05/07/2026
I have been asked several questions about cardiovascular training lately so I hope this helps clarify
The How & The Why:
We hear terms like cardio, HIIT, aerobic, anaerobic, fat burning zone, and endurance training all the time… but most riders were never really taught what those actually mean physiologically and why this kind of training is so important to the sport of riding.🐴
I’m working on a blog that will dive deeper into this because understanding why we train different systems matters just as much as the workout itself.🧐
In simple terms:
Aerobic/endurance training (lower zones) helps build your engine. It improves your heart’s efficiency, recovery ability, mitochondrial function, and endurance so you can ride longer with better focus, coordination, and less fatigue.
High-intensity training works your anaerobic system and improves power, VO₂ max, lactate tolerance, and your ability to handle harder efforts under stress.
And here’s the important part:
Smart high-intensity work can actually improve your aerobic capacity too by “raising the ceiling” of what your body can do.
As Dr. Stacy Sims, Dr. Len Kravitz, and Matt Wilpers all emphasize in different ways: the goal isn’t living at max intensity all the time… it’s training both systems appropriately.
Your horse already understands this.
You wouldn’t expect peak performance from only long slow hacks…or only hard collected work or gymnastics either.
Riders need both:
endurance for stamina and recovery
high intensity for power and capacity
That combination creates stronger, more resilient riders — in and out of the saddle. 💜
Please reach out to me if I can help you understand what the specific methods and numbers might be for a cardiovascular training program for you.
We can build one together!😊🙌🏻🤓
