Rider Physiotherapy
The relationship between horse and rider is a complex one. Compensations, imbalances or weaknesses in the rider can cause musculo-skeletal changes in the equine that can affect their performance. Vice versa, musculo-skeletal changes and imbalances in the equine may over time affect the riders muscle balance as they have to compensate for reduced function or reluctance to work in a particular way. This could lead to a continued cycle of dysfunction, imbalance, pain and poor performance.
Signs you may need Rider physiotherapy
- Fixing through one reign
- Increased pressure on one side of saddle under seat bones
- Saddle slip
- Increased wear on one side of saddle/riding boots, jodhpurs or gloves.
- Finding canter transitions more difficult on one reign
- Plateau in performance when training/schooling a horse
Assessments will be carried out on and off the horse. This will establish if there are any musculo-skeletal issues off the horse and then combined with a ridden assessment.
Rider Treatments
- Massage techniques
- Mobilisations (treatments) to joints including hips and back
- Strengthening
- Stretching
- Taping
- Activation exercises to switch on muscles that are not functioning properly
- Tailored exercise programmes
Equine specific assessment can also be carried out in conjunction with rider assessments to fully understand the route of any poor performance (see Equine Physiotherapy section).
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Gina on 07828 711 061, email on admin@affinityvetphysio.com or leave a question on the Contact Us page.
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