In this book, Sue Gould-Wright, a qualified Pilates instructor and sports massage therapist, takes general Pilates principles and applies them specifically to riders' needs. She recognises that most riders are pushed for time so her exercises are designed to be done pretty much anywhere - at the stable yard for instance - with no special equipment. Using photos and clear instructions she guides the rider through numerous exercises aimed at improving core stability, body awareness, independent movement, breathing, flexibility, and mobility - qualities that are so important when in the saddle, and around horses generally. Most of the exercises relate to enhancing riding performance and comfort, and eliminating riding 'faults', but Sue also offers advice on how better to perform everyday yard tasks, like sweeping, grooming, lifting hay bales, etc.
Pilates is an invigorating and proven body conditioning method which helps to strengthen the core muscles used in riding, whilst simultaneously restoring the body's balance. In light of this Pilates for Equestrians is packed with colourful, easy to follow photographs, listing common rider injuries and niggles, with a list of core strengthening exercises to help maintain a more flexible, leaner, fitter body.
Whether employed to reduce posture related back pain, or improve riding performance in competition, these Pilates exercises will help riders attain such goals. Using a holistic approach to increase balance, effectiveness, and elegance as a rider, the techniques in this book concentrate on the dynamics between trainer, rider, and horse. The training tips are ideal for those who ride for pleasure and those who ride competitively. Methods such as visualization are combined with clear photographs and illustrations to help riders analyze their seated position to improve spinal alignment and increase core strength in order to achieve realistic performance goals.
After leaving horses behind for many years to pursue her medical career, Dr. Beth Glosten decided it was time to ride again only to discover that, as a middle-aged woman, she struggled with tension, awkwardness, and an aching back. Dr. Glosten’s own frustration with riding prompted her to apply her clinical research skills to figure out what it would take to not only create the harmonious picture of horse and rider moving together, but also feel good while doing it. In this book, Dr. Glosten shows others how best to improve their posture and position in order to prevent unnecessary physical degeneration, ensuring they can ride, and ride well, for many years to come. Readers will find basic rider anatomy that is easy to understand, as well as over 50 step-by-step exercises geared toward developing riding skills. Plus, Dr. Glosten has developed a systematic “Rider Checklist” to help you keep track of your position and function in the saddle. Throughout, case studies share rider stories that illustrate the kinds of physical challenges experienced in the saddle in midlife, and how they can be met with proactive, pain-free solutions. The result is a remarkably valuable book.
Gentle ways to improve the horse’s core fitness while relieving pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that “dances” when you are on him, and the one that doesn’t? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, Trainer and Examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse’s posture. The horse’s ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal “core” muscles control the horse’s posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance. Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse’s body and: Gently “unlock” areas that may be a little “rusty.” Improve core fitness. And even relieve pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. In this highly illustrated book, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse’s posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you’ve always imagined.
An innovative and easy-to-use application of Pilates principles to the training, conditioning, and rehabilitation of horses. This highly illustrated how-to manual provides a clear guide to new ways of thinking about how to prevent injury in the horse, and when injuries do happen, to help the horse's body recover in a mindful and safe way. As a Pilates teacher for humans, horsewoman and eventer Laura Reiman has seen first-hand how consistent, quality exercise can ward off strain and injury, as well as heal. When her young horse was diagnosed with extreme back pain and a neurological disease, she turned to her knowledge of Pilates--the method she'd used to ease back pain in human clients for years--for help. She began to find ways to "bridge the gap" between the horse's mind and body to help increase his body awareness and core engagement. The result is a cohesive series of original exercises that can be taken in parts or as a whole and seamlessly incorporated into an existing training program to be a: Preventive tool to increase the horse's strength, balance, mobility, and stability. Framework for a new program to help ease a horse back into work following an injury or time off. Readers will find chapters dedicated to: Observation-Basic anatomy and how to "know" your horse's body and movement. Stretching-Including incentive, supported static hold, and dynamic mobilization stretches. Core work-Such as the cat stretch and bridging. In-hand strengthening work-With exercises like criss-cross and ground pole progressions. Exercises on the longe line-Transitions, bending, and spiraling. Lessons under saddle-Gymnastics, hillwork, basic dressage, and tips for a successful warm-up. Alternative bodywork-Temperature therapy, massage, stability pads, bands, and more. Pilates for Horses is an ideal instructional guide for all riders and trainers looking to build and maintain a solid foundation of strength and comfort for their horses.
Gunshot injuries. Breeding disasters. Controlling trainers, nutty horse owners, warm hearted clients and "laugh-out-loud-funny stories that you just can't make up"- Dr. Courtney deals with it all in this lively series of tales about the life of a mobile vet in the Colorado Rockies. In her stories from thirteen years as a mobile horse vet, whether running IV - fluids on top of a mountain or squaring off against an unethical cutting horse owner who calls her "Little Lady," Diehl makes us laugh, cry and smile. It's a journey that brings the reader onto the farms and into the clinic and shows what it's really like to be a mobile veterinarian.
Get your horse in shape and maintain his overall fitness, regardless of his age or abilities. Equine Fitness will have your horse looking and feeling his best with a series of fun exercise routines specifically designed to enhance his strength, stamina, and agility. Clear step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations make the exercises easy to follow, and the book includes a handy set of pocket-sized cards that you can use in the ring. Jec Ballou’s simple conditioning program promises lasting results for healthy horses and satisfied riders.
A highly illustrated guide to simple yet effective methods for keeping horses sound, healthy, and performing their best. Over time, horses (like people) acquire postural habits, compensate for soreness and injury, and develop poor movement patterns. This limits performance ability, causes unsoundness and health issues, and ultimately undermines the horse's overall well–being. Jec Aristotle Ballou has made a name for herself advocating for the horse and providing sensible instruction in his schooling, conditioning, and care. Her bestselling books and popular clinics are designed to enable any horse person to correctly apply proven principles that bring measurable progress while avoiding boredom and confusion. In her latest collection of mounted and unmounted corrective exercises, Ballou demonstrates how we can actively work to improve the horse's posture and movement, whether he is: An active performance or pleasure mount. An aging or older horse that benefits from gentle exercise. A horse being rehabilitated following injury, illness, or lack of conditioning. Ballou's positive cross–training techniques are free of shortcuts, and her guidelines for analyzing the horse's posture and way of going help readers gain a new awareness of the equine body. Applicable for all disciplines and full of quality color photographs to explain the exercises, this is an integral collection that optimizes how the horse uses his body and helps ensure he stays sounder and healthier for more years of his life.
