Optimised Equestrian - From Head to Toe

How did it get to September already 🥹

September for me usually means the swallows have finally exited my barn. Now, I love to do my bit for nature, but after two broods of chicks this year, they don't half make a mess!!

So, I can finally clear all the bird p**p out of my stabling barn, and get round to cleaning all the stables surfaces ready for the horses to come back in later in the year.

Its hard work, scraping, scrubbing, power-washing, and re-oiling, but once its finished it looks picture perfect again, well until the horses come back in 😂

What jobs are you getting on with in September, ready for those dreaded cold days ahead...... Commment below....

🍁 Autumn Biomechanics Riding Simulator Clinics now booking 😊

Want to improve some aspect of your riding, but struggling to do that on your horse? Why not come along to a Biomechanics Simulator session instead.

Optimised Equestrian specialises in evaluating how your body moves and acts when you ride, and then works to optimise that to best effect. If you move, feel and perform better in your riding, then that is going to have a big effect on your horse, and their way of going too.

Biomechanics lessons are 30 or 45 minutes and may also include brain and body based biomechanics techniques, and well as Franklin Balls and other equipment.

Can't make any of these dates, don't worry, I offer sessions on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun by appointment. Just get in touch to find a date that suits..

Fundamental to harmonious riding, is for us to be the best possible load for our horse to carry. Evaluating your own Rider Biomechanics on a regular basis can make sure that bad habits and postural asymmetries don't slip in over time.

If you want help to evaluate your own Rider Biomechanics, just get in touch. We offer a range of assessments both on and off the horse.

Do you move your head, rather than follow your horses shoulders with your upper body on a turn or circle?

It may well be that you struggle to rotate your torso, have limited range of motion in rotation, or cannot move your upper body, independent of your pelvis.

Check in tomorrow for some great rider focussed rotational exercises that can make a big difference.

Lets get turning 😃

Its been hot out there again today.

We often have a breeze here, but this evening when I went out to see my horses, it was still hot, hot, hot and the flies were everywhere.

What are your top tips for managing your horses in hot weather, and combatting those dreaded flies. Drop me a comment below....

Great Riding Simulator Clinic today, although we were getting a lille warm across the early afternoon !!

Day 5 of What We Do at Optimised Equestrian - Personal Training

Are you one of those that wants to get or keep fit, but needs someone to push them and inspire them to go on (or even start!). I know that feeling - I am one of those! Whilst I could train myself, I do like to have my own Personal Trainer to push me just a little harder, and challenge me on to greater things.

Or is it when you do go to train, you just don't know what to do for the best to help with your riding.

Whether you want to train at a Gym, at Home or even at the Stables, we can help.
Whether your want a programme to follow in your own time, or want the full 1-1 experience, we can help with that too.....
Want to train with a partner or friend, yes we do 1-2 training too.

If you need help with your fitness, whatever it is, get in touch to find out how we can help.

With us, you Ride Better, Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better.

Due to a cancellation, I now have a space available at the riding simulator biomechanics clinic near Caythorpe (A607) this Sunday.

Please DM me if you are interested in coming along to improve your riding biomechanics or experience how the franklin balls can improve your riding.

Day 4 of What We Do at Optimised Equestrian - The Riding Simulator

The Riding Simulator is a key part of our Rider Biomechanics approach.

It allows a rider to focus entirely on themselves, without worrying about what the horse is (or isn't 😉) doing, but still retains the feel of being on a horse.

It is great for checking out where you are with your riding, refining your riding skill, learning new skills, enhancing your posture and alignment, or sorting out those little niggles that are just stopping your moving forward with your riding.

Every session is different as it is entirely centred on the rider, and their needs and wants.

Want to know more? Just DM me to get booked in.

With us, you Ride Better, Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better.

Day 3 of What We Do at Optimised Equestrian - Train Your Seat Expert.

Michelle is a 4* Train Your Seat Trainer, the highest grade of Trainer you can get, and one of only two at this level in the United Kingdom.

Train Your Seat, was formerly known as Franklin Method Equestrian, but has morphed into a much more holistic rider-focussed approach incorporating rider biomechanics principles, mind-body exercises and imagery, along with the use of use balls, bands and other equipment, both in and out of the saddle.

Come along to Train Your Seat focussed 1-1 lessons and clinics on your horse, try it out on the Riding Simulator, or attend to one of our themed unmounted workshops that specialise on improving an area of your body, such as the pelvis or lower leg for example.

Want to know more? Just DM me for a chat.

With us, you Ride Better, Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better.

Spaces available for Riding Simulator Biomechanics Clinic this Sunday.

Work on your posture, alignment, balance, aids or anything else you want to improve.

Booking Link is in the comments, or feel free to DM me for any questions.

Day 2 of What We Do at Optimised Equestrian - Rider-focussed Conditioning and Fitness.

Riding is a strenuous sport, and whilst we can get a level of fitness from riding, many of us can't ride enough to get that fit, especially in Winter.

Rider-focussed conditioning and fitness, is specifically designed for equestrians, and works to develop and refine your flexibility, co-ordination, balance, core stability, cardio, muscle strength and endurance to ensure you can ride longer and stay comfortable in the saddle, as well as hone your aids and movement on the horse.

We offer regular classes, 1-1 personal training, and themed workshops.

Interested in finding out more, just send me a DM

With us, you Ride Better, Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better.

Day 1 of What we do at Optimised Equestrian.

One of the biggies for me is Rider Biomechanics. It is where my passion lies, and I love to help equestrians refine their posture, alignment, aids and movement in the saddle to improve their riding and biomechanics on the horse.

And by improving your biomechanics, you can often improve the biomechanics of your horse too.....

If you would like to know more about how to have a rider biomechanics lesson, either on your own horse, or on a riding simulator, then send me a message.

With us, you Ride Better, Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better.

Has watching the Equestian Olympics enthused you to find your inner dressage diva?

Watching the dressage riders move in harmony with their horses, with such subtle aids is a beauty to behold.

Why not consider a Biomechanics Lesson on either the riding simulator or your own horse to work on yourself and hone your posture, alignment and aids.

Weekday and Weekends lessons available.

Sending my congratulations to Lottie Fry on a well deserved Bronze medal 🎊.

What a great Freestyle competition 😍

Who was your favourite test?

The stuff of dreams 🌟🥉

Amazing masterclass from Carl Hester on how to do a freestyle 😍

Looking forward to the final six 👀

King of the kur 👑

Floor plan, music, ex*****on, emotion, that test had it all! Carl Hester we salute you, that was out of this world 🌎

It’s into the lead for Carl and Fame with 85.161% 🥹

What a difference a few years make - El Dinky, but not so dinky any more!

Well done to the British team. Fantastic tests ridden by all three. I also enjoyed Isabel Worths and Catherine Defours tests.

Looking forward to tomorrow's individual freestyle.

Which riders are you looking out for?.

Those smiles say it all 😁

Your dressage team bronze medallists at Paris 2024...

✨ Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale
✨ Carl Hester and Fame
✨ Becky Moody Dressage and Jagerbomb

🚫 Do you suffer from stiff, tight or achy hips when riding ? 🚫
🚫 or struggle to sit comfortably into the saddle ?🚫

Unfortunately, Stiff hips can turn your riding experience from 'on a high' to 'down in the depths' (sometimes literally!) Did you know that:

🏇 Tight hips mean you can't move as freely with your horse, making it harder to maintain your balance. This can lead to slipping in the saddle, more of those "whoa!" moments, and even falls.

🏇Stiff hips can make your cues unclear as you struggle to move your seat or legs. Instead of smooth communication, your horse might get confused or even overwhelmed with your aids, leading to a less responsive ride and more frustration for both of you.

🏇 Tight hips can also mess with your posture and your movement, causing you to slouch or tilt, or make it harder to follow your horses, and lead to bouncing in the saddle.

🏇 Reduced hip mobility can also make riding uncomfortable and tiring, leaving you feeling sore, especially on longer rides.

BUT, there are ways to improve your hip mobility:

💚 Incorporate hip stretches and exercises into your daily routine. Yoga, pilates, and targeted stretches like hip flexor and piriformis stretches can be highly beneficial.

💚 Warm up before riding with dynamic stretches to loosen up your hips.

💚 Consider working with a rider-focussed fitness trainer to develop a personalised plan that suits your needs.

Don’t let stiff hips hold you back!
Work on your flexibility and make every ride as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Look out for some hints and tips on improving hip mobility over the next few days, or get in touch if you would like some help improve your hip mobility.

Horse Birthday cake!!!
It's Callys birthday soon. Should i have a go???

Photo taken at the Newmarket National Horse Racing Museum 🐴🌹

Are you going to be watching the Olympics?

Which sports are your must have watch??

🔸🔸 PROPRIOCEPTION and its Effect on Rider Biomechanics 🔸🔸

In Rider Biomechanics, the body's position, orientation, and movement are essential for effective riding. One of the key mechanisms our brain uses to manage this is proprioception.

Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its position, movement, and orientation in space without relying on visual cues. It involves the brain interpreting signals from specialized nerve endings in muscles, tendons, and joints to understand the relative position and movement of body parts. This sense enables us to coordinate movements, maintain our balance, and make quick reactions to environmental changes. Proprioception is crucial for everyday activities and is particularly important in riding, where precise body control and quick adjustments are necessary.

Proprioception training offers numerous benefits for horse riders, enhancing their performance and safety. We use proprioception training in the Train Your Seat method at lot, and I feed it into a lot of my off and on the horse sessions.

Here is some reasons why you might want to train your proprioception.....

1. Improved Balance and Stability:
Proprioception training helps riders develop better balance, which is crucial for maintaining a stable position on the horse, especially during dynamic movements like jumping or fast turns.

2. Enhanced Body Awareness:
By increasing body awareness, riders can better coordinate their movements with the horse's, leading to more synchronized and effective riding.

3. Increased Reaction Time:
Improved proprioception leads to quicker and more accurate reactions to the horse's movements, helping riders respond promptly to changes in pace, direction, or unexpected events.

4. Injury Prevention:
A heightened sense of proprioception helps riders detect and correct potentially harmful positions, reducing the risk of falls or strains.

5. Better Posture and Alignment:
Proprioception training encourages correct posture and alignment, which are essential for effective communication with the horse and for reducing strain on the rider's body.

6. Enhanced Muscle Coordination and Strength:
Training improves the coordination and strength of muscles involved in riding, leading to more controlled and precise movements.

7. Improved Sensitivity to Horse's Movements:
With better proprioception, riders can feel even the subtle movements of the horse, allowing for finer adjustments and more harmonious riding.

8. Enhanced Mental Focus:
Proprioception training often involves exercises that require concentration and mental engagement, which can improve a rider's overall focus and mindfulness while riding.

Overall, proprioception training is a valuable tool for horse riders aiming to improve their skills, ensure safety, and enhance their overall riding experience.

If you would like to experience how I can improve your proprioception, why not get in touch.

So Ladies 👩‍👩 Controversial subject I know but

Who is watching the football tonight
Is it a Yay or a Neigh from you.

What are you doing instead. Help out those equestrian ladies who may be looking for some inspiration tonight. Drop us a comment below 🔽

Love it.....
I knew there was a good reason for equestrian based fitness!!!

Rider fitness is very important 😂

©️Emily Cole Illustrations

❓Why do we use wide stance Squats in our Equestrian Fitness❓

Squatting is a very similar action to rising trot..... it uses the same muscle groups, and the same joint actions. But why Wide?

Our horses are generally wider than our normal hip width, so by adopting a wider stance, we are replicating the same conditions we are placing on our body when riding.

And incorporating a wide stance squat into an equestrian fitness programme means that we are conditioning and strengthening the muscles to help us sustain riding trot for a lengthened period of time without fatigue, and without feeling discomfort in our joints or muscles.

Choosing the right type of exercise is key to creating a fitness programme that is perfectly tailored for the needs of an Equestrian.

We will be using this exercise and more in our August Equestrian Fitness Bootcamp.

Want to know more? Just DM me, or give me a call..

Looking for something horsey to do in August?

Why not come along to our Equestrian Fitness Outdoor Bootcamp.
One evening a week for 4 weeks through August.
Focussed on developing Strength, Stamina, Stability and Suppleness, all vital components of a good rider.

🔖£10 per class or £36 if your book all 4 at the same time.
📌 Silk Willoughby, Sleaford
📆 Will be either a Monday or a Thursday evening depending on interest.

Please message me if you are interested in coming along

🔸Are you wearing a corset when you ride? 🔸

Did I really just ask you that I hear you say! Are you picturing an Elizabethan corset stringed at the back, with that miniscule waist? Why on earth would you want to wear a corset when you ride?

Well, actually, buried deep within your core is a muscle commonly know as the TVA, which sits from your ribs down to your pelvis, and it is just like a corset. It goes all the way around your body like a big tube, and is one of the main muscles we use for 'stability'.

So the answer is, YES, every time you ride you are wearing a corset !!!!.

But the question for us equestrians is how strong and stable is your corset? The better your TVA corset, the more balanced you are going to be in the saddle.

If you would like to know more about how to develop a strong and stable TVA corset, get in touch, or consider coming to our August Equestrian Fitness Bootcamp. It will certainly feature in that training!