If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you could benefit greatly from doing Pilates training. It comes down to this; the greater your ability to control your body, the more effective you communicate with your horse. Past injuries, activities, and how much sitting you do often cause muscular imbalances that lead to postural distortions such as:
 

Arching in the lower back and rounded shoulders. This also predisposes the body to injury, fatigue and muscle soreness that further diminish horse rider communication and riding performance. 

EQUESTRIAN BALANCE is a Pilates based fitness program for Equestrians. Lori has used her knowledge and expertise in Pilates, Personal Training and Equestrian Sports to create a fitness program specifically designed to optimize riding performance. EQUESTRIAN BALANCE is a systematic, progressive training program. It starts with establishing a strong and stable foundation of core strength and progresses to integrated total body exercises utilizing traditional pilates equipment, foam rollers, bands, weights and stability balls. This leads to a rider who has total body control.

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you could benefit greatly from doing Pilates training. It comes down to this; the greater your ability to control your body, the more effective you communicate with your horse. Past injuries, activities, and how much sitting you do often cause muscular imbalances that lead to postural distortions such as:
 
This program works because new patterns of movement are learned that carryover to horseback.

Why Pilates?

Pilates exercises improve flexibility, balance, coordination, strength and body awareness to facilitate better riding. What sets Pilates training apart from other core based fitness programs is that it focuses on CHANGING HOW THE BODY MOVES. Pilates makes the person aware of and corrects muscular imbalances that lead to postural distortions. Pilates builds a strong foundation by strengthening the core stabilizing muscles of the spine. When these muscles are strong, combined with correct postural alignment, the body is able to function at its best.

Performance Benefits

• Lengthens the spine and strengthens the deep core stabilizers creating a stable base allowing the arms and legs freedom of movement
  Corrects muscular imbalances and postural distortions improving coordination which makes it easier to communicate subtler cues
• Sculpts a sleeker stronger body with increased flexibility, strength, balance and coordination for better body control, improved position over fences and at all gaits and movements
• Creates a deeper seat and enhanced suppleness of the lower back allowing the rider to easily follow the horse’s movements for a more comfortable ride
• Pilates is similar to riding in that many exercises involve asymmetrical movements for carry-over effect
• Develops hip independence for greater lateral stability in the saddle
• Increases leg and body length for a tall and elegant riding style
• Improves strength in the stabilizing muscles of the upper back allowing the rider to maintain correct posture while following the horse’s mouth
• Builds a trusting horse--rider relationship because your horse has confidence in your ability