Equestrian Performance and Fitness Podcast

Great Britain just had one of its best championship weeks in years — eventing gold, dressage silver, showjumping bronze, and an LA28 qualification for the para dressage team at the FEI World Championships in Aachen. The same week, a spinal surgeon told Horse & Hound that "core gets a bit overplayed" when it comes to rider back pain. In this solo episode, Jenni unpacks what that actually means — the real mechanism behind disc disease in riders, why a scan showing "degeneration" doesn't automatically explain your pain, and the McGill Big Three exercises a leading spine surgeon is actually recommending. Then she goes deep into the research: why up to 68% of riders report chronic back pain, why barn work is its own independent risk factor separate from riding itself, and why dressage riders specifically carry more hip pain than jumpers or eventers — plus an honest look at where that research is strong, where it's thin, and why no population statistic can tell you what your own horse, your own hours in the saddle, and your own fitness actually demand of you. In this episode:What actually happened at the Aachen World Championships, and why it took more than horsemanshipThe real spine mechanics behind rider back pain — and why "core gets a bit overplayed" isn't as controversial as it soundsThe McGill Big Three, and why full-body strength matters just as much as core workA proper research deep-dive: Balog et al., Ohrnberger et al., and Ramsauer et al. — including a critical look at their limitations, not just their headline numbersWhy rider conditioning is so context-dependent, and why that makes equestrian sport unlike most other elite sports when it comes to strength and conditioningWhat's next: the Find Your Form Challenge, starting 7 SeptemberGrab the Find Your Form Challenge (starts 7 September, £25): https://www.trainerize.me/checkout/jenni-douglas/DrJenni.Douglas?planGUID=91705d3380bc434395ef80ae356abdc7Read the full write-up: https://eventingfit.com/f/team-gbs-medals-a-surgeon-and-the-truth-about-rider-back-pain

Ever wonder why you spend twenty minutes warming up your horse and zero minutes warming up yourself?In this episode, Jenni and Lee break down the EventFit Pre-Ride Activation Protocol, the free warm-up routine built specifically for riders, and explain why it exists, the science behind it, and how to make it work for your own riding.Download your FREE PRE-RIDE ACTIVATION HERE: https://mailchi.mp/de477acdaaa0/pre-ride-activation We cover why a reactive sport like riding needs a reactive warm-up (not static stretching), what's actually happening in your nervous system during activation, how the protocol changes depending on whether you're schooling on the flat, jumping, or heading cross country, and how to modify it if you're short on time or carrying an old injury.We also talk about why clearer, more stable riders get clearer, more consistent responses from their horses — and what's next for EventFit. Grab the free Pre-Ride Activation Protocol and find out more: Website: https://www.eventingfit.comJoin the conversation and the community:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IpkXWrxYmh61x1azpVmZWn?s=sh&p=i&mlu=4Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/462390187277850/If this episode helps your warm-up, share it with a fellow rider  and let us know how you've modified the protocol for your own riding.

After a bit of a break, I'm back — and so is EventFit. In this episode I'm telling you exactly what's been going on, why I stepped away, and what EventFit looks like now. Spoiler: it's simpler, more sustainable, and more me than it's ever been. I'm also announcing Ride For Life — a rolling monthly membership for equestrian athletes who want science-led fitness training built specifically around riding. No fixed start dates, no challenges, no faff. Just evidence-based coaching from a PhD exercise physiologist who's spent 10 years in this space. If you've been listening for a while and never taken the next step — this is the episode. 👉 Join Ride For Life at eventingfit.comRide for Life: https://www.trainerize.me/profile/jenni-douglas/DrJenni.Douglas/

Feeling tired, unmotivated, and like your routines have slipped? You’re not alone — and you don’t need to start over. In this episode, Jenni shares how to reset your mindset, energy, and habits before Christmas, using evidence-based strategies rooted in behavioural science and real-life experience. You’ll learn:✨ Why motivation feels harder at this time of year (and what to do instead)✨ Three simple, research-backed mindset shifts to rebuild consistency✨ How to reconnect with yourself and create calm — even through chaos.This isn’t about overhauling your life or waiting for January. It’s about meeting yourself where you are and finishing the year feeling strong, grounded, and proud of how you showed up. 💛Join the Pre-Christmas Reset — 6 weeks to rebuild your structure, energy, and confidence before the holidays. We start 18th November. Use code XMAS for 30% off → https://www.jenni-douglas.com/empowered-668910🎧 Listen now and remind yourself: you’re not behind — you’re right on time.

Ever feel like you want to make changes—but life just keeps getting in the way? In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful mindset tool that can transform how you approach your health, fitness, and habits: locus of control. You’ll learn:What locus of control actually is—and how it shows up in everyday choicesWhy saying things like “I don’t have time” or “I always sabotage myself” might be keeping you stuckThe link between external control, shame, and procrastinationHow to shift back into ownership without falling into the self-blame trapI’ll also share real coaching stories from women who went from feeling powerless to taking aligned, consistent action—without needing perfect conditions or more motivation. If you’re tired of starting over, and ready to feel back in the driver’s seat, this one’s for you.