"This highly illustrated how-to manual provides a clear guide to new ways of thinking about how to prevent injury in the horse, and when injuries do happen, to help the horse's body recover in a mindful and safe way. As a Pilates teacher for humans, horsewoman and eventer Laura Reiman has seen first-hand how consistent, quality exercise can ward off strain and injury, as well as heal. When her young horse was diagnosed with extreme back pain and a neurological disease, she turned to her knowledge of Pilates-the method she'd used to ease back pain in human clients for years-for help. She began to find ways to "bridge the gap" between the horse's mind and body to help increase his body awareness and core engagement"--
Pilates for Horses is an ideal instructional guide for riders and trainers looking to build and maintain a solid foundation of strength and comfort for their horses.
An innovative and easy-to-use application of Pilates principles to the training, conditioning, and rehabilitation of horses.This highly illustrated how-to manual provides a clear guide to new ways of thinking about how to prevent injury in the horse, and when injuries do happen, to help the horse's body recover in a mindful and safe way.As a Pilates teacher for humans, horsewoman and eventer Laura Reiman has seen first-hand how consistent, quality exercise can ward off strain and injury, as well as heal. When her young horse was diagnosed with extreme back pain and a neurological disease, she turned to her knowledge of Pilates&;the method she'd used to ease back pain in human clients for years&;for help. She began to find ways to &;bridge the gap&; between the horse's mind and body to help increase his body awareness and core engagement.The result is a cohesive series of original exercises that can be taken in parts or as a whole and seamlessly incorporated into an existing training program to be a:Preventive tool to increase the horse's strength, balance, mobility, and stability.Framework for a new program to help ease a horse back into work following an injury or time off.Readers will find chapters dedicated to:Observation&;Basic anatomy and how to &;know&; your horse's body and movement.Stretching&;Including incentive, supported static hold, and dynamic mobilization stretches.Core work&;Such as the cat stretch and bridging.In-hand strengthening work&;With exercises like criss-cross and ground pole progressions.Exercises on the longe line&;Transitions, bending, and spiraling.Lessons under saddle&;Gymnastics, hillwork, basic dressage, and tips for a successful warm-up.Alternative bodywork&;Temperature therapy, massage, stability pads, bands, and more.Pilates for Horses is an ideal instructional guide for all riders and trainers looking to build and maintain a solid foundation of strength and comfort for their horses.