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Physio for riding
Horse riding is a sport that requires very precise controlled and strong movement patterns while also remaining flexible and moveable.
A good rider can balance themselves and their horse whilst moving and communicating in a way that makes it look nearly effortless.
But what if this isn't happening for you? If you are struggling to get your positioning right, it might be time to consider some "groundwork" for yourself! If you have stiff joints, tight or weak muscles, or are moving in a way to compensate then not only will you not feel as secure, but your horse will also be picking up on this which could lead to them behaving badly or not responding how you expect.
These issues may come from an injury either horse related or from other areas of your life that have caused an uneven muscle development or movement strategy. If you have had a fall recently or not or have a persistent niggle that's preventing you from enjoying your riding or returning to the level, you'd like to then getting the issue diagnosed and following a rehab plan that covers early, mid and late-stage recovery is a great way of improving your riding skills and retuning to the sport without issue.
Assessment for injury can be done in the comfort of your home either in person or online. Though it is recommended that you go to A&E following a fall or if there is a risk of serious injury. I also offer biomechanics assessments while you ride to look at body positioning and movement on the horse which are done at your yard.
Physiotherapy can create a program of corrective exercises to work on your movement, balance, and control, as well as improve strength and fitness.
Many people have already begun courses that include Pilates for riders or follow yoga videos, or see a personal trainer to keep riding fit, but the advantage of a seeing a physiotherapist is that they are able to cover all these areas and adjust your programme between them to find the perfect selection for what you need to achieve your goals.
If you already have a log in visit the exercise tab to view your program.
Fitness for equestrians
Having a good level of strength, mobility and stamina is important for reducing your risk of injury and being an effective rider. Feeling good and strong in your body can also help with confidence on your horse.
Riding is a sport that requires a high level of activity and unique movement patterns. This can be difficult to train in the gym alone. Running for instance is great for cardiovascular tolerance however running alone isn't going to keep you fit for getting around a cross country course or through a polo match.
The same with weight training, this will build strength in select muscle groups but only in the movement you are practicing.
It’s also worth noting practice doesn't make perfection - it makes permeance. The things that you train will affect how you move and what your body is capable of. If you do lots of squats you can build quadricep strength, but it can also lead to an imbalance between the hamstring, abductors, adductors and quads, Excessive muscle bulk can also contribute to reduced flexibility and joint range.
While this may sound like the only way to get riding fit is to ride that's also not correct, there are many excellent activities you can do from the ground to build up your body to prepare it for game day.
Training options include individual sessions either online or in person or group sessions which can be help at your stables if a few people are interested.
These sessions can be organised for riders of all different disciplines and at different levels. I use a combination of strength and condition alongside Pilates and yoga as well as exercises specific to riders.
Movement Analysis
Movement analysis provides an in-depth review of your positioning and biomechanics. This can then be used to identify issues in your movement or compared against other players to identify ways to improve your swing and therefore improve your polo.
There are two options for movement analysis for polo:
1) In person - This is done at Conroy polo in Guildford (Surrey). This session takes 30 minutes. It starts with 10 minutes on the wooden horse to gather video data, these are then uploaded for analysis. As the analysis is done, we can chat through what you may want to work on and set goals for you to work towards. You will be given some exercises to do to help you improve your polo. You can continue to advance these with further rider training or a follow up analysis session.
2) Virtual - For a virtual report you will need to get your own videos and email them. A slow-motion video taken on most phones works. The videos should be 5 to 10 seconds long and include view from the side, from the front and from behind and should be as central as possible. Once the videos have been received the analysis can be done. There are two options for feedback either I can email a document outlining what was identified with advice or a virtual appointment can be made to discuss the findings, set goals and create a training plan.
I recommend leaving 4 to 8 weeks between analysis videos to allow your body to adapt and make the changes. This ensures that the new movement pattern is established.
If you want to find out more email ellie@flairphysio.co.uk or call/message 07868 831034
