Would you like to improve your riding? The Equestrian industry is increasingly recognising the benefits of Pilates for rider fitness and equine wellness. Pilates can improve your posture and alignment in the saddle, your aids can become subtler through improved balance and your confidence can blossom. The simplest way to think of a riders influence on a horse is to consider the impact of carrying the rider. How does the distribution of their bodyweight affect the horse? Have you ever carried a backpack with uneven straps or uneven weight in it? Unbalanced distribution of the riders bodyweight in the saddle can make it harder to execute your aid correctly and lead to confusion in the horse. The horse cannot determine what is an aid being applied. This can lead to frustration for both you and your horse. Our asymmetries and compensatory patterns can also affect the horse’s performance and may over time lead to veterinary/equine osteopathy intervention. This may all sound familiar.
I am running my first Fit2Sit Rider Pilates course in January 2023. It will start on Friday the 6th of January at 7-8pm @ West Sunnyside Equestrian Centre and will run for 4 weeks. This will be a trial block of classes so there will be a reduced fee of £40 for the block.
The course can be booked at https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/5058/courses/12711
In addition to the class you will receive weekly resources to work on at home. I know how hard it can be fitting Pilates into a busy equestrian schedule especially in winter. It can feel like a mammoth undertaking. However, the benefits are massive.
Pilates helps equestrians:
Lengthen the spine and strengthen the core, which stabilizes the body in movement
Sculpt a stronger body with increased flexibility, strength, and balance
Create a deeper seat and enhance the suppleness of the lower back
Strengthen the abdominals
Increase hip independence
Increase leg and body length
With a strong core and increased flexibility, riders can:
Freely and gently move arms and legs around a stable base
Help clarify aids and hold jumping form
Avoid collapsing and bouncing in the saddle
Better absorb a horse’s movement
Improve posture to help you deepen your seat
Increase comfort during and after your ride
Maintain neutral pelvis so you can easily follow your horse’s movements
Develop a trusting riding relationship, where your horse responds to your commands and is confident in your ability
