Equestrian Strength Training for Riders
Based in Langley, BC, working with riders across the Fraser Valley.
Riding demands more from your body than most people realize.
At LIFT Collective, we work with dressage riders and jumpers to improve strength, mobility, and control so it translates directly into performance in the saddle.
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This is off-horse training focused on the rider’s body, not riding instruction or horse training.
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We help you build the capacity to adapt to the constantly changing movement of your horse.
Your Horse Is Trained, Your Body Should Be Too
Most riders invest heavily in their horse’s training, but don’t always have the same level of support for their own body.
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Limitations in your body can show up as:
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difficulty maintaining position
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uneven pressure or asymmetry
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reduced control through transitions
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fatigue during rides
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recurring tightness or discomfort
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Improving how your body moves changes how you ride.
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Most riders feel this, but don’t always know how to train for it.
Training That Transfers to the Saddle
Riding is not a fixed movement.
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You are constantly adapting to the movement of another body, your horse.
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Changes in speed, direction, balance, and timing require your body to respond in real time.
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Most general strength or fitness programs don’t prepare you for this.​​
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Raf’s approach combines strength training with Kinstretch, focusing on how your body adapts to movement variability, not just how it performs in controlled environments.
Training focuses on:
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joint-specific mobility and control
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strength through full ranges of motion
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coordination and timing
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reducing compensations and asymmetries
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This is what allows your training to actually transfer into your riding.
Who This Is For
This training is for riders who want to move better, feel stronger, and perform more consistently in the saddle.
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dressage riders and jumpers
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recreational riders who want to improve
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riders dealing with stiffness, imbalance, or fatigue
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athletes wanting to support performance and longevity
We work with riders at all levels, including those training and progressing toward high-level competition.
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This includes riders competing at a high level and working toward elite performance.
What You May Notice
With consistent training, riders often notice:
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improved balance and stability in the saddle
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better control without over-gripping
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more symmetry between sides
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reduced tension and compensation
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increased confidence in movement
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feeling more connected and in control while riding
Coached by Raf
Training is led by Head Trainer Raf, who oversees programming at LIFT Collective.
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His approach integrates strength training, Kinstretch mobility work, and movement education to improve how the body performs under real conditions.
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He works with a range of clients, including equestrian athletes, building programs that support both performance and long-term joint health.
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His work with equestrian athletes focuses on building bodies that can adapt, not just perform.
How to Get Started
Training begins with an assessment to understand how your body moves and where limitations may be affecting your riding.
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During your first session, we will:
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discuss your riding and training history
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assess mobility and movement patterns
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identify areas that need support
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introduce foundational exercises
From there, your program may include:
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Kinstretch sessions
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strength training tailored to riding
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movement education to improve control and awareness
Training can be done through personal training or within a semi-private structure depending on what fits you best.
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You’ll leave your first session with a clear understanding of what your body needs and how to start.