I have been a dressage rider since my early teens, over 30 years ago! In the '90s I read an article by Betsy Steiner citing pilates as her cross training method. Around the same time, my daughter’s ballet teacher took pilates certification and opened a studio. I thought “what’s good enough for Betsy is certainly good enough for me!” and promptly starting taking pilates. This was before pilates became a household word. My dressage teacher at the time was astonished at my improvement and asked what I was doing differently. I told her “pilates” and was met with a confused look. I quickly became convinced that this new kind of exercise was making a difference in my body awareness. I started noticing my natural imbalances and how I was affecting the horse. And of course, it was only a matter of time before I could address and correct these flaws in my riding posture and start really influencing the horse.

As well, I benefited from increased range of motion in my hip joints and a longer leg and more independent seat. My shoulder girdle relaxed and my arms hung loosely by my sides. I became aware of my breath pattern and how I could use my breath to relax my tension and thus, encourage the horse to be relaxed in turn. My sense of rhythm improved.

I think pilates can help the rider improve balance, increase fitness, loosen joints and develop a seat independent of legs and arms, strengthen the muscles of the spine, arms, legs and shoulders, and even keep rider fitness during forced breaks from actual riding. Having the experience behind me of several decades of dressage training and riding, I can help any rider to achieve their riding goals. You owe it to your horse to be the best rider you can possibly be.