Equimech

Never underestimate the importance of the contact the ball of your foot has with the stirrup. Often we ride with little to no contact with our big toe side as the stirrups drop away, putting more pressure on the outside edge of our foot and going up into our ankle. This in turn causes tension and gripping through the leg and hip. The lack of support and stability also incites a fear reaction in the brain exacerbating the tension. Another side effect is ankle pain!
Our foot proprioception is massively reduced to just the ball so maximising this contact is a must.
Next time you ride bring your awareness to your feet and note where you have contact on the stirrup foot bed and where you don't. 🤔

"WE WERE ON A BREAK"
..but not anymore. My clients want to get back at it!😂

GROUP RIDER CONDITIONING CLASSES AT EQUIMECH
Short 5 week block
Starts Monday 3rd August

💪These classes combine Pilates, strength training, and mobility exercises to help riders achieve greater security, balance and overall performance in the saddle.

🔗Link to booking site here 👉https://Equimech.as.me/

CHASING THE CAUSE
Understanding the rider, the saddle and the horse as one connected system.

Over more than 20 years of practical work, thousands of rider-horse assessments and collaboration between saddle specialists, therapists, coaches and biomechanics professionals have shaped the VBR 360 approach.

Our experience has shown that improving rider stability, understanding saddle dynamics and recognising how the horse adapts to both can help identify the underlying causes of many performance and comfort issues.

This approach forms the basis of the E360 Assessment - looking at the rider, saddle and horse as one connected system, rather than treating each separately.

For those wishing to experience an E360 Assessment, this can be carried out by Equimech or your local VBR/ErgoX2 of Sweden Specialist.

If you are looking to learn more about the VBR 360 approach, then visit https://vbreducation.com/ , a website that was created to share the knowledge, experience and understanding gathered over the past two decades, making it accessible to riders, coaches and equestrian professionals through structured online learning.

We continue to learn from both practical experience and emerging scientific research, with the shared aim of improving equine welfare, rider performance and long-term soundness through education, collaboration and evidence-informed practice.

E360 ASSESSMENT (Part 3)
Saddle Fit for the Rider
As an ErgoX2 of Sweden saddle fitter I have a unique method available for assessing the rider's pelvis and hip anatomy. This assessment tells me the length and width of the pelvis to select seat size, the height of the p***c arch which determines seat size again but also pommel shape and stirrup bar length and then how much or little the rider's hips need under their thigh to provide support and stability. This very important information then helps me select the flap type, of which I have 6 to chose from. Finally, the length of the rider's leg and femur to calf ratio is measured to determine flap size and shape.
After the assessment is carried out, a few saddles are selected for the rider to try on their horse. This is important as the shape of the horse will also impact what the rider needs.
A balanced, supported rider can then ride with ease, not with tension and gripping.

E360 ASSESSMENT (Part 2)
Saddle fit for the horse
Here are some of the things we look at in our saddle fit to horse part of the E360.
Structural integrity and shape of the tree relative to the horse's spine. Curved versus straight.
Length of saddle and the weight bearing area. Where is most of the rider's weight? Ideally as close to the base of the withers as possible.
Width of the tree and length of tree points to accommodate scapular movement and distribute weight away from the trapezius.
Shape, size, symmetry and consistency of the panels to provide shock absorption, correct recoil and comfort to the horse's back.
The width of the channel so no pressure on the spine.
Clearance at the withers (height and width)
Balance of the saddle (static and dynamic). As the horse starts to work correctly the balance of the saddle may change. Does your saddle allow your horse to engage it's topline and develop?