training

Keywords

equestrian, physiotherapy, strength training, asymmetry, gym performance, riding performance, unilateral training, bilateral training, injury prevention, equestrian athletes

Come say hi!

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• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

SUMMARY

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most hotly debated topics in equestrian circles:

Is mounting from the ground harmful to your horse’s back—or are we oversimplifying the issue?

We start with where this tradition came from (yes, swords are involved), and then take a deep dive into what the research actually says about the forces placed on your horse’s spine during mounting, especially from the ground.

We talk about what’s backed by science, what’s mostly anecdotal, and where we might be making assumptions based on fear rather than evidence.

As always, we’re bringing a critical lens. Questioning not just the status quo but also our own biases.

KEY POINTS

• ​Tradition isn’t always best practice: Mounting from the left is a centuries-old habit rooted in sword-wearing military culture—not in biomechanics or welfare. While it’s deeply ingrained, it’s worth asking: is our tradition creating unnecessary asymmetrical stress over time?
• ​The force data is clear. Ground mounting hits harder: Pressure-mat studies show that ground mounting creates significantly higher and more asymmetric force on the horse’s back, especially over the right withers. In some cases, the load is comparable to landing from a 1.30m jump. A tall mounting block or a leg-up significantly reduces these forces.
• ​BUT... Horses (and humans) adapt to load—when it’s progressive and intentional: Biological tissues adapt when loaded appropriately. Just like runners build healthier spinal discs or lifters increase bone density, horses may build resilience with smart exposure. Avoiding all ground mounts may actually leave both horse and rider underprepared when they need to do it.
• ​Rider fitness and technique matter more than we think: A quick, coordinated, athletic mount from the ground can be less stressful on the horse than a clumsy, uncontrolled mount from a block. Rider height, strength, and agility all influence how much torque is transferred. Good mounting technique should be a trained skill, not an afterthought.
• ​Repeated one-sided mounting can warp your saddle: Saddle makers tend to confirm that repeated torque from one-sided ground mounting can twist the saddle tree over time, creating uneven fit and pressure points. Horses may also develop postural asymmetries or muscle imbalances from always being mounted from the left.
• ​This isn’t black or white, and we need to be critical in our evaluation: Mounting is a biomechanical event, not just a moment. Yes, ground mounting imposes more stress. But that doesn’t make it inherently bad. Horses, riders, and tack all respond to how and how often the forces are applied. The goal isn’t to eliminate load—it’s to apply it wisely.

KEYWORDS

ground mounting, mounting block, saddle fit, rider fitness, equine biomechanics, horse back pain, one-sided mounting, spinal health, rider technique, equestrian tradition

Come say hi!

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

SUMMARY

In this solo episode, we walk through the real-life framework I use every time I’m asked, “Should I try this?” Whether it’s red light therapy, PEMF, taping, spinal mobilization, or even just a new stretch or gadget, we break down how to move past the hype and make a sound clinical decision.

We’re talking about critical thinking and clinical reasoning—two terms that get thrown around a lot but rarely broken down in a way that feels practical. This episode is about making informed choices that actually align with the why behind your treatment goals, instead of grabbing at whatever tool is trending. If you’re a clinician, coach, or rider trying to filter through the noise, this one will sharpen your process.

KEY DEFINITIONS

• ​Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information logically and independently, question assumptions, and evaluate claims with curiosity and skepticism. It’s not about being cynical—it’s about asking, “Does this actually make sense, here, for this patient?”
• ​Clinical Reasoning: A dynamic, evidence-informed process we use to make treatment decisions. It pulls from research, clinical experience, client input, and context to determine the most appropriate intervention.

EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

1. ​Understand the WHY• Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. We need to understand the underlying contributors—load, sensitivity, recovery, movement habits—before recommending any treatment.
2. ​Set Specific Treatment Goals• Is the goal to improve tissue capacity? Reduce sensitivity? Promote movement? Build confidence? Without a goal, we’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall.
3. ​Ask: Does This Modality Actually Address That Goal? • If you’re recommending something like laser, massage, or spinal mobilization, it better align with the system or structure you’re trying to affect.
4. ​Look at the Evidence • Is the support for this intervention coming from high-quality, independent research? Or is it mostly testimonials and brand marketing?
5. ​Compare Other Options • Even if a modality might work, is there something just as effective, more accessible, and less expensive? Is there something with lower risk? Active treatments like resistance training often outperform passive ones long-term.
6. ​Plan to Test and Measure • Don’t assume it works. Build in ways to assess before and after. If it doesn’t make an impact, it’s okay to change course.
7. ​Watch for Red Flags in Marketing • If it’s making big promises without much substance, pause. Words like “regenerates,” “balances,” or “detoxes” often signal more marketing than mechanism.

Keywords

equestrian, critical thinking, physiotherapy, horse care, treatment modalities, evidence-based practice, equestrian industry, clinical reasoning, horse health, rider health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Life Updates

06:06 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Equestrian Care

Come say hi!

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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode, we discusses the essential components of being an effective rider, and look at a framework that I like to use of six pillars: strength, mobility, body awareness, power, endurance, and skill. Training off horse is essential to build physical capacity and allow riders to focus on skill development while riding. We also touch on common misconceptions in equestrian training and the need for a overall approach to rider fitness.

Takeaways

• The six pillars of effective riding include strength, mobility, body awareness, power, endurance, and skill.
• Strength allows riders to stabilize their bodies under dynamic loads from the horse.
• Mobility is crucial for matching the horse's movements without causing discomfort.
• Body awareness is essential for accurate riding and effective communication with the horse.
• Power training helps riders respond quickly to the horse's movements.
• Endurance is necessary for sustaining performance throughout a ride.
• Skill development is what occurs in the saddle.
• Training in the gym should focus on building capacity rather than mimicking riding movements.

• Your horse should not be the means to get fit; riders need to be fit before riding.

Keywords

equestrian, riding, strength, mobility, body awareness, power, endurance, skill, training, fitness

Come say hi!

• ⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠
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• ⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠

Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode, we chat about the principles of rehabilitation, focusing on pain management, understanding diagnoses, and the importance of movement and recovery.

Takeaways

• Rehabilitation is not just about exercises; it's about understanding and managing symptoms.
• You are not defined by your diagnosis; it is just a part of your story.
• Imaging results do not always correlate with pain levels or functional ability.
• Pain is influenced by various factors, including stress and beliefs about movement.
• Gradual exposure to painful activities can help in recovery.
• Load management is crucial in rehabilitation; modify activities to find an entry point.
• Resting too much can lead to deconditioning; movement is essential.
• Sleep and recovery are vital for healing; prioritize them in your routine.
• Track your progress objectively to recognize improvements over time.
• Seek professional help for personalized rehabilitation guidance.

Keywords

equestrian rehabilitation, pain management, physiotherapy, musculoskeletal rehab, load management, graded exposure, recovery strategies, equestrian sports, injury prevention, strength training

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Rehabilitation

01:59 Understanding Pain and Diagnosis

04:35 Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehab

10:43 Managing Pain and Load

19:18 Graded Exposure and Movement Strategies

Come say hi!

• ⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠
• ⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠
• ⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠
• ⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠
• ⁠Get the Training App!⁠

Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode of Equestrian Physio, we discuss the challenges equestrians face in maintaining a consistent training routine. We'll go over the importance of understanding psychological barriers, the need for curiosity in overcoming limitations, and practical strategies for habit formation.

Keywords

equestrian, physiotherapy, training, psychology, habit formation, consistency, barriers, motivation, strength training, equestrian fitness

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Training Challenges

02:25 Understanding Barriers to Consistent Training

04:24 The Psychology of Habit Formation

06:58 Strategies for Building Consistent Habits

09:44 Creating an Environment for Success

12:14 Making Training Attractive and Rewarding

14:44 Simplifying the Process of Training

17:11 The Importance of Consistency Over Perfection

19:38 Integrating Training into Daily Life

21:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Maestro on the Mic - Shante Cofield

"The prize for fighting for your limitations is that you get to keep them."

• Instagram: @theequestrianphysio
• Facebook: @theequestrianpt
• TikTok: @theequestrianphysio
• Website: theequestrianphysio.ca
• Get the Training App!

Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.