PILATES


PILATES FOR POSTURE AND MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH


By Gillian Higgins P


ostureiskey to musculoskeletal health. Likehumans, different horsessuffer from problems as aresult of poor posture. Thereare manydifferent


postural variations, but the mostcommon poor postural position of the horse’sback is extension or hollowing. This poor postural position is further exacerbated by carrying additional weight. As soon as we sit on our horse we compromise


his posture, balanceand movement. Thereare manywayswe, as personal


trainers, canencourage good posture and support the weight of the rider. Hereare 3ofthe mostimportant:-


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1. POSITIONING OF THE HIND LEGS The further the hind legs come under the body and carry weight the better the back is supported. Engagement from behind and impulsion therefore is vital forgood posture. It isimportant even when hacking to ensurethe horse is walking purposefully and engaging his hindquarters.


2. POSITIONING OF THE HEAD AND NECK This isamechanical reactioninfluenced by the spinal ligament system. Youcan see in these two photographs when the


head is down, the back is up and when the head is up the back is hollowand unsupported. This is all to do with the spinal ligament structures, painted on hereinred. It explains whyitisso important to feed our horsesoff the floor and the benefitsofwork in a‘long and low’ outline.


3. PERFORM CORE STRENGTHENING EXERCISES WITH YOUR HORSE EVERYDAY. These exercisesare takenfromPilates and Stretching forhorsesavailable from www.HorsesInsideOut.com


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WINTERSPECIAL2020


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