Getting the balance (From Worcester News)

Getting the balance

11:15am Monday 22nd August 2011 in Equestrian By Sara Pawsey

RIDERS who want to brush up their skills for the competition season can attend a clinic to improve their position and balance on Thursday.

Liza Randall, who has organised the new position, posture and pilates clinic at the Equine Therapy Centre at Hartpury College, says position and balance are key to everything the rider does when mounted.

“So often a rider will overlook their own fitness and shortcomings in the saddle to concentrate on their horse,” explained Liza, the Pershore-based author of Pilates for Equestrians.

“Your hands won’t keep still, legs seem to have a mind of their own and you can pitch yourself forward into the saddle losing balance over a fence. If you get it wrong you could be setting yourself up for disaster when you up the gears or jump. Get it right and not only will your riding and ultimately your results improve, you will also be more secure and less fatigued in the saddle. So to get yourself ready for the autumn competition season, give yourself a treat and book your place on the mechanical horse clinic,”

said Liza.

Liza will begin by analysing your position from the ground conducting an initial postural assessment, then will continue the session looking at your position on the mechanical horse.

Following this you will run through a series of matwork-based Pilates exercises to strengthen your core muscles and work on those problem areas, which in turn will help improve your position.

Liza will also be starting a specialist day and evening class, Pilates for Riders in Pershore in September.

She hopes to promote pilates to local hunts by offering discounts through the winter.

“I have had requests from a lot of riders to run classes closer to Worcester, Pershore and Evesham,”

explained Liza. “The fun class will concentrate on balance, co-ordination and flexibility using equipment such as the physio ball, wobble boards and stretch bands.”

For further information or to book, click to panaceapilates.co.uk or call Liza on 07968 334214.