I almost didn't watch this promo video -- heck, what can you learn in two minutes? Yet it's worth a look -- there are some great sound bytes and tidbits of knowledge to take away with you. I won't summarize a 2 minute video, but I'll mention that I like the predator analogy. No wonder Harv spooks so much.
Just watch it!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Pilates for dressage riders in less than 2 minutes
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I have been doing pilates to get in shape and I love it! I find it a bit more engaging than yoga which helps me exercise for longer periods of time. Yoga really takes some discipline of the mind... which is not my strong suit! I think anything that helps with core muscles, flexibility, and body awareness is good for riding though.
ReplyDeleteHave any workout videos that you love for off the horse exercise?
Great book is Pilates for the Dressage Rider by Janice Dulack. Got it for Christmas and absolutely love it! Really does a great job of explaining how the moves will benefit you and the horse and puts it in language that the equestrian can understand!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting concepts. The prey/predator idea is pretty interesting.
ReplyDeleteI will have to look into some of this. Thanks for the fascinating post.
I'm totally working on yoga/pilates to get back into riding shape. The Rider's Fitness Program by Dennis, McCully, and Juris (foreword Ann Kursinski)has some good workouts as well. The video was impressive until they mentioned Parelli at which point it lost my respect... sorry those folks are crazy and have you seen them ride?? yuck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this video. It is an interesting concept about the prey/predator position. I am anxious to try the pilates on horseback- when it warms up outside. lol.
ReplyDeletePilates and yoga on horse back are two of my worst pet peeves. Using a horse as an exercise "mat" breaks my heart! I have boarded at two barns that had regular "exercise classes" on horseback. I can understand being aware of ones body posture and related effects it has on the horse, but being too aware of only your own body can have it's downsides. Practicing sitting on the horse, when the horse is standing -slamming down in the saddle like a 145 lbs dead weight, then asking a horse to be supple is just crazyness. I cringed at the amount of "cantle slamming" going on in this video but seems to be more and more commonly looked past even in the show ring. Being more aware of how one is landing in the saddle, the weight and force applied to the horse while in motion and going with that motion should come before pilates, flexing and holding positions in the saddle. Kinetic energy while in motion just seems to be missed with both yoga and pilates on horse back.
ReplyDeleteI like the part where they are all drinking and having a toast and wearing funny cowboy hats. This must be what I miss out on by not boarding my horses.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely video, but I have to agree it's a slightly daffy kind of environment -- in a way that i like. None of the riders seems to be olympic caliber, but it's friendly, the clinician is encouraging, and the horses are outlandishly well groomed and cared for. It's like boarding in heaven.
ReplyDeleteWow, I do Pilates frequently and I had NO idea the affect it might have on horse riding. But it makes perfect sense. But I can see Mel's point too. I think it all comes down to body awareness, and when you're riding you have to be aware of what's going on for the horse too.
ReplyDeleteWasn't all that impressed by the riders' equitation. Didn't seem to be a good seat in the bunch, which seems odd in a sales video... you'd think they would want to show off their starts...
ReplyDelete*groan*
ReplyDeleteokay okay I'm going to drag out my Pilates DVD and balance ball again. I KNOW it works. The prey/predator idea (when we are living in our shoulders up there) is a new one to me, and one I'll keep in mind when I'm onboard.
Thank you for posting the video. A nudge (intended or not!) is always good.
This is a good reminder for me to break out the pilates DVD again!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blog. I watched the video, went to Borders and bought a few pilates stuff. My ab areas are sore now, but my position walking around and stuff feels much different. Just wish the snow would go away so I can see if has improved my riding a lil bit. I have a tough time sitting up, all the years of doing hunters makes me want to go into a huntery position.
ReplyDelete