WHILE enormous attention is paid to preparing horses for the sales ring, consignors increasingly recognise that handlers themselves need to be fit, balanced and mentally sharp to cope with the physical demands of sales season.

Leading yearling and breeze-up handlers can walk upwards of 30,000 steps a day during inspections, often while controlling powerful young horses in crowded environments, on limited sleep and under considerable pressure.

Good handler fitness is not simply about appearance. A calm, balanced and physically capable handler can help horses feel more relaxed and confident during inspections.

Why fitness matters:

Handlers at the sales require:

  • Core stability and balance
  • Grip strength
  • Stamina
  • Quick reactions
  • Mental focus under pressure
  • Good posture while walking horses repeatedly

    • Fatigue can affect presentation. Tired handlers may unconsciously shorten strides, lean on shanks, lose concentration or transmit tension down the lead rein.

    Physiotherapists working in equestrian sport often note that horses are highly responsive to human body language and muscle tension, particularly young horses in unfamiliar settings.

    Key areas to train as a handler:

    Core strength

    A strong core improves balance and posture while walking and turning horses.

    Useful exercises:

  • Planks
  • Dead bugs
  • Bird-dog exercises
  • Pilates-based stability work
  • Leg endurance

    • Handlers spend long days walking on hard ground, often at speed.

    Useful exercises:

  • Hill walking
  • Step-ups
  • Lunges
  • Squats
  • Brisk walking intervals
  • Grip and upper body strength

    • Holding strong young horses repeatedly places strain on hands, wrists and shoulders.

    Useful exercises:

  • Resistance band rows
  • Light dumbbell work
  • Squeeze ball exercises
  • Wrist strengthening drills
  • Mobility and flexibility

    • Tight hips, backs and shoulders can affect handling posture and increase injury risk.

    Useful exercises:

  • Dynamic stretching
  • Yoga
  • Hip openers
  • Thoracic spine mobility work
  • Hamstring stretches

    • Wellness tips for sales season

  • Hydrate consistently throughout the day, take a big bottle of water
  • Eat little and often to maintain energy and avoid feeling sluggish after a big meal
  • Stretch before early morning showing
  • Wear supportive footwear
  • Alternate handling duties
  • Prioritise sleep during multi-day horse sales

    • Mental fitness matters too

    Sales season can be emotionally draining, particularly when financial pressure is high. Experienced consignors often stress the importance of staying calm around young horses.

    Simple breathing exercises before showing horses can help regulate nerves and reduce tension travelling down the lead rein.

    As many seasoned handlers will attest, the best sales staff often make difficult work look effortless. Behind that polished appearance, however, lies considerable fitness, preparation and resilience.