Pilates for Horses

Author: Laura Reiman
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781570769788
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 224

Book Description
An innovative and easy-to-use application of Pilates principles to the training, conditioning, and rehabilitation of horses. This highly illustrated how-to manual provides a clear guide to new ways of thinking about how to prevent injury in the horse, and when injuries do happen, to help the horse's body recover in a mindful and safe way. As a Pilates teacher for humans, horsewoman and eventer Laura Reiman has seen first-hand how consistent, quality exercise can ward off strain and injury, as well as heal. When her young horse was diagnosed with extreme back pain and a neurological disease, she turned to her knowledge of Pilates--the method she'd used to ease back pain in human clients for years--for help. She began to find ways to "bridge the gap" between the horse's mind and body to help increase his body awareness and core engagement. The result is a cohesive series of original exercises that can be taken in parts or as a whole and seamlessly incorporated into an existing training program to be a: Preventive tool to increase the horse's strength, balance, mobility, and stability. Framework for a new program to help ease a horse back into work following an injury or time off. Readers will find chapters dedicated to: Observation-Basic anatomy and how to "know" your horse's body and movement. Stretching-Including incentive, supported static hold, and dynamic mobilization stretches. Core work-Such as the cat stretch and bridging. In-hand strengthening work-With exercises like criss-cross and ground pole progressions. Exercises on the longe line-Transitions, bending, and spiraling. Lessons under saddle-Gymnastics, hillwork, basic dressage, and tips for a successful warm-up. Alternative bodywork-Temperature therapy, massage, stability pads, bands, and more. Pilates for Horses is an ideal instructional guide for all riders and trainers looking to build and maintain a solid foundation of strength and comfort for their horses.

How Your Horse Moves

Author: Gillian Higgins
Publisher: David & Charles
ISBN: 9781446300992
Category : Pets
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Take a Fresh Look at Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics with This Graphic Guide to How Horses Move, Presented from the Inside Out Understand how bones and muscles work together to produce movement by seeing the musculoskeletal system painted on a real equine canvas Discover how correct riding and training can bring out the best in your horse - increasing fitness, strength and balance—by seeing exactly what happens as he moves Practical exercises and stretches demonstrate how you can improve suppleness, reduce the risk of injury, gain confidence and develop a deeper rapport with your horse

Core Conditioning for Horses

Author: Simon Cocozza
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1570769427
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 402

Book Description
Gentle ways to improve the horse’s core fitness while relieving pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that “dances” when you are on him, and the one that doesn’t? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, Trainer and Examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse’s posture. The horse’s ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal “core” muscles control the horse’s posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance. Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse’s body and: Gently “unlock” areas that may be a little “rusty.” Improve core fitness. And even relieve pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. In this highly illustrated book, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse’s posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you’ve always imagined.

The Riding Doctor

Author: Beth Glosten
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1570767467
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 234

Book Description
After leaving horses behind for many years to pursue her medical career, Dr. Beth Glosten decided it was time to ride again only to discover that, as a middle-aged woman, she struggled with tension, awkwardness, and an aching back. Dr. Glosten’s own frustration with riding prompted her to apply her clinical research skills to figure out what it would take to not only create the harmonious picture of horse and rider moving together, but also feel good while doing it. In this book, Dr. Glosten shows others how best to improve their posture and position in order to prevent unnecessary physical degeneration, ensuring they can ride, and ride well, for many years to come. Readers will find basic rider anatomy that is easy to understand, as well as over 50 step-by-step exercises geared toward developing riding skills. Plus, Dr. Glosten has developed a systematic “Rider Checklist” to help you keep track of your position and function in the saddle. Throughout, case studies share rider stories that illustrate the kinds of physical challenges experienced in the saddle in midlife, and how they can be met with proactive, pain-free solutions. The result is a remarkably valuable book.

Activate Your Horse's Core

Author: Narelle C. Stubbs
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780974767017
Category : Horses
Languages : en
Pages : 32

Book Description
Activate your horse's core is a step-by-step manual and DVD showing exercises that mobilize the joints and engage the muscles used to round and stabilize the horse's neck, back, and pelvis during athletic activities.

Pilates for Riders

Author: Lindsay Wilcox-Reid
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 9781570764752
Category : Horsemanship
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Whether employed to reduce posture related back pain, or improve riding performance in competition, these Pilates exercises will help riders attain such goals. Using a holistic approach to increase balance, effectiveness, and elegance as a rider, the techniques in this book concentrate on the dynamics between trainer, rider, and horse. The training tips are ideal for those who ride for pleasure and those who ride competitively. Methods such as visualization are combined with clear photographs and illustrations to help riders analyze their seated position to improve spinal alignment and increase core strength in order to achieve realistic performance goals.

Straightening the Crooked Horse

Author: Gabriele Rachen-Schoneich
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1646011007
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 270

Book Description
It is well known that the horse naturally carries more weight on his forehand than on his hindquarters. This forward center of gravity, combined with an often unrecognized, inborn crookedness from poll to tail, can greatly inhibit training and ultimately affect the horse's physical soundness and willingness to perform. In fact, Gabriele Rachen-Schoneich and Klaus Schoneich attribute 95 percent of all locomotive problems, in both sport and leisure horses, to this inherent crookedness. For over 25 years, Rachen-Schoneich and Schoneich—along with expert riders, trainers, veterinarians, and other specialists—have concentrated specifically on this theory at their international training center in Germany. There they have worked with—and successfully "cured" through appropriate gymnastic training—more than 4,000 horses with straightness problems related to: incorrect or insufficient training; bad riding; veterinary misdiagnosis; poorly fit tack and equipment, and other causes. Now, the couple describe their techniques, not only for addressing the symptoms of crookedness in an already schooled horse, but also for dealing with the "innate problem" in unbroken youngsters. Readers learn how using groundwork with green horses can "straighten" them and increase their "carrying power" before they are backed. You'll see how, with sufficient attention to gymnastic training on the longe and in hand, the eventual transition to work under saddle can be handled smoothly, easily, and without ever sacrificing correct locomotion.

Equine Fitness

Author: Jec Aristotle Ballou
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 1603426698
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 169

Book Description
Get your horse in shape and maintain his overall fitness, regardless of his age or abilities. Equine Fitness will have your horse looking and feeling his best with a series of fun exercise routines specifically designed to enhance his strength, stamina, and agility. Clear step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations make the exercises easy to follow, and the book includes a handy set of pocket-sized cards that you can use in the ring. Jec Ballou’s simple conditioning program promises lasting results for healthy horses and satisfied riders.

Strength Training on the Ball

Author: Colleen Craig
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620550601
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 393

Book Description
A unique series of Pilates strength-building exercises using the Swiss exercise ball, resistance bands, and weights • From the bestselling author of Pilates on the Ball and Abs on the Ball • Features specialized strength-training workouts for readers of all ages and fitness levels • Chapters include check points to help readers set realistic goals and tips for physical educators, coaches, and Pilates teachers In Strength Training on the Ball Colleen Craig shows readers of all fitness levels how to build strong bones, improve balance, and reduce body fat while toning and defining the body. Combining the unique functions of the exercise ball with the endurance- and flexibility-building benefits of strength training, Craig presents 75 ball exercises using weights, resistance bands, and the body's own resistance. Her exercise variations make strength training safe for beginners, children, teenagers, and seniors and challenging enough for the seasoned athlete. Strength Training on the Ball is modeled after Craig's groundbreaking and bestselling works Pilates on the Ball and Abs on the Ball. It contains step-by-step photographs for each of the exercises, check points to help readers set realistic yet motivating goals, and teaching tips for physical educators, coaches, and Pilates teachers. The book concludes with three specialized strength workouts: a therapeutic workout for those recovering from injuries, a basic workout for absolute beginners, and a challenging workout for athletes and gym enthusiasts.

55 Corrective Exercises for Horses

Author: Jec Aristotle Ballou
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1570769052
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 295

Book Description
A highly illustrated guide to simple yet effective methods for keeping horses sound, healthy, and performing their best. Over time, horses (like people) acquire postural habits, compensate for soreness and injury, and develop poor movement patterns. This limits performance ability, causes unsoundness and health issues, and ultimately undermines the horse's overall well–being. Jec Aristotle Ballou has made a name for herself advocating for the horse and providing sensible instruction in his schooling, conditioning, and care. Her bestselling books and popular clinics are designed to enable any horse person to correctly apply proven principles that bring measurable progress while avoiding boredom and confusion. In her latest collection of mounted and unmounted corrective exercises, Ballou demonstrates how we can actively work to improve the horse's posture and movement, whether he is: An active performance or pleasure mount. An aging or older horse that benefits from gentle exercise. A horse being rehabilitated following injury, illness, or lack of conditioning. Ballou's positive cross–training techniques are free of shortcuts, and her guidelines for analyzing the horse's posture and way of going help readers gain a new awareness of the equine body. Applicable for all disciplines and full of quality color photographs to explain the exercises, this is an integral collection that optimizes how the horse uses his body and helps ensure he stays sounder and healthier for more years of his life.