Pilates for Horses - by Laura Reiman (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"This is a fabulous resource that addresses a great deal of important work that is needed to keep your horse in top condition and certainly to help in recovery and rehabilitation of an equine coming off an injury. The highly qualified author has done a good job of providing an approachable and accessible work that every horse owner can get behind. ...Well organized into sections from work on the ground, on the longe and in the saddle, both on the flat and over small jumps. The book lays flat so it is handy as a reference tool as you work through the exercises. ...This is a wonderful book that all riders should know inside and out. Your horse will thank-you for it. Highly recommend." --CatskillHorse.org

"Going beyond carrot stretches and belly lifts, Pilates for Horses presents a comprehensive program of unmounted mobility exercises, stretches, lunge-line exercises, and more to address musculoskeletal imbalances, areas of tightness or weakness, and proprioceptive issues. Mounted work includes stretching, lateral work, and cavalletti exercises. ...Engaging and relatable." --US Dressage Federation Connections

"What I like most about Laura's book is the deep explanations she offers about every exercise. That includes the steps to perform each one, but also simple modifications if your horse has quirks or previous injuries you need to be cautious about. She also takes the time to explain why this stretch or maneuver matters, and how it can help in the long run. Her approach is both professional and friendly - as an adult amateur eager to learn, I didn't feel like she was trying to tell me I've been doing somewhere wrong this whole time up until I bought and read her book. Pilates for Horses is a good investment for any horse owner, no matter your skill level or education." --Heels Down Spark

"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." --Northwest Horse Source

About the Author

Laura Reiman, MS, PMA-CPT, has been practicing Pilates since 2007. She completed her Comprehensive Teacher Training Course with BASI Pilates (Body Arts and Science International) in New York, then spent six months in Brisbane, Australia, teaching and continuing to learn from BASI faculty members before opening her own studio in Alexandria, Virginia, The Pilates Powerhaus. Laura is a certified personal trainer and holds a master's in nutrition. She has been riding on and off for 22 years, and is an avid eventer (pilates4horses.com).