Equine Pilates and Biomechanics

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EquineEEF

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Hi All,

I am looking at training in Equine Pilates and Biomechanics having developed a really keen interest when my own biomechanical issues started affecting the way my own horses were going. I was actually amazed to discover how much my way of going was effecting my horses. I have had biomechanics session in the past and found them to be really valuable, my only issue being that once a weakness (ie slouching through the left side or twisting through the hip) has been identified there was no ability to take that to the next level and improve those weaknesses though exercise . I would have found it really useful to them be able to work with some one to help me work on the weaknesses identified though the biomechanics session. I was wondering how many of you would attend a rider focused Pilates class or if you would seek biomechanical assistance to help improve the effectiveness of your riding and position? I would be based in the South West.

I would welcome any thoughts :)
 
I did a biomechanics session about 6 weeks ago or so now.
I followed up with some physio from a horse and rider physio who also does equi Pilates.
I didn't need to do much but she's given me some really useful exercises to do to strengthen the weaker areas and straighten me out and I can honestly say I'm noticing a positive difference in my riding since.
I'm south east based and have to say there was quite a number of rider physio/equi Pilates people to choose from so I'd do your research as to who/what else is already in your area :)
 
Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it. There is hardly anyone that does equine Pilates in the south west and I quite often see people posting on facebook to see if there is one. There used to be a lady that offered it but she moved to Devon I believe. I have my own yard so I would love to offer a day retreat type thing where riders could bring their horses and do some mounted and unmounted work and also get involved with the local riding/pony clubs. Thanks again for your reply :)
 
I’m desperate (so is my horse!) to do something like that. It’s hard to find anywhere close enough and also cost would be a consideration for me but I think it’s definitely worth doing and is something I’d sign up for.
 
I'm sat in a cafe having expected a 2 hour journey to my biomechanics lesson so definitely demand.

My riding hasn't caused my mare's problems thankfully but if we can get her to ridden rehab she's not going to be able to cope with me being wonky. Hopefully I'll be able to find a good freelancer closer to home by that time.
 
SEL - the lady I used was Tracy Crook, Chiltern Vet Physio. She's based near High Wycombe, rider sessions are done at her home or she travels to do horse physio and rider biomechanics sessions. Not sure where you are in Bucks but thought I'd mention it as 2 hours is a bit of a trek!

Sorry to threadjack OP. That's good if there's demand but not many others around offering the service.
Do you have a bit of your yard you could convert/install a workshop into - or maybe start with hiring a village hall or similar to ensure the demand is there before investing I guess!
 
I would also love this.
Cant seem to find any local to me, I'm in South Wales. If anyone knows of anyone please let me know!

Would love to do Equi-Pilates too! x
 
I did a biomechanics clinic 18 months ago and learnt a great deal. I also do Equi Pilates every week and can really feel it if I miss a session. I have hip and knee issues and am more balanced when I ride the day after my class. Hoping I won't pass out tonight in this heat.
 
Thank you guys so much for your replies! I’ve found a fantastic equine Pilates course which also has a brilliant biomechanics module! It’s a year course but I think totally worth it! That would then enable me to go on a do some of the fantastic CPD courses that some of the best in the business offer! I would be more than happy to travel to host clinics, once qualified. So if enough demand in an area that is definitely a possibility! Thanks again you lovely lot!
 
It might be a thought to offer this service alongside other equestrian clinics in your area to capitalise on the audience. Several places offer osteo/saddle fitting/farrier combinations etc so may be a way in to the market.
 
We have someone in NI who does this. I go weekly to the equipilates and love it. She also does BioMechanics and brings over an even-more-of-an-expert regularly to host clinics etc. They seem really popular.
She's really passionate about it and we all love the classes. Its much more relevant than normal pilates as she will refer to the riding activity which might impact on the stretch / move we are doing, and whether we are stronger right / left and how that affects the horse. Makes a big difference and I am definitely more body aware as well as being stronger in the core.
I'm still a pretty crap rider but thats not her fault ;)
 
SEL said:
I'm sat in a cafe having expected a 2 hour journey to my biomechanics lesson so definitely demand.

My riding hasn't caused my mare's problems thankfully but if we can get her to ridden rehab she's not going to be able to cope with me being wonky. Hopefully I'll be able to find a good freelancer closer to home by that time.
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Wow that is commitment! They are so valuable though, I also travel pretty far for one! Would you might if I asked how much you pay for a session? One of the factors that puts me off having the regularly is that they are quite expensive and I would like to be able to offer something that is affordable. thanks
 
chaps89 said:
SEL - the lady I used was Tracy Crook, Chiltern Vet Physio. She's based near High Wycombe, rider sessions are done at her home or she travels to do horse physio and rider biomechanics sessions. Not sure where you are in Bucks but thought I'd mention it as 2 hours is a bit of a trek!

Sorry to threadjack OP. That's good if there's demand but not many others around offering the service.
Do you have a bit of your yard you could convert/install a workshop into - or maybe start with hiring a village hall or similar to ensure the demand is there before investing I guess!
Click to expand...

Ha! She's just down the road from me so I'll have a look. Thank you.
 
EquineEEF said:
Thank you guys so much for your replies! I’ve found a fantastic equine Pilates course which also has a brilliant biomechanics module! It’s a year course but I think totally worth it! That would then enable me to go on a do some of the fantastic CPD courses that some of the best in the business offer! I would be more than happy to travel to host clinics, once qualified. So if enough demand in an area that is definitely a possibility! Thanks again you lovely lot!
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Can I ask which course?
 
EquineEEF said:
Wow that is commitment! They are so valuable though, I also travel pretty far for one! Would you might if I asked how much you pay for a session? One of the factors that puts me off having the regularly is that they are quite expensive and I would like to be able to offer something that is affordable. thanks
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Well it shouldn't take 2 hours to get there but the traffic each visit has been shocking!

I'm south east so nothing comes cheap. The biomechanics sessions are around £50-£60 and physio £70. I'm sure cheaper is available but I'm very wonky and decided I needed sorting by the experts.
 
SEL said:
Can I ask which course?
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Yes of course. I am looking at the Equipilates and Biomechanics Course as its incredibly thorough and also has a biomechanics module. I would then look to do some additional bio mechanics specific training with some of the industry leaders.
 
SEL said:
Well it shouldn't take 2 hours to get there but the traffic each visit has been shocking!

I'm south east so nothing comes cheap. The biomechanics sessions are around £50-£60 and physio £70. I'm sure cheaper is available but I'm very wonky and decided I needed sorting by the experts.
Click to expand...
SEL said:
Well it shouldn't take 2 hours to get there but the traffic each visit has been shocking!

I'm south east so nothing comes cheap. The biomechanics sessions are around £50-£60 and physio £70. I'm sure cheaper is available but I'm very wonky and decided I needed sorting by the experts.
Click to expand...

Yes I pay £60 for mine. But totally agree its worth paying for someone competent. Thanks for your input
 
I have just trained as a Franklin Method instructor and use the Franklin Balls and Resistance Bands in the clinics I teach. I’m also an equine sports massage therapist and have a masters in equine rehab so can look at horse and rider separately or as a combination. I’m north west based and there is plenty of demand, I’ve also been asked to travel into Wales, Yorkshire and the Midlands
 
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hottoddy said:
I have just trained as a Franklin Method instructor and use the Franklin Balls and Resistance Bands in the clinics I teach. I’m also an equine sports massage therapist and have a masters in equine rehab so can look at horse and rider separately or as a combination. I’m north west based and there is plenty of demand, I’ve also been asked to travel into Wales, Yorkshire and the Midlands
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Oh that’s brilliant to hear! That’s in my ever growing list of “things to train in once Pilates and biomechanics qualified” I really love the Franklin method I think it’s fantastic. Do you do it full time if you don’t mind me asking!?
 
EquineEEF said:
This is

Oh that’s brilliant to hear! That’s in my ever growing list of “things to train in once Pilates and biomechanics qualified” I really love the Franklin method I think it’s fantastic. Do you do it full time if you don’t mind me asking!?
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I do it alongside running a small rehab yard, horse and rider affect one another so much, I find it all works really well together and love doing it
 
EquineEEF said:
Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it. There is hardly anyone that does equine Pilates in the south west and I quite often see people posting on facebook to see if there is one. There used to be a lady that offered it but she moved to Devon I believe. I have my own yard so I would love to offer a day retreat type thing where riders could bring their horses and do some mounted and unmounted work and also get involved with the local riding/pony clubs. Thanks again for your reply :)
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I'm in Devon (East Devon) and I'm a Jon Pitts (Fit to Ride) Foundation Course affiliate.

I am a teacher of Margaret Morris Movement www.internationalassociationofmargaretmorrismovement.org and have taken workshops for riders using this method.

I find that having this sort of dance-based movement vocabulary helps me in my own riding to understand balance, agility, co-ordination and bio-dynamics.
 
Lindylouanne said:
I did a biomechanics clinic 18 months ago and learnt a great deal. I also do Equi Pilates every week and can really feel it if I miss a session. I have hip and knee issues and am more balanced when I ride the day after my class. Hoping I won't pass out tonight in this heat.
Click to expand...
Where are you based, and is it a private equipilates you attend, or a class?
 
What sort of Pilates and biomechanics would people Find most beneficial? Attending a weekly class for example or a 1:1 session with a tailored plan to assist where you most need it?
 
Hi All, just by way of an update on the above. I will be starting the course in January and will be offering both group Pilates classes and 1:1 Pilates session as well as biomechanics assessments. I will be covering the South West and South Wales. I can travel to you but will also be offering clinics from my small private yard in North Bristol. If anyone is interested and would like to drop me an email on emma.flood1990@hotmail.com I will keep your contact details and be in touch when I have completed the course. Many thanks.
 
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