The Best Home Exercise Equipment for Horseback Riders to Improve Mobility

As horseback riders, we demand a lot from our bodies—balance, flexibility, stability, and strength all contribute to how effectively we communicate with our horses. One of the most overlooked aspects of riding performance is mobility, which affects everything from posture to responsiveness in the saddle.

Luckily, improving mobility doesn’t require an expensive gym membership. With just a few simple tools, you can enhance flexibility, joint range of motion, and muscle recovery—all from the comfort of home! Below are my top picks for home exercise equipment for equestrians, including budget-friendly and splurge options to fit different needs.

📌 Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I trust and use myself!

1. Yoga Blocks – Stability & Support

Why horseback riders need them:

Yoga blocks help riders modify stretches, improve mobility, and support better alignment. Whether you’re working on upper body flexibility, spinal twists, or lower extremity mobility, blocks provide stability and allow for deeper engagement without straining muscles.

🔗 Budget Option: https://amzn.to/42tdZoZ – A simple, affordable set that gets the job done.

🔗Splurge Option: https://amzn.to/3CD5lJR – A premium set with extra durability, comfort, and grip.

Favorite exercises:

• Supported supine twist (hip and lumbosacral mobility)

• Twisted crescent (upper body mobility)

• Supported lateral lunges (ankle, knee, & hip flexibility)

2. Yoga Mat – A Must-Have for Floor Work

Why horseback riders need one:

A quality yoga mat provides cushioning, grip, and stability for all your mobility and core exercises. Whether you’re stretching, practicing breathwork, or doing core stability drills, a mat helps you stay comfortable and supported.

🔗 Budget Option: https://amzn.to/3WCiQjX – A no-frills mat that gets the job done.

🔗 Splurge Option: https://amzn.to/4aCXKHQ  – A high-density mat with superior durability and cushioning.

Favorite uses:

• Dynamic warm-ups before riding

• Post-ride stretching routines

• Core & breathwork for better posture in the saddle

3. Foam Roller – Release Tension & Improve Recovery

Why horseback riders need one:

Foam rolling is an effective self-myofascial release tool that reduces muscle tightness, improves circulation, and enhances mobility. Riders often experience tight quads, hamstrings, hip flexors, and lower backs, all of which benefit from rolling.

🔗 Budget Option: https://amzn.to/3Cr0BqQ – A basic foam roller for beginners.

🔗 Splurge Option: https://amzn.to/3PXq1j4 – A textured roller with deep-tissue massage capabilities.

Favorite target areas:

• Quads – Helps counteract stiffness from long rides.

• Thoracic spine – Improves mobility and rider posture.

• Hamstrings – Reduces muscle fatigue and tension.

4. Tennis Ball (or Lacrosse Ball) – Targeted Muscle Release

Why horseback riders need one:

Unlike a foam roller, a tennis or lacrosse ball targets smaller, deeper areas of muscle tension. Riders often develop tightness in the glutes, lower back, shoulders, and feet, and this simple tool can help release those trigger points.

🔗 Budget Option: https://amzn.to/3CGkpGC – A standard tennis ball set.

🔗 Splurge Option: https://amzn.to/3Ciqj0L – An entire ball set from MELT Method for more complete and integrative massage work.

Favorite tension point areas:

• Glutes & Piriformis – Helps with hip mobility and lower back relief.

• Shoulders & Upper Back – Improves posture and reduces tension.

• Feet – Releases tension for better overall alignment.

5. Exercise Ball – Core Strength & Stability

Why horseback riders need one:

An exercise ball (also called a stability ball) is one of the best tools for improving rider core strength, balance, and mobility. It mimics the instability of riding, forcing the core and stabilizing muscles to engage.

🔗 Budget Option: https://amzn.to/413kIoF – A basic stability ball for general use.

🔗 Splurge Option: https://amzn.to/4gicTzt – A high-quality ball that has proven its durability in the clinic setting.

Favorite exercises:

• Seated balance drills – Builds core endurance for better posture.

• Pelvic tilts – Improves hip mobility and lower back and core function.

• Wall-assisted hip openers – Enhances flexibility for better leg position in the saddle.

Final Thoughts

Mobility is an essential component of riding performance. By incorporating simple mobility tools into your daily routine, you can improve flexibility, recovery, and overall movement quality—all of which help you ride more effectively and stay pain-free.

💡 Which of these tools do you already use? Let me know in the comments!

📌 Reminder: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Your support allows me to continue creating valuable content for riders like you—thank you!