The Art & Science of Developing Postural Control For Horse Riding Paperback – January 21, 2024

This concise professional manual was written for leisure, dressage and jump riders, riding coaches, physical therapists, rider fitness trainers, education providers, equine veterinarians, saddle designers and fitters as an evidence based tool to boost rider and, in turn, horse postural well-being and performance. The on and off-horse techniques presented in this text apply to beginner through to advanced riders, particularly those whose performance has plateaued in competition. Professional perspectives presented are evidenced from the author's certified professional training and experience founded both directly and indirectly on published peer-reviewed clinical and sports science research.Rider performance is linked to horse performance and well-being. Equitation research evidences that expert riders share two fundamental physical strengths: stability and synchrony with their horse’s movement. This is, however, a highly challenging task without the extrinsic back support that one would typically get from being seated. This richly illustrated evidence-based text, with images and links to online demonstration videos, explains how to develop the required postural control for stability and synchrony in horse riders, with an emphasis on protection of musculoskeletal health. This protection is critical for young riders as many begin riding in early childhood when athletic posture is at its weakest and most vulnerable to chronic strain.Topics covered are Gravitational Force Control and the Anatomy of Equitation evidenced by a series of ‘Nerd Notes’ outlining supportive research findings. A range of tests that the rider can use to assess their horse and saddle in their quest for performance improvement are described together with rider weight reduction methods for the busy equestrian and more than 50 postural control conditioning techniques.A Rider Needs Analysis schedule lists the physical strengths needed for competent horse riding so that individual riders can apply the postural conditioning techniques best suited to their individual needs and ranked by effort level. For the desk based rider with little time for off-horse exercise, there is a seated routine to improve flexibility, together with an overview of a small selection of the most equitation specific equipment currently available to riders.About the author:In 1999, Caroline E. Lindsay, Uk based horse owner, competition rider, Veterinary Physiotherapist and certified Saddle Fitter was studying for a Sports Therapy degree when diagnosed with painful chronic low back vertebral disk degeneration. This perfectly placed her for self-rehabilitation and addressing postural dysfunction for horse and rider performance improvement founded on athletic musculoskeletal health. She is currently studying Equitation Performance Sports Therapy at Doctoral level focusing on rider pain, posture and performance. Read more