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Sally Farrall, FEI Endurance Rider – Bespoke Program Review

Sally Farrall, FEI Endurance Rider – Bespoke Program Review

by | Feb 20, 2025 | Reviews

Sally's Bespoke Program for Endurance Success

I have been an endurance rider for many years, competing up to FEI 2* and currently managing a team of three exceptional purebred Arabs, all at different stages of their career.

However, by the end of 2020, I had reached a breaking point. My self-belief had disappeared, and I had lost the joy of the sport. To make matters worse, I woke up in an ambulance after a particularly bad fall, suffering a severe loss of nerve.

I decided everything needed a reset—after all, “Do what you’ve always done, and you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”

Sally Farrall riding Bash after her Bespoke Program for Endurance Success

Why I Chose RiderCise for a Bespoke Program

A friend recommended RiderCise, and I started working with Clare in March 2021. I can truly say it has changed my life.

From the very first conversation, Clare took the time to understand my situation, discuss my goals, and explain how investing in my fitness and well-being could help me achieve them. Like many riders, I had spent time and money on my horses while neglecting my own physical development. At first, I didn’t realize how much this was holding me back. However, I now fully understand that if I don’t take care of myself, I risk becoming a burden to my horses.

As a Fitness Professional, Soft Tissue Therapist, skilled rider, and horse manager, Clare provided a comprehensive approach that made training more effective, enjoyable, and sustainable.

My Experience with the Bespoke Fitness Program

To help me develop a more independent seat, Clare designed a customized program to improve my proprioception and strength. Through this, I discovered and activated muscles I had only heard of but never felt before! The changes gave me security in the saddle and a huge boost in confidence.

As a result, I’m now taking on new challenges with all three horses—tasks that, a year ago, felt completely out of reach.

One of my horses has a tendency for sudden spooks. Previously, this would have thrown me off balance, but my automatic response now is a calm, “Thank you, Clare,” as I stay securely in the saddle.

“Do What You’ve Always Done, You’ll Get What You’ve Always Gotten.”

We progressed toward specific endurance competitions, with tailored training for each ride’s terrain and distance challenges.  After every competition, we analyzed my performance, identified areas for improvement, and Clare incorporated them into the next program.

In addition to physical training, she also helped me manage nutrition challenges. I struggled to eat once adrenaline kicked in—a major issue in endurance sports. However, I now have a practical solution that works.

Because of RiderCise, I’ve felt strong throughout my competitions, and I know this has benefited my horses as well.

Most importantly, my recovery time has dramatically improved. After 40km rides, I barely feel like I’ve been on a horse, and even after longer endurance rides, I typically need just a day to feel fully recovered.

A Bespoke Program Key Benefits I Noticed:

✅ Improved Strength: Targeted workouts enhanced core and leg strength, leading to better stability in the saddle. 

✅ Enhanced Balance: Balance-focused exercises helped me maintain correct posture, even on long-distance rides.

✅ Increased Confidence: As my fitness improved, so did my self-assurance, positively impacting my riding.

Since I enjoyed the workouts so much, Clare and I decided to shift focus during the winter break. Instead of endurance-specific training, I explored strength training with weights—something I had always wanted to try but found intimidating.

I’ve long known that weight training becomes more important as we age. However, the heavier the weights, the more daunting it seemed. Thankfully, Clare taught me the correct techniques, which allowed me to build confidence and challenge myself safely.

Next winter, I’ll definitely be back to it!

Sally Review of a Bespoke Program with her Endurance horse - Sirrus

Final Thoughts on Working Directly with Clare on a Bespoke Program

Over the last 15 months, Clare has guided me through a progressive training program designed to develop strength and endurance carefully and effectively.

She has ensured that I first master technique, never feel overwhelmed, but always stay challenged enough to stay motivated.

Through regular check-ins, I have been able to refine my form, maximize results, and adapt training to evolving goals, horses, and competitions.

Clare has been there every step of the way—sharing her expertise, acting as a mentor, encouraging me, and holding me accountable (and hardly ever laughing at my laughing!).

And the best part? I’ve been able to do all of this from home.

Today, I am truly back in love with endurance riding and excitedly making future plans. RiderCise has played a huge role in this transformation.

A heartfelt thank you, Clare, for all your support so far—and long may it continue!

I am well and truly back in love with my sport and am thoroughly enjoying making plans for the future. Ridercise has played a HUGE part in this journey. A heartfelt thank you Clare for all your help so far – and long may it continue!

Sally Farrall (Sirius OS, Bashar Ibn Orion and Emeera Bint Orion)

Bespoke Program Coaching

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Rekindling a Love of Riding

Rekindling a Love of Riding

by | Jan 5, 2024 | Reviews

Rekindling a Love of Riding - Thanks to RiderCise

RiderCise was founded on the belief that all riders, from the happiest of hackers and those new to the sport all the way up to elites and professionals, should make sure they are ‘fit to ride’. The benefits to the rider are many. They include being more stable and secure, more effective communication with the horse and increased strength and flexibility. For the horse, a rider who works on their conditioning will be a better partner than someone who is stiff, twisted, or sore. RiderCise founder Clare is on a mission to spread the word among pleasure riders and those who have taken a break from the sport. Her message – that rider-specific coaching doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.  

With that in mind, we’ve taken a few minutes out to have a chat with Helen Poulter, a RiderCise customer who credits the company with helping her to revive her love of riding and gave her the confidence to finally enjoy her gorgeous Fell pony. 

Tell us a little bit about your equestrian background 

 

I’m 58 years old and I’ve been a lifelong rider, although I had to wait until I was 26 before I had a pony of my own! My youngest daughter was horse mad. My riding ambitions took a back seat for a little while as we did the full ‘Pony Club’ thing for her! When I retired, I bought myself a yearling Fell pony called Lownthwaite Walnut, who is known as Wally at home. 

 

What do you like to do with your horse?

 

My idea of the perfect day in the saddle is heading out to explore the beautiful countryside. The landscape of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas where I live. I had bought Wally as a yearling prior to my retirement. This was so that he would eventually become my partner in crime.  I was hoping that together we would meet up with my horsey friends and ride all day. He was backed by my daughter and I sent him to be ridden away when he was 5 years old.  When he came back, I climbed on board to start our journey together. 

What inspired you to try the RiderCise Programs?

 

As you can imagine, I was so looking forward to getting out and about on Wally. However, but it didn’t work out quite the way I had planned. Sadly, even though he was lovely and tried very hard, I had lost so much of my riding fitness and my confidence… I felt utterly useless. After a while my confidence was so shot that I was ready to sell my beloved Wally until my friend Debbie intervened. She advised me to turn Wally away for a little while.   Once I’d taken the pressure off myself with Debbie’s help and encouragement I was back riding Wally within 2 weeks. She accompanied me out hacking on one of her horses.

Around the same time, I stumbled across a RiderCise article on an endurance riding forum. Even though I was walking and cycling every week, it began to wonder if some of my problems lay in my lack of specific ‘fitness to ride’. I signed up for RiderCise and can honestly say I have never looked back – it has been transformative. 

 

Which RiderCise program do you do and how quickly did you start to see a difference?

 

I did the self-guided RiderCise program (On-Demand) starting off with the Foundation level, which involves doing 3 workouts a week. The difference was absolutely amazing. In just 4 weeks my instructor commented on how much better I was riding. They said it was obvious it was that I was using and working the right muscles for riding. I had bought a new saddle and had previously had a biometric fitting.  I had another shortly after starting the RiderCise program and they too commented on how much change there was. 

How did it make a difference to your relationship and bond with Wally? 

 

I had previously suffered from the long-term effects of a motorbike accident in my youth and was quite twisted. With the RiderCise workouts not only was I stronger rider and more flexible, I was also so much more aware of my body and how to use it. When I got back on Wally it was really special. The changes in him and how responsive he is are brilliant. It’s all down to me having the physical ability to communicate better with him. I remember going for a proper gallop on him for the first time and just feeling happy, not scared or nervous.

 

How do you fit it into your daily routine? 

 

The foundation program is just three workouts a week. When I moved onto the intermediate it was four workouts a week. They are long enough to be effective but easy to fit in around other commitments. I would never stop doing my RiderCise exercises now, they are so important to my riding and my general wellbeing. I’ve had the extra confidence to go out and do so much more too. I’ve tried a western riding clinic, gone on longer and faster rides than I have for years and I’m going to dip my toe into classical equitation. RiderCise gives you a massive return for very little investment. As an added bonus, I have lost 1.5 stone since starting!

 

If you could give advice to anyone similar to you thinking about doing the program, what would you say?

 

I would say that if you love horses and you love riding, this is the best investment you will make all year. I used to think personal training and fitness program were for professional or elite riders, but I now know that’s just not the case. Anyone who wants to be a better rider for their horse should look at their fitness, flexibility and conditioning. 

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Sally Toye – Tevis Competitor & Mongol Derby

Sally Toye – Tevis Competitor & Mongol Derby

by | Feb 20, 2023 | Reviews

I have been doing RiderCise for over 5 years now and it has truly revolutionized my riding life and fitness.

Working out with RiderCise has gone beyond just improving my physical fitness and riding ability. It has improved my mental and emotional fitness to ride. Allowing me to take on any challenges, rider, and adventures that come my way. 

I have learned more than I can possibly tell you in 500 words but the big picture is. I am a much better team player with any horse I ride. I am more balanced. I am stronger and I am certainly more knowledgeable about what I am about!

My First Encounter

I first approached RiderCise 5 years ago when I finally could not find any more excuses to stop me from entering and doing the Mongol Derby.

I remember the first time I met Clare and I casually asked if she could get me fit enough to ride a multi-day 160kms+ on semi-feral horses.

As casually as I asked the question, she casually looked me in the eye and said “sure”. I believed what she said but when I got to about the third day of the Derby when I gave all my painkillers away to a rider who really needed them I wasn’t “sure”!

I knew then the superb calibration of RiderCise. I didn’t need any pain medication and I was having the time of my life. I was the first British rider home and although I was thinner I was fine! If you want to read more about how Clare prepared me for the Mongol Derby, you can read my review here…

Sally Toye - International Endurance Rider

Sally Toye
5 x Tevis Cup Finisher
2017 Mongol Derby Competitor
5 x England Home International Rider
Over 10,000km endurance miles

Sally Toye - 2017 Mongol Derby Competitor

RiderCise Now

I rode the Derby in 2017 and have continued my RiderCise journey since. Why wouldn’t you?

I have seen RiderCise develop tremendously in those 5 years. Expanding the services offered to riders with the release of the On Demand Platform to provide an ‘Affordable, Accessible and Achieveable‘ way for riders to improve their rider fitness.

When I was training for the Derby I was on a Bespoke Progam due to the amount of program planning required by Clare to prepare me for such a life-changing experience. But moved to On Demand when it was launched and now work out with Clare 4 mornings a week.

I follow along with Clare on the videos which are perfect because I can look at her form and tweak what I am doing. I love seeing that she finds it hard too with the “I cheated there” and “just one more” comments. It’s inspiring and motivating. As Clare says, ‘we all wobble’ when doing these exercises, that’s why we are doing them! to get better. To be our Best.

I know I am strong and stable in the saddle and I am using the correct muscles riders should be using. I am a better partner for my horses. I am a team mate.

More Than Just Rider Fitness

I have also found that the RiderCise workouts have improved my Park Run times which now can be sub 30 minutes for a flattish 5km course. My running then improves my cardiovascular ability to push harder in the workouts. I am continuing to get fitter and fitter!

This year I rode a 80km on my 7 year old taking 8 hours to do it.  Because I was in control of my own body I was able to be truly independent so he could do his job, I could do mine and together we worked harmoniously as a team. I was even able to hop off during the ride and run with him to give him a break. 

Sure I was tired afterward, we both were. 80km is a long way but we both slept well and looked and moved fantastically the next day.  Win win!

New Services from RiderCise

Recently I had a Rider Performance Session with Clare on the Racewood Simulator and this was such a game changer.

I got to see some of the things I do with my upper body and my lack of give with my hands. I had no idea!

As a direct result of that session, I felt more knowledgeable about what I needed to work on and I am working on it. It was a huge bonus being able to ride in my own saddle so it translated directly to riding my horse. I know this as I had a jumping lesson this week (very small jumps) and after doing some jumping on the simulator I was so much better at riding a small course of jumps.

It gave me invaluable time to just work on myself. Rather than helping a 7year old learn what to do. My instructor was impressed and so was I! I was more confident, secure, and looking to the next jump and as the session progressed Bobby was (you’ve guessed it) more confident, secure, happy and yes he was looking for whatever was next. 

I have made tremendous progress with my riding in the last 5 years and have no doubt I will continue to ‘Be The Best Rider I Can Be‘ because I will RiderCise is part of my life.

Racewood Simulator Rider Performance Session with Sally Toye

Find Out More About Fitness Programs

There are two Options available. Work Directly with Clare or Work Out using our On Demand Video Subscription Platform. Simply choose which suits you best to find out more.

Bespoke Programs

 

Work directly with Clare from anywhere in the world. 

Have a Fitness Program Created for you, based on your needs, desires, and aspirations. 

Be kept accountable with regular check-in video calls, and daily message support.

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On Demand

Accessible, Affordable, Achievable 

Access over 50 Expert Designed Rider Fitness Workouts.

Monthly subscription £9.99per month. 

Cancel anytime. 

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Or Learn More about In Person Services

Ridden Rider Performance Sessions

 

Do you want to Learn how to improve your riding ability, position and communication with your horse?

 

Simulator Rider Performance Sessions

 

Would you like to find out the real cause behind your riding challenges and learn how to finally improve?

 

Endurance Rider Fitness

Endurance Rider Fitness

by | Feb 8, 2022 | Reviews

As an endurance rider, I love the freedom of riding over miles of the open countryside whilst developing a unique bond and understanding between horse and rider that is crucial to being successful in this sport.

I also enjoy the diversity of training a top endurance athlete, with lateral arena work, hacking, cross-training, and interval training as part of my regime.

Like many riders, I put 110% into training my horses, ensuring they are in peak condition to perform. My physical training on the other hand had, in the past, always taken a back seat.

The reality is, that we all know how critical endurance rider fitness is. As riders, we must be fit so we stay light and balanced in the saddle to help our horses cover the miles as effortlessly as possible. As horse owners are generally fit, especially when it comes to lifting heavy bags of feed, pushing multiple wheelbarrows, and walking many miles, so we are ride fit, right?

 

As I’ve learned this couldn’t be further from the truth.

A Distance Athlete from a Young Age

At school alongside competing in endurance, I also competed in long-distance running and marathon canoeing. I have always considered myself ‘fit and athletic’. Despite this, my coach continually commented on my inflexibility and how I struggled with the basic stretches.

This was down to the miles and long hours I rode and the subsequent strength of my muscles. In my 20s now focusing solely on endurance, I started Pilates. I found it incredibly relaxing after a hard day at work and my core definitely felt stronger. However, I still struggled at canter in the arena. Not to collapse through my hip and on the longer distances I didn’t feel I was maintaining my seat as the miles went on.

In 2020 I was lucky enough to start working with RiderCise. It is through this partnership with Clare I have learned what endurance rider fitness truly is and what it isn’t.

The Differences I've Learned between General and Endurance Rider Fitness

The most important difference I’ve learned is:

To perform optimally in the saddle. The type of fitness you do must be targeted to the muscles you use when in the saddle.

 

To have the flexibility and strength (mobility) to maintain your position over the miles requires a mix of strength, HIT, and stretching exercises.

 

Before I started the RiderCise workouts I couldn’t even sit cross-legged, even as a child. The inflexibility my coach put down to my strong muscles was actually me not using my muscles correctly, resulting in compensation and restrictions.

So whilst I was ‘fit’ before I wasn’t endurance rider fit. After a few months of RiderCise workouts, I could for the first time in my life sit cross-legged, the restriction in my glutes and abductors has gone.

Even more importantly. I now have the strength of seat to use subtle changes to influence my horse. Be that direction, pace, or cadence. Before I relied far too much on my hands and legs and not my seat. It must be a much more pleasurable experience for my horses being ridden by me now.

What I've Learned from Rider Specific Training

It is interesting how we don’t always apply the knowledge we have of horse fitness to endurance rider fitness.

RiderCise has taught me that as with our horses, it is important to taper your workouts before a competition to ensure you aren’t competing with fatigued muscles. Another really important lesson I’ve learned is to ensure your fitness program isn’t detrimental to your riding.

If you push yourself and your muscles too hard in the gym so that you are sore you’re not going to ride well the following day. It isn’t about superhero strength, it’s about training the right muscles at the right time to improve your riding and stamina over the miles.

 

We also all have weaknesses we need to work on. Any tightness or misalignment in us will influence our horse’s way of going. As they adjust to our asymmetry. This can, in time, result in reduced performance, schooling misunderstandings, and occasionally, lameness.

The RiderCise workouts have helped me to strengthen my weaker muscles, resolve my body compensation and improve my symmetry.

Like many riders, my horses are seen by a veterinary physiotherapist regularly throughout the season. I’d never even thought before RiderCise that I should be paying the same attention to my body! The benefit of a deep tissue treatment to release those restrictions is not only key to ensuring you are working out correctly but also able to ride well.

Endurance Rider Fitness is now part of my Mindset

I’ve also learned that endurance rider fitness is something you have to keep working at. Sadly, unlike horses, we lose our fitness fairly quickly. To be rider fit, especially for endurance, you have to stick at it with regular consistent workouts. They don’t have to be long though, 10-30 minutes five times a week. Having worked with RiderCise since 2020 I can’t believe how much suppler and stronger I am.

The days after an 80km I no longer feel fatigued and sore but ready to ride again. Not being fatigued in the saddle means I’m now able to maintain my mental focus. Not just on our route and the drive to keep going but, I am more aware of how I and my horse is feeling/going. Being able to pick up on any changes early helps us to ‘catch’ them before they become a problem. This is crucial when riding longer distances and/or trickier terrain.

Gaining a true understanding of endurance rider fitness through the RiderCise workouts has been transformational for me as an athlete. Both physically and mentally enabling me to bring my A-game every time I compete be that 30km or 160km.
FEI 3* Endurance Rider – Laura Graham

FEI 3* Endurance Rider – Laura Graham

by | Dec 15, 2020 | Reviews

Endurance Rider – Laura Graham is a 3* FEI Rider who is passionate and dedicated to her sport. As an NHS Senior Manager who works extremely long hours, finding time to exercise is challenging, especially when you have 3 horses in work.

 

Laura has worked on Rider Fitness for a long time. Attending Rider Pilates classes as often as she could. Pilates has helped her a great deal but it wasn’t a complete program. It lacked strength development and cardiovascular improvement. Both attributes that riders need. Especially Endurance Riders competing long distances.

A change of approach to reach FEI 3* level in Endurance

Laura applied for a joint sponsorship with RiderCise and although she wasn’t selected, her application won her a sole sponsorship with Clare, Founder of RiderCise. Laura’s application noted that she believed she may have been the reason her horse ‘Farrah’ failed the final vet gate in their first 160km attempt.

As an Endurance Rider who dedicates everything to ensuring her horse is fit, happy and healthy for the task ahead. Laura felt that she had neglected her rider fitness despite having a sporty background and regularly taking part in Equipilates. 

Laura felt she was not able to support her horse when it really mattered.

 

Given that her aim at the time was to qualify for an FEI 3* Championship, something had to change.

Let’s hear more from Laura Graham, about her background, aims and why RiderCise was key to getting her back on track.

“As a successful endurance rider, I spend a lot of time cross-training my horses. I’m always working to finesse their fitness and core strength, ensuring they are in optimum condition to perform and reduce risk of injury. However, over the years I’ve neglected my own fitness. I’d always done a lot of sport at school and been extremely fit, long distance canoeing, running and endurance riding. As I got older, with the demands of work and focusing all my down time on the horses and competing I let my fitness slip.

 

About 5 years ago I was experiencing really bad back pain, to the point I was having to take a break at work and go out to my car and sit there with the heated seat on to ease the pain. I was also collapsing in the saddle. I decided I needed to do something about it. It was at this time I found Equipilates. I loved it – my core strength improved and not only was it relaxing, but my back pain was gone. I was also more balanced in the saddle – not perfect, but better.”

Trying a 160km race for the first time

“In 2018, when I attempted my first 160k!

Upon reaching 140km I realised how fatigued I was and how I hadn’t been able to hold my position throughout the competition. Whilst the pilates had massively improved my riding. I didn’t have the fitness and strength I needed to continue to ride well from start to finish. It really concerned me that I could be hampering my horse. I decided to try the ‘Couch to 5k’ programme. Rather sadly, I didn’t get beyond week two! I’d always hated running despite being quite good at it in my youth.”

Discovering rider-specific workouts

“Then along came RiderCise, founded by Clare, who designs workouts specifically for horse riders. Clare has a wealth of qualifications, knowledge and hands on experience in the fitness and physical therapy industry and has ridden all her life.

So she knows how to help horse riders improve their fitness!

Her focus on encouraging clients to be the riders their horse deserves really resonated with me.

The process has been so enlightening for me. At 34, I am nowhere near as supple as I should be and probably never have been. My school sports teacher used to put it down to me being in the saddle for hours, but there’s more going on than that.

Through working with Clare, I have identified weaknesses and how I am compensating for them. I’ve been able to work on addressing my weaknesses through a progressive bespoke program and have seen considerable improvement.”

Noticeable improvements in the saddle

“I love how you continue to progress building your strength with more and different workouts. I actually enjoy working out now! My balance and riding have improved massively. When I recently completed a 140km endurance competition, I was as balanced and strong in the saddle at the end of the competition as I was at the beginning – how it should be. Something I have never felt before.

RiderCise designs workouts with better riding at its heart

“As much as I love pilates, I’ve come to realise that to be the athlete and rider your horse deserves and to perform at your best then pilates alone doesn’t cut it. My experience of pilates is that it focuses on static stretches. That really helps with suppleness but it doesn’t replicate being in the saddle. In contrast, the RiderCise workouts have a variety of strength, stretching and cardio training.

Everything is specifically focused on how your body needs to function in the saddle. The result is you are more supple, fitter and stronger. Each workout is designed to improve all the fitness components needed to be a better rider. What makes the workouts even better are that they are short enough to fit them into your busy schedule. I used to do pilates for an hour a week. Now, I exercise 6 days a week with RiderCise and I love it because I can feel and see the changes.

Part of a drive for perfection!

“I’ve definitely seen the additional benefits of the RiderCise strength and cardio programs. It allows me to progress and push my fitness to continually improve as I strive for perfection. No matter what discipline you compete in rider fitness and strength is a crucial part of your success. Be the rider your horse deserves.”

On Demand or Bespoke Program

If you would like to work directly with Clare, like Laura, then have a look at Bespoke Programs and book a call directly with Clare to get started. 

With a Bespoke Program, Clare does all the thinking, planning and organisation of your workouts. Creating programs that develop a great base level which is built on over time. With regular check-in calls and daily support. It is the simplest way to succeed. 

If you’d rather plan your own workouts and/or are not in a financial position to have a bespoke program try RiderCise On Demand Membership. 

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