Equilates

As y'all may or may not know Betsy Steiner started equilates- a type of exercise based in Pilates but targets muscles used in riding and specifically addresses balance and core strength.
Last week a lady named Cyndi (played role in development of equilates) came to the barn to do a clinic with several of the clients here and some other people as well. There were 3 sessions for each rider: the neuro muscular warm up, work out using Bio Coreds, and a ball work out. The warm was done before riding to obviously warm up muscles and also to create body awareness and tune in to the core and balance. We did things like standing on a mini Bosu ball with both feet, one foot, and then with eyes closed. Taking away vision really challenges your balance. I could stay pretty balanced with my eyes open, but as soon as I closed my eyes I was wobbling all over the place!  We also did some stretches to loosen us up before we rode. After riding we worked with Bio Coreds (bungi chords designed for low impact resistance training. The chords provide both support and resistance to work with. We mostly did exercises that targeted the core muscles because core strength is very important for riding. Stability, balance, and cues all come from the riders core. Finally we did a group ball work out which was a lot of fun! Sitting on a yoga ball makes you very awar of your body position. You can easily feel whether you are straight, slumped over, leaving to one side, or have your back arched. This awareness is important for while in the saddle. The horse feels everything the rider does. So if the rider is crooked the horse will be too! Many of the ball exercises also worked on coordination between arms and legs, alternating sides, and isolation all while maintaining balance.
I was also able to take a Pilates class! I had no idea how much it related to riding. Betsy has been wanting me to get into Pilates for a while but I didn't listen! Well now I believe her ;) Pilates also focuses on core strength. Using a reformer allows you to isolate muscles while also being fluid through the movements an exercises. This coincides with riding really well. After al horse and rider are dancin together, and dancing only looks beautiful and effortless if it is fluid and seem less.
These experiences have been very insightful for me! This type of exercise not only makes the rider stronger, but it also makes you realize how much your body influences the horse. The more control and strength I have within myself, the more effectively I can ride. I hope this doesn't sound like a bunch of nonsense! If you're reading this and you are a rider then try it! Think about how much you use your abs to lift the horse up and over their back, and how your balance and straightness effects the horse. If you're not a rider well then I hope it makes sense! If not ask me!