Welcome to EQUESTRIAN PILATES®
Why should you try EQUESTRIAN PILATES®?
EQUESTRIAN PILATES® helps creates a balanced, flexible, and strong rider. It is commonly accepted now that horse and rider mirror one another. How a rider moves off the horse is how they move on the horse. Increasing biomechanical function and awareness of how you move while riding, desired or not, dramatically improves riding skill. A balanced, flexible, and strong rider can more easily develop these same skills in their horse.
EQUESTRIAN PILATES® help the rider notice more quickly the mistakes they are making. Many riders have a natural ability to assess their horse's movements either by watching them move or feeling them move while they ride. The rider's ability to be aware of his/her body is a major determining factor in maximizing EQUESTRIAN PILATES® training and optimizing riding ability. When riders become more aware of their body on and off the horse they see a dramatic improvement in their riding.
EQUESTRIAN PILATES® will strengthen your core. The core is the shock absorber, protective wrap, and power source of the body. It is comprised of the muscles that support the spine, connect the front to the back of the body, and provide strength to maintain body balance, alignment, and posture.
Increasing core strength keeps the rider strong and supple, strengthens the back and thus reduces back pain, encourages the horse to collect and use his hind end, avoids unnecessary movement in all parts of the body, prevents collapsing, twisting, bouncing, or bobbing in the rest of the body, enhances stability and balance in the saddle, improves communication with the horse, and strengthens the seat making it more effective and independent.
As a professional rider passionate about jumping, I have experienced many falls resulting in injuries. After only a few sessions EQUESTRIAN PILATES® has me moving better and out of daily pain. I
Alex 2 Time Former Soviet Union Olympic Coach
Flexibility
Flexible muscles and joints give the body the ability to move freely on and off the horse. It prevents rigidity, reduces soreness, and allows for more effective use of the aids.
Balance
Balance gives the ability to apply strength and flexibility to maintain effective use of the hands, seat, and legs while moving with the horse.
Strength
A rider needs functional strength to maintain body alignment on a moving horse. It means the ability to independently use the aids and maintain balance in the saddle.
Awareness
To make improvements in our riding skills we need to notice the mistakes we are making to correct them. Noticing and remembering correct movements helps us replicate them.
EQUESTRIAN PILATES® BLOG Ride Healthier, Ride Better
Our goal is to help you achieve perfect health for you and your horse in any way that we can assist you. In addition to articles on EQUESTRIAN PILATES®, you will find special interest pieces on health for you and your horse, nutrition, recipes, product reviews, and more. Happy trails to you!
If you are an expert on how to lead a healthy horsey lifestyle we accept guest articles. Email equestrianpilates@gmail.com to inquire.