Leg muscles: You use various leg muscles when riding a horse. The quadriceps are involved in straightening the knees while the lower leg muscles, including the calves and hamstrings, help flex, point, and support your ankles in the stirrups.
Arm muscles: While your arms don't bear as much load as your legs and core, you use arm muscles for support and control. Triceps, biceps, deltoids, and other arm muscles are engaged when you rein in the horse's mouth and manipulate the reins.
Pectoral muscles: Located in the anterior (front) chest area, the pectoralis major and minor muscles are engaged when you lean forward.
Glutes/buttocks: The powerful gluteal muscles are important for stability in the saddle and can help you stay steady in different riding positions.
Posterior chain: Refers to a group of muscles in the back of the body engaged as you apply pressure for different riding cues using your seat/bodyweight, including your glutes, hamstrings, back muscles, and calves.
Hands: Grip strength is needed for holding the reins in your hands. Finger flexors and extensors work when pulling, releasing, or guiding the reins. Wrist muscles also play a role.
The muscles engaged during horseback riding can vary depending on the riding discipline, pace, and individual riding technique. Regular riding helps develop both strength and flexibility in various muscle groups and enhances overall musculoskeletal conditioning.