Transcript Understand how to engage you horses core muscles to

EQUINE PILATES
By Etti Cook
All these slides are copyright of Elite Physiotherapy
Introduction
About me
Why am I holding these courses?
Where have these exercises come from?
Anatomy
– Human
– Horse
Structure, function and rehabilitation
This presentation and a clear routine of
pictures of the exercises for you to follow
will go up on my website
www.elitephysiotherapy.co.uk
About me
Human Physio
– Rehab, prevention, management of injuries.
“Equine Physio” / ACPAT physio
What is an ACPAT physio
– Chartered (Human 1st)
– CPD
Research and development – e.g. these exercises
Event rider
Why am I holding these courses?
I want you to be able to help your own horses
Use techniques learnt in the human world and
learn how we can apply them to horses
I want to help horses
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Reduce injuries
Reduce surgery
Speed recovery from injury
Research new techniques
Development of these exercises
Hilary Clayton and Narelle Stubbs in
America
– Anecdotal evidence
– Research/proof
The Human Spine
Vertebrae
Discs
Nerves
Soft tissues
Function
– Movement vs Stability
Movement
Flexion, extension, side bending and
rotation
– Limited by articular surfaces and soft tissues
Joints need movement – health
Stiff joint = pain
Mid range no stress on other structures
Stability
Soft Tissues
Ligaments, Tendons and Muscles
Muscle function
Generally:
– Long muscles to produce movements,
– Shorter muscles, close to joint lines to control
movement
Design/ muscle architecture is different
Maintain control of movements
– Reduce stress on other structures
Lax joint = pain
Summary
Stiff joint = pain
Lax joint = pain
Full range
Control of movements
PILATES!!
PILATES
It was created in the 1920s by the physical
trainer Joseph Pilates for the purpose of
rehabilitation.
First used on soldiers returning from war
and dancers -to strengthen their bodies
and heal their aches and pains
Now it is used as exercise programme by
many, from rehabilitation patients to elite
athletes
Pilates
An exercise system focused on improving
Flexibility,
Strength,
Body awareness,
– without necessarily building bulk.
The Horses Spine
Mobility
As an athlete the horse needs to learn to
use his muscles to give mobility but also
stability
Requirement of different disciplines
How does the equine back
function?
Bow and String theory
Abdominal muscles
Spinal stabilisers
The complicated stuff!
Muscles
– Neck muscles
– Forelimb sling muscles
– Abdominals
– Above the spine
– Below the spine
– Pelvic stabilisers
Breathe!!
That’s the dry stuff done with, now for
some fun!
Any questions on the anatomy, and
rationale for exercises, etc?............
THE EXERCISES
1. Mobility exercises
2. Stability exercises
3. Balance/body awareness exercises
4. Others
Frequency
The evidence suggests:
Hold each for 5 secs if possible
5 reps of each
5 times a week
1) Mobility Exercises
a) Rounding Exercises
(EOR 3-5 reps)
Chin to chest (keep head straight)
Chin to knees (if horse moves backwards
move it into a corner)
Chin to fetlocks (abdo’s)
b) Lateral Bending Exercises
Chin to girth (standing next to horse’s sh)
Chin to flank (stand behind sh, long and
low)
Chin to hock
c) Neck Extension (after all other
mobilisations or collecting work)
2) Stability Exercises
Lifting/rounding
 Wither lift
 Lumbar lift
 Lumbar lift with lateral bend
3) Balance exercises
5 secs, 3-5 reps
Tail pull to side
Weight transference
Wt T/F with FL lift
HL lift
N.B.
SAFETY (hat, gloves, guard for fingers!)
Every horse is different – like people
Take account of your horses
– Shape/conformation/breed
– Age
– Use and fitness
Conformational differences!!!
If in doubt ask!
Don’t stress your horse out if he is not
happy with any of the exercises (especially
reflex exercises)
Measuring your horses progress
Quality of movement
Ease of movement
Behaviour
Palpation
Curves
Further exercises
Groundwork
– Polework
– Over, round, between, in hand, lunge
– (anywhere will do!!)
– Long reining
Ridden
– Polework
– Hill work
– Jumping exercises
Further evening clinic
In 6-8 weeks, return
– Problem solving
– Measurements/evidence
– Further advanced exercises
Especially concentrate on pole work, mounted and
unmounted
– General Advice