Pilates for the Equestrian.

Pilates is an ideal exercise program for the equestrian athlete because it helps restore balance within your body’s musculature. No one has a perfectly symmetrical body. For a variety of reasons whether due to conditions you’re born with, injuries or medical conditions that arise over your lifetime, you will develop compensatory movement patterns which affect the way you move, sit and stand. This also affects you when you ride. Pilates can help you to reset these patterns through a systematic and progressive series of exercises designed to condition your muscles in a more balanced way. While it’s by no means a cure, it will improve your muscle tone so that you can move in a more balanced and efficient manner and with less stress on your joints.

For the equestrian this translates directly to the saddle: improving how you sit, creating a deeper, more effective seat and increasing strength and stamina. The emphasis on the mind-body connection in Pilates greatly improves proprioception or your awareness of your body and limbs in space. This makes you more conscious of how various parts of your body relate to one another and results in better posture, balance and safer movement. As a rider, this increased body awareness makes it much easier to find your center of gravity, correct yourself when you’re crooked and establish or re-establish your vertical alignment.

Additionally, the many asymmetrical exercises within the Pilates system trains the body to function as it does in real life. Think of all your daily tasks - how many of them require both sides of the body to be doing the same thing at the same time? As a rider, you must possess the ability to move your body in a coordinated way which often involves asymmetrical movements in order to apply appropriate aids with your legs or seat. The clear and correct use of aids is what allows you to communicate effectively with your horse - to make quick turns or balanced circles, transitions between gaits or changes of lead, as well as shorten or lengthen strides. Pilates trains you to move in an independent, coordinated and fluid manner so you can be a better partner for your horse. It’s guaranteed to make each ride more enjoyable!

Equestrian Specific Classes and a 4-Week Pilates for Equestrians Course

I offer a number of options for equestrian clients including virtual group mat classes, private sessions (virtual or in-person) and a four-week Pilates for Equestrians program. The four-week program is offered live periodically or can be purchased as a series of recordings. Contact me for further details.