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Applied Posture Riding What is it?

Applied Posture Riding the Author is Annette Willson What is It?



Applied Posture Riding is a program specifically designed for Horse Riders. Applied Posture Riding trains the rider. In a nutshell it is a program to train the horse rider for riding by training the horse riding muscles and posture. Every horse rider has a weakness or tightness that affects their riding, nearly every rider suffers back pain, as well, due to the loading on the back just caring for horses. Every horse rider has a job that affects their riding posture. Many know their posture is bad but don’t know how to fix it. Many riders rely on instructors to tell them. They do…. over and over again, every lesson in many cases. This is waste of time and money. A dressage lesson should not spend hours on the riding posture because this can be addressed out of the saddle before learning it in the saddle. Back pain is an enormous inhibitor for the horse rider and so many seek help in the wrong area. In Australia, horse riders spend $1000s on their horse, their gear, products and bling. They also spend $1000s on riding instructors and products for a specific outcome. Australian Horse Riders do not spend money on the rider as a rider.

Overseas Horse Riders do the same, however the trend is now toward the rider, spending money on the riding posture and they are learning about the rider as a rider. These riders know they have to fix their own abilities before they can produce movement from their horse.

The Dutch, UK and USA riders are emphatic in seeking information to train the riding posture and riding skill. The dressage horses they ride have enormous expansive movement. These riders understand they need to train themselves to ride this huge movement. They know they need better flexibility and the strongest core to balance and control their riding posture on these brilliant moving horses.
Here in Australia the riders pay for more lessons and hope their coaches have the answer. Instructors are very good at identifying posture problems with riders and often suggest to “sit up straight “, or “stop bouncing at the sit trot”. Australian riders don’t think to improve themselves out of the saddle and instructors don’t have the knowledge to give those answers or an exercise program. Doing Pilates is not enough although better than nothing. The riders here in Australia tend to hold these horses back to level, they can ride, instead of learn how to stay with the horse and get the best from them.
Applied Posture Riding was developed to solve this problem. It was also developed to help riders with back pain. It is an exercise program specifically designed to teach horse riders all about the riding posture and independent movements required by the seat, legs and hands. It has detailed information about the riding muscles, their anatomy their use in daily life and in the saddle and most importantly how to train them. The key to the program is training the deep core muscles and how to gain flexibility through the lower back and pelvis. Lower back flexibility is essential to be able to stay with the horse during big movements. The core strength is essential to control this movement with skill. Core strength is the key to managing lower back pain.
Applied Posture Riding has been developed by a Physiotherapist with specialty skills in Pilates and core training. Annette Willson is also a Horse Rider, retired from elite level competition.  The knowledge and skills have allowed her to design a detailed and extremely targeted exercise program for horse riders. Annette may not be the best horse rider in the world but she has become the best critic and trainer of horse riders and their posture. Any horse rider would benefit from this program because each rider has the information to perform their own posture assessments given the instructions. Each rider is able to identify their own weaknesses and their areas of pain and stiffness.
The Transverse Abdominal Muscle,  The Trapezius and the Hamstrings are 3 very important muscles to train for Horse Riders.
Having done this each rider is then able to work on their own problems by following the appropriate exercises. The outcome for each person following the program is a stronger core and greater flexibility in all the horse rider posture joints and muscles. The exercises are easy to follow simple and time efficient. Every horse rider in the world could improve their riding by doing some simple stretching and or strengthening exercises at the end of the or by following a detailed core training program. The outcome is directly related to the input.

To learn how to use the core and how to stretch properly is the main theme of this program. The big physio ball and the theraband allows the riding posture to be simulated and trained.

This program is unique in its content and not a program a rider goes looking for, but, for those who have bought it and followed it, the results are outstanding. This program has given riders back their freedom from pain and allowed them to ride with skill and confidence. This program has taught dressage rider to ride their horse with skill and talent and progress up through the grades. This program has taught jump riders to acquire their strongest lower leg to make them confident and safe x country jumping. If you as a rider are keen to improve and be the best rider you can be have a look at this program it is sold as a download E-book and comes with a 2 part DVD series. Clinics are also available on request via the website.
www.applied-posture-riding.com

 

Transverse Abdominal Muscle Function

The Transverse Abdominal Muscle is the prime mover in stabilizing the lumbar spine. It is responsible for controlling movement and hence pain in the lower back. The transverse abdominal muscle when tight and controlled becomes functional. The benefits of the transverse abdominal muscle are many. When it is used consistently and correctly it will flatten your tummy, align your spine and control your back pain. The use of this muscle must be taught by an expert and it must be understood to actually get the maximum benefits from using it.

This muscle is also known as the Transversus Abdominis muscle. So if you see these two names used together or separately then don't think they are talking about different muscles, they are one and the same. This muscle is the key stabilizer for people to function during daily activities. It is the single most important muscle for every human to have control of. Every person needs good core strength to perform their daily activities. The transverse abdominal muscle will do this if trained properly. It is not enough to just attend an exercise or Pilate's class to think you are working this muscle. You must know you are or you are not.

A Quick Test
Breathe in through your nose (not a big breath). Now blow slowly and gently out through pursed lips. Do this 4-5 times.

Now as you do the blow parts, draw your belly button and the muscle below your belly button in toward your spine. Keep blowing and keep tightening until you need to breathe in. Did you feel the tightening through your lower tummy? If you didn't then keep practicing the pattern as worded and focus on the muscle not the breath.

You will also feel your pelvic floor tighten if you have it right. If you got this then over the period of your day practice this little muscle crunch of the Transverse abdominal muscle. For the muscle to be trained and become functional this is the first step. That is you can feel it and actually tighten it on command and then progress on to train it to be strong and functional.

Training the function of the Transverse abdominal muscle must be taught by and expert though, don't think just any exercise class will do it for you.

To have a strong functional core means a better posture, stronger muscle tone generally and certainly pain control in the lower back. The benefits of this training are many explore your core and enjoy.

Annette Willson
I have a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy and I am a Pilates teacher. My Pure Pilates program is a teaching program. This DVD will teach you how to train your deep core muscles and use them for life.  You can have a strong core with a flat tummy and a good posture just by knowing how to train and use your core. This is not a follow the leader program, you will learn for yourself about yourself.

My Applied Posture Riding program has all the same information but so much more specific for Horse Riders.

Have a look at my websites. It will be enlightening. Annette Willson

Applied Posture Riding

or

Pure Pilates Training



 

How To Measure for a Posture Shoulder Brace

The Posture Shoulder Brace is ideal for the rider with poor shoulder posture. The best solution of course is to strengthen and correct your posture. The posture shoulder brace is an excellent tool to help this happen.This brace is ideal for both males and females.

1 Measure around your chest just below the breasts, that is along the bra line. For men it is the same line.

2. Look on the chart for the closest size. If you are on the border line select the larger size.

3. Order the closest size. The sizes are small so don't be surprised if you order one bigger than you think you need.

Once you put it on work with it not against it and your posture will improve.

 

The Problem Rider Causing the Problem Horse

 My passion is teaching riders about themselves and how to train and improve their muscle tone, strength and coordination. I know once a rider understands their own body and the movements of the horse then they can put it together and become great. I have trained a lot of people, educating them about their posture and I find this is such important knowledge to have.

As you get older and have been around for awhile you tend to observe a lot about people and the way their horses perform. It seems some riders just have bad luck in buying the same problems over and over. I think not, it is the rider turning the horse into what they make it. From what I have observed a horse is only as good as its rider, in many cases. On the other hand we do see so many horses that are just too good for some riders.

Everyone has ideas and mine is that the rider makes the horse. I have seen many good horses ruined and many bad horses saved by the rider. It is common to hear a rider has another horse just like all their past horses that has a bad back or bucks or is just badly behaved. Once the pattern develops I think it should be clear that it is the rider turning the horse bad and not the horse turning bad on its own.

I have a saying

A good rider can ride any horse; a bad rider will ruin every horse

So why do horses have Problems?

Let’s examine a few, at least the obvious ones

  • Poor fitting saddle
  • Bad or wrong bit
  • Dirty saddle blanket causing hard pressure points
  • Girth galls
  • Unfit and asked to work for too long or too hard
  • Poor strength in their back
  • Bad teeth
  • Mare is in season
  • Won’t work without their mate nearby
  • Poorly fed, many horses have a change in temperament when fed properly
  • Worms
  • Lameness
  • The horses’ personality

Any one with some basic knowledge would be able to help a rider identify and solve all of the above problems.

Now Lets examine some Riders Faults

  • The rider sits on one seat bone the whole ride (many do this)
  • Balance on the toes. Legs tend to swing either forwards and backwards or in and out.
  • Balance on the reins.
  • Tilt the body forward
  • Too big for the horse
  • To small for the horse
  • Only ride once a week
  • Ride when tired
  • Ride when stressed.
  • Hate your horse
  • Scared of your horse
  • Nervous all the time
  • Got a deadline that is a competition coming up?
  • Use the same aids over and over (when wrong)
  • Expect more from all your hard work
  • Listened to too many experts.
  • No body can tell you how to fix it.

I’m sure riders can add to both of these lists and many could help solve these problems as well.

My topic is the rider so I will focus on the rider before the horse, as long as it is all safe. I personally will not deal or give any advice about a horse that rears. This requires a true expert in the area.

Before any Lesson

I always have a look at the way the saddle fits. I am not the expert in this area but I have enough knowledge to identify problems and how to solve some. Before any lesson I will check the position of the saddle behind the shoulder and the space between the wither and the gullet. I check the balance from the pommel to cantle and look and see if it is sitting central. I usually do a quick check of the bit and nose band as well. These are simple problems to fix immediately.

If riders are paying for my advice I give it all not just a lesson. I am teaching a girl at the moment that has had back problems with her horse. She took the horse and saddle to an expert fitter. He did a great job but said there was no need for a saddle pad if the saddle is fitted correctly. I agree, but, what if the rider is not sitting in the saddle correctly. The horse will end up sore again. I am a fan of a good quality saddle pad as prevention not a cure. I know this girl sits to the right and uses her reins to balance; the correctly fitted saddle was not going to fix this problem. I advised a saddle pad until she is balanced herself. This way a small pressure area will not develop into back pain as quickly or as severe. We are working on her riding symmetry and all is improving.   My point is all the problems need to be addressed. For every problem there is a cause and an effect and the list can grow if they are not all corrected.

My expertise is in the posture and the control of the body. Very few riders have good symmetrical posture in their daily work or their resting postures.

We are all one sided and the older we get the more established we are at being one sided.

…will this develop into a problem?

If you are stiff in the lower back you will brace against your horse and cause him to react ….. will this develop into a problem?

If you are weak in the abdominals you will have poor core strength resulting in you bouncing in the saddle…. will this develop into a problem?

If your movement patterns are such that you repeat the same fiddly hand actions and the horse pulls back every time … will this develop into a problem?

Has your instructor pointed these problems out to you and has the problem not changed?

Why have these problems not been solved once they are identified?

The list can be extended for as long as you can think of yourself and watch others. The solution is to train you to know about yourself and learn new habits, new patterns and new strengths. I see so many stuck in the same pattern of knowing they have a problem but not exactly what it is or how to fix it. If we know this and understand how to fix it then it is one problem solved and many more not developing.

The talent to riding is symmetry balance, stability and coordination, every rider can learn this and apply it so every rider can ride well and every horse can have minimal problems. A rider can break the pattern of having another problem horse by fixing there own problems. Look at yourself before you blame your horse.

I advise if you are reading this and can relate to it then seek some help about your saddle and gear from an expert. I recommend an instructor that has knowledge in how to teach the riding posture not just about your horse. If you have major musculoskeletal problems see a Physiotherapist and have some treatment. If you want to learn how to identify your own posture problems and then go onto train your self for riding then have a look at my Applied Posture Riding program. This program is quite unique and very popular with riders over seas. I do find Australians are well behind our international competitors in seeking professional advice, other that a riding instructor.

I trust this has not been new advice but I hope it makes some people think a bit deeper.

Enjoy your riding. Annette Willson Author Applied Posture Riding

 

 

 

Equestrian Pilates


Equestrian Pilates.. What Does This Mean?

Horse riding requires a very static low range of movement  from most of the trunk and limb muscles. It is unlike running or athletics or a ball sport, all of which require the limbs to move through large ranges of motion. All sports require good core stability but horse riding in particular demands a strong core for the stability required to apply effective balanced aids to the horse.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is the term used to exercise the posture and the mostly the deep core abdominal muscles. It has been marketed as the new wave exercise program for a flat stomach and toned body. This is exactly what it can do if taught properly. Unfortunately many people are attending pilates classes and basicly just doing aerobics with a tighter tummy instruction.

Pilates is the specific training of the transverse abdominal muscle (TVA). It must be taught by a physiotherapist or exercise phyiolgist. Not all pilates classes are of use.

Equestrian Pilates is even more complex. Horse riders must first learn how to contract, then test and train the TVA muscle. But anyone can learn this and not use it in the saddle.

Equestrian Pilates for  pilates specific for horse riders is the most valuable program any rider can follow to improve their riding and improve their posture. Horse riders with a strong core rider with so much more skill.

What is Equestrian Pilates?

Equestrian pilates is how the horse rider uses deep core stability to be a great rider. Those riders that have a good functioning core are great riders, those that do not need to learn to improve their riding and their posture.
.
Just doing pilates exercises is not enough. A horse rider must learn how to use the core muscles for stability of the lower back and the trunk. This muscles is involved in all paces of the horse. The sit trot especially requires a functioning core muscle. The canter requires a flexible pelvis and lower bqack. This movement control is improved with core stability.

Who Teaches Equestrian Pilates?

Applied Posture Riding is equestrian pilates. This program has become one of the most popular, effective quality programs on the net. Applied Posture Ridng is Pilates For Horse Rider. It is important in so many sports to learn about the use of the muscles and how how they function within your sport. This program is specific for horse riders. Applied Posture Riding looks at the anatomy and function of all the horse riding muscles. The pilates specific exercises go into detail about the deep core muscles and the main postural muscles used by the rider.
The rider has the information to test, train and learn movement patterns specific to the horse riding muscles.

The training of the deep core TVA muscles is focused on the horse rider. The exercises train the core for riding specifically. The upper body is strengthened as well and the mobiltiy of the hips, shoulders and spine are all addressed in this equestrian pilates program

Who is Best Qualified to Teach Equestrian Pilates ?


I have seen and treated many people who do pilates. I have instructed many horse riders who do pilates. Very few actually knew how to function using pilates.
I am a Physiotherapist and and horse rider. I am a Pilates educator. I teach equestrian pilates or Pilates specific for horse Riders.

Applying pilates in the saddle requires a rider to teach you. Applied Posture riding is the most effective program to do this.
For more information have a look at the Applied Posture Riding tab
Good luck with your riding
 
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Applied Posture Riding

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