The Pilates Equestrian - by Julie Driver (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Build strength, flexibility, and body awareness that will enhance every aspect of your horsemanship, in and out of the saddle.

Developing body awareness is the first crucial step in enhancing physical abilities, and consequently, your abilities to communicate and perform with a horse. Athletes and performers of all levels rely on the practice of Pilates to exercise that body awareness, and in The Pilates Equestrian, certified instructor Julie Driver helps riders create a more harmonious partnership with their horses.

With Driver's equestrian-specific Pilates program, you will learn to instinctively respond to your horse's movements with balance, grace, and subtlety, becoming a stronger, more effective rider. The focus on body awareness, breathing, and alignment will lead to lasting improvement in your riding. With the needs of equestrians in mind, Driver covers key areas such as:

- Foot, spine, hip, and shoulder mobility
- Pelvis and spine stability
- Balance
- Stamina
- Coordination
- Breathing

Driver's approach goes beyond exercise--she believes that by improving self-awareness and body responsiveness, riders will become less prone to accidents and easier for horses to carry, reducing injury risk for both human and horse. The Pilates Equestrian provides practical techniques, supported by instructional photos and video lessons, offering a fresh and effective approach to equestrian fitness for riders at any level.

About the Author

Julie Driver has been a certified Pilates educator for nearly three decades, teaching both in the United Kingdom, where she is based, and abroad. In 2014 she won the prestigious international Pilates Anytime Instructor of the Year competition and continues to record online classes as a returning visiting instructor. With a lifelong passion for horses and riding, Driver believes Pilates is the perfect way for riders to improve their technique and create a stronger relationship with their horse. She regularly contributes to both equine- and fitness-related publications and has recorded specialty classes for the Monty Roberts Online Equus University. She lives in London. (juliedriverpilates.com).