Inspiring Conversations with Ifa Simmonds of IFA FIT – Equestrian Fitness Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ifa Simmonds.

Hi Ifa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
So my story starts with a love for horses, but a lack of access and resources to be around them as often as my love, would have allowed. There’s something, just extremely majestic and special about horses, and every time I have seen or been around a horse I get this interesting feeling. During my college career, I rode horses with a co-worker at her stable. This time in my life was extremely fulfilling being around and riding them when I could.

Fast forward a few years later to my fitness career and training at a small fitness studio in New Jersey. This is where I received my next opportunity to get involved in the horse industry. Equestrian riders would come into the studio and look for a fitness trainer, studio, and a place where they could feel comfortable, and safe and improve their riding off of the horse. Most of the time, they were interested in knowing that someone understood and could help them make specific improvements in their discipline and sport. I happily accepted the opportunity to work with them, giving me the ability to learn the different nuances that had to be implemented into their fitness/health regimens and training.

I immediately knew I wanted to pursue this further, and the passion for this challenge was exciting and fulfilling all at the same time. One rider turned into many more, and I began marketing locally at different tack shops and equestrian whereabouts across New Jersey. Skipping ahead, saving the boring parts of the story. I moved away from New Jersey for a couple of years and returned during Covid. Covid was an absolute game-changer! New Jersey was the 50th state to reopen fitness facilities, and during that time I reconnected with riders doing “at-the-barn” fitness, small group training, classes, and more. This was the reignition to the burning desire that I had, working with equestrians and being around horses on a daily and weekly basis. I had finally settled on my niche, my calling, something that I could happily do for the rest of my life while making a major impact in many, many lives around the world.

Today, I am completely living in that dream! After years of testing, I have created the equestrian fitness academy, which provides riders with digital fitness and wellness programs to improve their overall health and performance in and out of the saddle. Through my signature system and process, I have been able to help hundreds of riders over the years make and feel the changes they desire. Not only do I help coach riders globally through my digital app and platform, but I also travel and work with barns, organizations, teams, and more, providing live services like presentations, workshops, clinics, social media content, fitness sessions, and programs.

I always state that it is my goal to bring a healthier culture to the equestrian sport across all disciplines. Healthier culture means prioritizing themselves with their horses. Learning, adapting, and believing that they are worthy of physical, mental, and emotional self-care is most important which continuously improves the sport and culture within it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, they have certainly been more positives than negatives, but we definitely cannot leave out some of the hurdles that I have experienced.

The biggest obstacle/challenge that I face with my business is the gatekeeping of information and opportunities within the equestrian industry that is not passed on to people that look like me. This sometimes slowed my ideal progress but has never deterred me from the goal. I truly feel as if the goals I have are bigger than me and I will stop at nothing to grow that impact.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about IFA FIT – Equestrian Fitness Academy?
I’m Ifa Simmonds – Owner of the IFA FIT fitness business:

– Creator of Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA) digital equestrian fitness and coaching program

– I’m known for my goals to change the equestrian culture towards a healthier, more athletic sport.

– Some things that set Ifa apart, his:
— experience
— personality
— expertise
— the ability to educate riders on the kinesiology and biomechanics of their connection with their horse(s).

– I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in this short timeframe that I have been public with my EFA brand and program. The snowball effect is constantly working in my favor.

– I provide different services to help riders improve their horsemanship and connection with their horses. Blending strength, stamina, and supple moves in time-effective methods promote improved rider fitness, wellness, and mindset.

– Ifa stands to make a change while educating riders on the true benefits of taking the reins on their health daily.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I love when people have questions for me. I enjoy connecting and helping people where they are. Reach out to me about your specific rider fitness and wellness questions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ifafit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifa.fit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071350767268
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ifa_Fit

Image Credits
Gold Horse Photography & Jamie Isaacs