Rider Pilates

Pilates is a well-established method with numerous health benefits. It can strengthen and mobilise the body, improve movement patterns, and enhance the rider’s body awareness, proprioception, and mobility—all essential for effective riding. Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire is a qualified Pilates Instructor (Level 3 mat work) and intrinsic biomechanics trainer, offering an innovative assessment of riders alongside user-friendly, targeted exercises. While certain areas of the rider’s body may have a greater influence on riding performance, it is essential to assess the rider holistically, as a weakness or movement deficiency in one area can affect the entire system. Rider–horse interaction is complex and requires a global, integrated approach.

Centaur Biomechanics Pilates sessions are unmounted and combine a series of tests and measurements designed to evaluate the rider from a global functional movement perspective. To be effective, the rider must be able to withstand the dynamic forces they generate, follow the horse’s movements, and influence the horse appropriately. The prescribed exercises aim to enhance the rider’s dynamic stability, which can then be translated directly to improved performance and effectiveness while riding.