Essi Kansikas started doing workouts to better her seat and riding a few years ago, but little did she know how much that would actually benefit her. Essi is a showjumper, a horse owner, a riding coach and Equestrain team rider. Just about a year ago she found it hard to say out loud that her goal was to jump 130 cm courses, but by the end of the outdoor season 2023 she had done just that.
She was hooked ever since she tried the very first Equestrain workouts. She has done a bit – or maybe a lot – of everything, from mobility to bodyweight workouts. Working on her fitness has made clear improvements; her seat and body control are better, she is stronger where it counts, and she is quicker giving cues but also more relaxed in the saddle.
“I have received much more than I expected”, she says and explains: “Before I used to gasp for breath after a course. Your fitness affects your riding and how precisely you can perform. Nowadays I am not as exhausted after riding, my endurance is a lot better.”
“I have received much “Challenging yourself with a workout, practicing something hard and finally figuring it out, translates to riding as well. You realize how capable you are.”
Figuring out her own routine helped tackle challenges
Essi’s days tend to be busy and strictly scheduled, so she makes sure there’s a time slot for workouts in the schedule as well. It helps her to get the training done when it’s in the calendar. Essi loves to do her workouts first thing in the morning.
“It makes the whole day feel different and gives you a tremendous sense of well-being, when you do your workout in the morning”, she says.
During her busy competition summers Essi keeps her training on the lighter side and focuses on mobility. During the rest of the year she builds her endurance and overall fitness to prepare herself for the hectic summer. She walks on a treadmill for conditioning and chooses her workouts based on the feel in her body. If she feels like she needs to take it easy and her body requires some rest, that’s what she does. But sometimes she wants to challenge herself with a more demanding workout.
“Earlier, when I had more time, I used to love going to the gym. I missed having that chance to really challenge myself with a workout”, she says and also mentions how good it is to have versatile options for training. She has done pilates at one point, bodyweight training at another. Quickest workouts only take around ten minutes to finish, so it’s not too much of a juggle to make time for them.
Doing workouts helps Essi to focus more on good nutrition and overall well-being, they go hand in hand for her. She also makes sure that she has enough time for rest.
“I wouldn’t be able to manage my everyday life if I were constantly in a low mood or tired”, she points out.
“I wouldn’t be able to manage my everyday life if I were constantly in a low mood or tired”, she points out.
Stepping out of her comfort zone and soaring into new heights
A few years ago Essi bought a new horse and realized that she had the possibility to achieve bigger goals – as long as she’d work for it. Bettering her fitness has taught her to stay more focused and keep working even if things aren’t always easy.
“When training, you step out of your comfort zone. The same applies when riding a horse; it’s not always easy and enjoyable. It becomes both easy and enjoyable as a result of hard work.”
Essi thinks it’s crucial to have an internal motivation to keep working for your goals. Noticing all the changes in her riding and overall fitness has been a good booster for motivation. And even though the physical benefits are clear and versatile, that is not the whole story.
“One of my biggest realizations has been this sense of self-efficacy”, she explains. “Challenging yourself with a workout, practicing something hard and finally figuring it out, translates to riding as well. You realize how capable you are.”
Essi has noticed how much it means to believe in yourself. Self-efficacy gives you the confidence you need in the saddle and you really start to believe in the possibility of achieving your goals.
When asked how things might be different if she never started doing additional workouts, Essi says she doesn’t believe she would have been able to jump a 130 cm course. All of those early morning workouts have been building up her fitness and confidence to a point where she is comfortable and capable operating at a level that seemed like a distant dream not so long ago.
“I have a habit of saying that you are alone on the horseback, but in the end, you always have your confidence with you”, Essi states. We can’t wait to see where that confidence takes her next.
You can follow Essi’s journey through her instagram!
