It’s not uncommon to find that a horse rider’s posture is a true reflection of their horse. Quite often if a rider has a significant imbalance in their body, a similar imbalance can be detected in their horse, or even vice versa. For this reason alone it is important that the horse rider stay balanced throughout their trunk, maintaining a healthy spinal and joint alignment.
Pilates can help the horse rider of any level connect better with their horse, ride more effortlessly and improve their riding posture. By strengthening the deep CORE muscles around the spine and the joints, the horse rider becomes stronger for longer whilst seated in the saddle. If the horse responds to the slightest tap of the heel or gentle pull on the reigns, it is no surprise that they will also respond to a rider who slowly slouches in the saddle or leans to one side. Therefore, a rider who can maintain a more neutral posture in the saddle, for longer, by unconsciously relying on a stronger, well trained CORE, will be arguably be riding a more relaxed and efficient horse.
