EquiFIT NEW ZEALAND Health, Fitness & Performance
The ULTIMATE Rider Health & Fitness Solution
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© EquiFIT Training - Rider Fitness and Performance
Website by Laura Howard 2011
About EquiFIT
Situated in Hororata, Canterbury, near the base of the Southern Alps NZ, EquiFIT is professionally owned and operated by Laura Howard and Natalie Edge. Established to assist horses and riders with their training needs. We work on flat work schooling, jumping and cross country issues. We also offer Lessons, clipping and breaking horses & ponies in.
In addition we also run group exercise classes in Kirwee as well as personal one to one training for riders, or group circuits for those that would prefer to exercise with their friends. We will support, encourage and motivate you the whole way.
WHY WE DEVELOPED EQUIFIT:
So often we spend hours upon hours schooling and reschooling our horses to improve their performance however we overlook our own fitness and technique. Our presence on the horse's back has a huge influence over his performance and yet we forget that muscle tightness or imbalance within our own body can transmit problems to the horse. In addition if we as riders do not maintain a high standard of fitness ourselves, we could potentially hinder the horse on a long cross country course or during the course of an event.
As a foal the horse gallops around the paddock throwing his legs around and his body in the air. He is learning how to balance and stabilise himself. Sometime he gets it wrong and falls, but very often he will learn and develop his balance to remain on his feet. As we introduce lunging to the young horse he has to understand how to find and maintain his balance on a circle at different speeds. When we start loose schooling him over fences he learns to pick his legs up and balance himself before taking off over an obstacle and on landing after the fence. Once all this has been mastered we then further challenge his education by adding a rider to his back.
A rider's weight can vary considerably as can their ability. It is difficult enough for the horse to maintain his own balance let alone that of his rider as well. When the rider has a challenge maintaining his own balance whilst in the saddle, it is even more challenging for the horse to perform to his best ability.
Riders are challenged even more than athletes in other professions because the centre of gravity of the horse is constantly changing depending on his gait, direction of movement, and activity being performed. The rider needs to maintain his balance at all times if the horse is to have the best chance of performing to his maximum.
Having a good hard look at your own fitness, posture, flexibility, muscle structure and biomechanics can in turn improve safety, confidence and happiness for both you and your horse.
In addition we also run group exercise classes in Kirwee as well as personal one to one training for riders, or group circuits for those that would prefer to exercise with their friends. We will support, encourage and motivate you the whole way.
WHY WE DEVELOPED EQUIFIT:
So often we spend hours upon hours schooling and reschooling our horses to improve their performance however we overlook our own fitness and technique. Our presence on the horse's back has a huge influence over his performance and yet we forget that muscle tightness or imbalance within our own body can transmit problems to the horse. In addition if we as riders do not maintain a high standard of fitness ourselves, we could potentially hinder the horse on a long cross country course or during the course of an event.
As a foal the horse gallops around the paddock throwing his legs around and his body in the air. He is learning how to balance and stabilise himself. Sometime he gets it wrong and falls, but very often he will learn and develop his balance to remain on his feet. As we introduce lunging to the young horse he has to understand how to find and maintain his balance on a circle at different speeds. When we start loose schooling him over fences he learns to pick his legs up and balance himself before taking off over an obstacle and on landing after the fence. Once all this has been mastered we then further challenge his education by adding a rider to his back.
A rider's weight can vary considerably as can their ability. It is difficult enough for the horse to maintain his own balance let alone that of his rider as well. When the rider has a challenge maintaining his own balance whilst in the saddle, it is even more challenging for the horse to perform to his best ability.
Riders are challenged even more than athletes in other professions because the centre of gravity of the horse is constantly changing depending on his gait, direction of movement, and activity being performed. The rider needs to maintain his balance at all times if the horse is to have the best chance of performing to his maximum.
Having a good hard look at your own fitness, posture, flexibility, muscle structure and biomechanics can in turn improve safety, confidence and happiness for both you and your horse.
M: 07787 445108
The ULTIMATE Workplace Health & Fitness Solution
The ULTIMATE Workplace Health & Fitness Solution
