Pilates for Horse Riders at Pilates 1901

Pilates 1901 and Janet Green Stables is teaming up to “improve the seats” of riders in Kansas City!

Pilates is a natural choice of workout for the equestriane.  The spring resistance of Pilates reformer training will improve the riders ability to hold correct posture in the dynamic nature of saddle seat riding.

Lisa Looy, STOTT Pilates instructor and equestrian, has developed an 8 part Pilates training curriculum designed to help riders improve strength, alignment and stability for saddle riding.  The core training of Pilates helps prepare the muscles of the torso for the forces of moving an animal while improved the mind body connection provides the stability for the nuances of saddle riding.

HERE IS WHAT RIDERS WILL EXPERIENCE IN THIS 8 WEEK COURSE

• Week 1  FOCUS: How the 5 Basic Principles of Pilates can be key to achieving the strength & alignment for Saddle seat riding. Intro to the Reformer machine, Essential level Reformer exercises that begin to perfect body movements used while riding.
• Week 2  FOCUS: How positioning and conditioned core muscles create balance, stability, and postural control in the saddle.  Exercises that strengthen the stabilizers: deep core, upper back and inner thigh muscles.
• Week 3  FOCUS: Balanced muscles for a balanced ride!  Why having a strong center keeps you centered in the saddle.  Exercises will challenge your ability to stay steady on a moving machine, and a moving horse.
• Week 4  FOCUS: Do you get winded during the trot, canter slow gait and rack?  Strong riders have muscular endurance and aerobic capacity.  Exercises target the cardio component with Reformer mini Tramp. The core stabilizes while the legs move continuously.

• Week 5  FOCUS: Flexible legs, hips, calves, and low back are essential for feeling and responding to your horse’s movement.  Reformer exercises to lengthen one side of the body as muscles on the opposite side stabilize, creating stability & fluidity, special attention paid to the heels down component of Saddle Seat.
• Week 6  FOCUS:  Strength of your upper body is crucial in controlling and communicating with your Saddlebred.  Exercises on the Reformer mimic the proper arm-shoulder-upper back position & offer resistance to strengthen this position.
•  Week 7  FOCUS: Maintaining your composure while in the ring is challenging.
  If your breathing is not under control, your horse won’t be either.  How the 1^st Basic Principle of Pilates keeps you calm in the saddle, learn breathing technique that keeps you and your mount from becoming tense.
• Week 8  FOCUS:  Bringing it all together, being aware of your body enables you to be aware of your horse’s body.  We add challenging exercises for the entire body, bringing attention to your core, upper and lower body simultaneously, a skill necessary for posture & position in the saddle.

This Course is offered in two consecutive 4 week sessions.  
Classes will be held at Pilates 1901 each Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 6:50 pm beginning Tuesday, February 3rd.

The total cost per 4 week session is just $160.

Questions?  Please email Lisa at lisa@pilates1901.com today!