For riding we must cultivate a healthy body. It is not the purpose of this book to cover this vast topic. There are many good information sources readily available and some are listed in the appendix.
Some simple guide-lines:
-ensure you drink enough water
-exercise regularly (walking, swimming and cycling are all good)
-get sufficient rest/sleep
-eat foods close to their natural state or unrefined
-eat at least 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables a day
-limit intake of caffeine, alcohol
-quit smoking
-maintain a healthy body weight.
Being fat or thin is no indicator of nutritional intake. Many fat and thin beings are starving, nutritionally speaking! We need a balanced diet for sustainable health. I have found that by caring for my horses myself, doing 20 minutes brisk walking per day, and eating sensibly, my weight stays fairly stable.
This applies for our horses too. Many owners I know pay more attention to the outside of their horses (because its visible – not only to them but to others too) and neglect the inside. The effect is cumulative.