BENEFITS FOR SPORT

Equestrian

Pilates is effective in building horse riders' core strength, which is vital to cope with a horse moving both vertically and horizontally.

Pilates also builds resilience to maintain the perfect riding position called the 'classical seat', where each part of the rider's body rests on the part directly below it, enabling their weight to reach the horse in a straight line. This ensures a human and horse can work as one, enhances the ability to guide the horse with ease and efficiency, and minimises discomfort to the horse, while giving security and comfort to the rider.

Betsy Steiner, a former member of the United States Dressage Team, recommends riders of all levels do Pilates three times a week in her book, A Gymnastic Riding System Using Mind, Body And Spirit (equilates.com).

Our physiotherapists can design a Pilates program that will:
>  Develop the necessary postural alignment and balance
>  Enhance the ability to move one body part, such as the legs, without the need for major readjustment
    of the hips and torso
>  Improve suppleness, flexibility, grace and balance
>  Increase general body awareness.