British Showjumping Ambassador Angie Best Cheers On Equestrian Sport
Sunday 04 August 2013
Health and fitness guru Angie Best experienced the exhilarating Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead on Friday 2nd August. The power, speed and general majestic appeal of the horse and rider combination are just some of the attributes that drew Angie to showjumping, not to mention the infinite mental and physical benefits to the body and soul.
Her passion for horses and the associated health benefits of horse sports doesn’t stop there; Angie is an ambassador for British Showjumping and a great supporter of Hoof – the British Equestrian Federation’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy project aimed at getting more people in the saddle. During the event she spurred on prospective riders to get in the saddle and jumped on board Henry the mechanical horse at the Hoof trade stand to show the crowds how it is done.
“Horse riding is one of my most enjoyable pastimes. I’m passionate about both fitness and horses, and the former is essential in riding. There is such synergy between horses and health, riding provides you with the most fantastic arm workout that you could imagine” explains Angie. “Take Back The Reins is an excellent initiative to get more people riding. Time spent in the saddle allows you to relax, unwind, and enjoy the countryside. There is so much to do with the horse before and after you ride and it's so much fun, with a great sense of achievement” she adds.
The ‘Take Back the Reins’ programme is a tailored series of lessons aimed specifically at encouraging new and former riders to take part in the sport in a social atmosphere. The sessions provide an excellent source of moderate intensity exercise that can burn up to 360 calories per hour whilst toning the transverse stomach muscles, amongst many others.
Angie’s love for all things equestrian is exemplified in her Equi-fitness class at her innovative new fitness centre - Angie Best's Metaphysical, based in Henley-On-Thames. The boutique country club which provides fitness sessions and gym facilities proffers an Equi-fitness class aimed at improving posture as well as toning and strengthening the muscle groups used to ride.
“My Equi-Fitness class is great for that as it involves a lot of leg, butt, back and arm work. It improves posture and riders who come to the classes say to me they feel more secure and stable in the saddle” explains Angie.
14kvaj7pl3106.jpg "Jonathan Egmore and Mollie Rose Smith are winners in the Equissage Pulse British Novice Second Rounds.")
11dtw0hmsttk0.jpg "NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers get underway at Speetley Equestrian Centre")
