“In the Equestrian Industry I have long accepted back problem and pain as an occupational hazard; however sometimes this becomes prohibitive.
I have visited many professionals with different practices and techniques in an attempt to alleviate it, but had never met anyone that has worked quite as well for me as Michelle. Not only does she deal with the obvious pain, but also facilitates a general sense of well-being and increased energy as a result.
Michelle keeps not only me, but our whole team, on the road. I have recommended her to many of my friends and work colleagues who have all been similarly delighted” – Bryony Holloway
Apart from the obvious potential for falls, horse riders can suffer from a number of musculoskeletal issues due to the sustained postures and repetitive movements associated with riding. Mechanical limitations of the body can play an important role in limiting the rider’s ability to perform at their best. There can be other factors to consider too, such as the shape and gait of the horse, and whether the design of a saddle is compatible with the shape of the rider’s pelvis. If the horse has any underlying patterns of tightness or dysfunction, this can have a significant effect on the musculoskeletal balance in the rider too, and vica versa. Addressing both the horse and rider’s problems at the same time helps to break the self-perpetuating circle of dysfunction that sometimes develops. Different strain patterns tend to be put through the rider’s body depending upon the level of riding that they participate at, and their chosen discipline. For example, dressage and show jumping require quite different riding postures, which tend to result in different aberrant muscle and joint patterns manifesting as pain or reduced performance. An understanding of all these elements can enable horse riding issues to be considered and dealt with in a holistic way.