Anyone who thinks riding a horse isn’t a physically demanding sport...hasn’t ridden a horse. It’s no small task sitting atop a thousand-pound animal with whims of his own and convincingly guiding him through something as simple as a ride, or the more complex Olympic-level sport of dressage.

Maybe you already ride and want to improve your own fitness for better posture, maneuverability, and flexibility. Or perhaps you need a break from your normal city-girl reality and horseback riding suits your physical sensibilities. Either way, you’ll need the right workout plan to keep you fit enough to ride.

The CEO of a Swedish tentmaking company recently revealed her fitness secrets to the Wall Street Journal. Something she pursued and loved as a child has proven to provide the right release away from the pressure of her work. But it comes with its own demands, and has her sweating through fairly intense workouts most days of the week. (It also ensures she doesn’t have to give up the wine!)

Petra Hilleberg follows a diverse fitness plan that helps her build core strength, balance, and flexibility, which all help her move the horse while maintaining healthy posture.

Four mornings a week she does a “sweaty” 40-minute workout.

Three days a week she does up to 90 minutes of strength training.

Her moderate-intensity circuit training involves:

• Kettlebell squats
• Deadlifts
• Hamstring curls
• Plank plate pulls
• Box jumps
• Medicine balls throws
• Battle ropes

Some of the specialty equipment she keeps in her home gym includes the:

• TOGU Bike Balance Board
• Gibbon Slackline
• SkiErg ski machine
• BikeErg indoor bike

She uses the indoor ski machine and bike for cardio exercise that helps give her the endurance to keep up with her equestrian training and near-professional level dressage competitions.

As for diet, she keeps it green and lean. Including a salad for breakfast made from homegrown veggies, her day consists of mostly light fruit and green vegetables. Dinner usually incorporates a grilled protein like chicken or fish.

Also Check Out These 5 Yoga Poses You Can Do on a Horse

PS: The ENELL SPORT bra is a favorite among our friends with a passion for equestrian sports