I have been a dressage rider since 1976. In the '90s I read an article by American dressage rider and author of "Equilates," 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 starting taking pilates, beginning with a mat class, and progressing onto the machines. This was before pilates became a household word. 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. 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.

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.