RIDER ANALYSIS

Rider analysis

"Wrong distribution of the rider's weight disturbs the horse's balance and rhythm" (German National Equestrian Federation, 1990).

The rider mat goes on top of the saddle and measures the symmetry and stability of the rider's seat. Video analysis can be synchronised with the pressure pad whilst working your own horse. This allows us to evaluate the rider's position and weight distribution during a particular movement.

The PB performance lab houses 'George' the mechanical horse and is set up with cameras so that you can see yourself from every angle. Riders can also sit on the Pliance mat which assesses the symmetry of their seat. The real time recordings are projected onto a screen in front of the rider enabling them to make instant changes to their alignment and symmetry. This feedback helps to increase body awareness and conscious control of movement.

With this information Louise then does a musculoskeletal profile of the rider to identify any muscle imbalances or joint restrictions that may be contributing to the problem. See 'physiotherapy' section.

Sessions can be tailored to suit the individual based on one of the following options

Bronze £40 (50 - 60 mins)

Have you ever wondered why you bounce in sitting trot, why you can half pass to the right and not to the left or why your instructor keeps saying you're crooked? Perhaps PB can help you find the answers.

Louise will assess you on 'George', the mechanical horse and do a physiotherapy assessment of your range of movement, body awareness, balance, alignment and strength. You will then be able to work on your weaknesses on 'George' and 'Zippy', the balance horse. You will also be given an individualised corrective exercise programme to work on at home.

Silver £75 (1.5 hrs approx)

As above but you will be videoed from the side and behind. The Pliance mat assesses the symmetry of your seat and these recordings are projected onto a screen in front of you. This allows you to actually see how you are sitting and make corrections.

Gold Half Day Package £150

The aim of the gold package is to really identify what is limiting your performance. Louise will ask you about your goals and what you are having trouble with. She will then tailor the day to suit you.

" I was having trouble with my half pass left and couldn't understand why. I contacted Louise for help on the recommendation of my instructor who felt I was blocking the movement. When I arrived in the morning we decided that during the mounted session we would use the under saddle pad to check my saddle fit. Louise also observed me ride and videoed the half pass. It was such a relief to see that the pressure under my saddle was well distributed and that it wasn't nipping anywhere. However, Louise agreed with my trainer and when she showed me the slow motion video I couldn't believe it! Going right I was straight, sitting evenly and my horse was travelling happily sideways. Going left I was leaning to the right, rotating my upper body and leaning back and Milly was swishing her tail in disgust!! When we went up to the lab we did some work on the gym ball and Louise found that I couldn't even sit straight on the ball. I had a knee injury a few years ago and wonder if I have got into the habit of not putting the weight down my left leg properly. When I sat on Zippy, the balance horse, I could get him to move right and not left... funnny that!! We practised on him and back on George using the pressure feedback until I rediscovered my left seat bone. I now have lots of homework to do to improve the awareness of the both sides of my body and Milly is now moving much more freely to the left" Anne and Milly

Follow up sessions can be arranged at a cost of £40 but it is often more cost effective and beneficial to have a block of sessions.

Discounted comprehensive sessions

Bronze plus 3 x 1hr follow ups £144

Silver plus 3 x 1hr follow ups £175