With the opening of our new Stable studios, here are some reason why Pilates in Sutton Coldfield can help horse riders. As riders we are always focusing on what our horse is doing, but we need to focus on ourselves to help gain that overall improvement.
Here are some biomechanical factors to think about when riding:
Spinal alignment:
Maintaining the ‘correct’ riding alignment means you can hold yourself in a natural upright position (i.e. retaining the natural spinal curves). If you are unable to maintain this position, then the likelihood of maintaining a good seat when riding is reduced. This could be due to a lack of mobility in your lower back and hips, or a weakness through the trunk which limits your ability to absorb the horse’s movement, creating instability.
Balance:
It is often said that riding requires the rider to be both balanced and relaxed. To develop the necessary skills (i.e. the correct isometric tension to remain stable without gripping) to balance on a horse. Practising balance is important to improve our ability to stay subtle but stable.
Fulcrum (centre of balance):
To find your fulcrum, imagine a line running from the pubic symphysis to the sacrum and another line running through your hip joints. The fulcrum is approximately where these lines cross.
Many riders carry a lot of tension in the diaphragm / abdomen. This creates instability and you’re more likely to feel like you’re going to topple forwards or backwards. It is important to learn to take long, slow breaths to keep the diaphragm moving.
Breathing:
It is important to adopt a diaphragmatic breathing pattern when riding. Riders who adopt a shallow or chest breathing pattern may signal to their horse that they are worried / fearful, which can unsettle the horse. By breathing deeply and rhythmically, you can convey a sense of calm and of being in control to the horse (even if this is not the case).
Through the use of Pilates, you can increase your body awareness, improve muscle control and coordination, improve muscle strength and stability, and work to improve your mobility. All these factors will help to improve your riding position and ability.
Come and try a Pilates class at Ebrooks new Stable Studios!
