Equipilates

Equipilates is a renowned Pilates studio located in Ripley, offering a unique and specialised approach to improving riders' position, performance, and partnership with their horse. The studio is passionate about helping riders transform and become the rider their horse would choose.

Equipilates embraces precision biomechanical screening techniques combined with targeted movement, imagery, and touch to enhance riders' alignment, breath, and centre. By including riding-specific exercises and engaging all senses, Equipilates aims to improve symmetry, shock absorption, and overall feel. The studio believes that a rider's position has a significant impact on their horse's movement, and it is crucial to ensure dynamic alignment to effectively communicate with the horse.

One of the key focuses of Equipilates is addressing biomechanical restrictions that may correlate with poor posture. The studio emphasises that if the deep muscles in the core, arms, and legs are overactive or tight, it can hinder the rider's ability to absorb the shock of the horse's movement, particularly in activities like sitting trot. Uneven shock absorption can block the thrust from the horse's hindquarters and affect their overall movement. Hence, Equipilates works towards improving weight distribution and ensuring that the rider's weight is evenly distributed over both sides of the horse, allowing for smooth and effective communication.

The studio highlights that many riders invest a significant amount of money in treating their horse with physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and regular saddle fittings. However, they often overlook the impact their own riding has on the horse's ability to move freely and whether the treatments are effective in the long term. Equipilates emphasises that as half of the partnership, it is crucial for the rider's body to function at its best and to ride in a biomechanically helpful manner. This not only ensures the horse's welfare but also maximises the rider's investment in their horse's well-being.

Equipilates recognises that trainers can sometimes struggle to correct their clients' positions if the root cause is not addressed. This can lead to frustration for the trainer, rider, and horse. The studio believes that specialist knowledge of human anatomy, movement, and how the rider's body interacts with the horse is essential for making necessary changes. Thus, Equipilates offers a comprehensive approach that combines expertise in both human and equine biomechanics.

For riders who have been struggling for years with the same issues, Equipilates provides the necessary specialist knowledge and guidance to help make lasting changes. By addressing the root cause and providing tailored exercises and techniques, riders can overcome their limitations and develop a more harmonious partnership with their horse. Equipilates is the go-to studio for riders seeking to improve their position, feel, and overall performance to become the rider their horse would choose.