Equipoise: Foundation Training for Equestrians

A rider's body needs to be balanced, toned, well-aligned and stable to be effective and safe in the saddle. It takes a lot of practice and strength to handle the forces coming through the horse's movement, while also influencing and shaping them. Most riders struggle at some level throughout their riding careers--a seat bone disappears, the back arches, an elbow flops, a shoulder rises, a waistline collapses...ad infinitum. As our bodies and our horses change over time, so do our challenges! It's like taking that old car to the mechanic who fixes one thing just to uncover another problem!

With repetition, we have a mechanism to bring healthy movement patterns into our daily lives including our time in the saddle, for it is through repetition that automaticity becomes possible. Can a person slouch at his desk all day and then hop on his horse and expect perfect posture from both himself and his horse? Hardly. That sounds ridiculous and yet that's exactly what many try to do, not attending to their own posture until they're in the saddle.

Many riders do everything in their power to provide a good life for their horses but skimp on caring for themselves. By coming to class regularly to practice and strengthen healthy biomechanics, the wise rider makes her life and her horse's life better, reducing risk of injuries and improving harmony.

Every Equipoise Rider's Event will be different, covering a mix of rider-focused Foundation Training topics. Below is a partial list:  

• identify and activate the posterior and anterior chain
• identify and play with (i.e. strengthen!) your balance triggers--the better your balance the more likely you'll stay on and avoid interfering with your horse's movement 
• raise your sternum without arching your back
• decompression breathing
• find your seat bones and identify the direction they point
• discover neutral pelvis
• activate the psoas 
• find your maximal shoulder width
• active stance vs. "parking" 
• anchor your shoulder girdle
• walk in collection; the psoas swing; diagonal pairs
• practice releasing your own poll to see why we want the horse to have that quality
• practice rising trot--it's tougher than you think
• identify areas of poor alignment & learn how to improve it

Do your horse a favor and take this class! When we practice tone, alignment and balance, we are better prepared to sit quietly and truly speak our horse's language.  

Awaken and align your body, strengthen your posture and then share it with your horse!  

Disclaimer: Suzanne Alexander, MD is not a riding instructor. She is a happy equestrian who loves to practice and teach Foundation Training. This is not intended as a substitute for your riding instructor or health care provider. Now go forth and have fun with your horse.