Pilates for Riders - Lindsay Wilcox-Reid

[Nettie]

If the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak regarding positional problems then this book is well worth a look .

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pilates-Riders-Control-Perfect-Position/dp/0851319742/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306443499&sr=8-3

I brought this book because of the good reviews on Amazon and that the author is a British Dressage Registered Trainer as well as a Pilates Instructor and it is not easy to find the time for weekly Pilates classes with a full time job, a horse in DIY livery and a homelife. I did buy a good but inexpensive yoga DVD but Gerri Halliwell's "witty" comments in the background got quickly distracting

The second half of the book is full of descriptions of various Pilates excersises especially chosen or adapted for the needs of horse riders, which is of course what you would expect. But - the first half is the really good bit, full of the what, whys and hows of the horse/rider interaction and how poor posture out of the saddle can cause difficulties with communication and blocking whist riding. Common position faults and their causes and corrections are explored and why pure willpower alone does not seem to work.

This understanding of the riders use of their body, I feel, fits very well with what Heather teaches which is why I am recommending it here.

[crdodgeon]

Thanks for the recommendation, that does look good.  Another to add to my growing list of books to buy!!  Goodbye, bank balance... 

[SilkyRaven]

Thanks for that. I have exactly the same problem and could do with some specialist pilates exercises! 

[von10]

I've got it too ....... but I've known Lindsay since she was 15  . Oh and the very elegant girl in the red top is my dearest friend Lisa (also my McTimoney practitioner), who now has my old TB.

Good read, and yes I thought the first section was really well written, very easy to understand.

Y.

[Nettie]

I loved the photos.

Very eyecatching the riders tops matching the saddle cloths and bandages

My friend had a flick through, she was impressed that one of the riding models did not have a conventionally elegent figure yet still looked good. She thought it made the book feel a bit more inclusive of all shapes of people.

[nona]

You beat me to it Nettie as I was going to mention this book when I had finished it.  It is a book in two halves, and as you say the first half is very relevant even if you do not practice Pilates.

I had a half day session with Lindsay about 18 months ago which involved an analysis of my position, standing, on my saddle on her 'wooden horse' and then a lesson and further analysis on her school mistress, on the lunge.  I only wish she was not 3 hours drive away from here. 

In fact she will be wishing it too on Sunday as she is coming over here to do a 2 day clinic of  individual sessions.  Each rider is having 45 minutes of postural analysis on the ground and with the same wooden horse, then a further 45 minutes ridden.  I am really looking forward to it as I know it is going to be a really valuable opportunity.

Recommend the book, and sessions with Lindsay wholeheartedly.

Nona

[Naiad]

Have you been reading my threads about my quest for an elegant effective riding position. Recently, I've been getting physio/massage on myself to help out. From the sounds of it, this book would be right in line with the arsenal of tools used for my elusive (?) quest for an excellent riding position. Would you agree from what you know of my recent threads (or what I have written here) that this book would be very worthwhile for me too get?? Don't want to buy books for the sake of it, but this book is intriguing me from what you wrote about it.

[Nettie]

Hi Naiad,

I hoped you would see this thread. I would say, judging from your recent posts, this book would be right up your street.

I've read a couple of very good posture books, but this one is by far the best as it written especially for riders by a rider rather than being generic.

Resistance is futile

[nona]

Hello Naiad

I would agree with Nettie that this would be a good book to help with your quest.  It is practical,  clear and well presented, and makes sense. 

This may not be an issue for you, but, for example, in order to get more length down the front of the thigh, she has a simple exercise.  You just lean forward a little, the thigh lengthens as you go back into upright, and you just maintain that position.  Simples!

She uses boxes as a way of thinking about the position of the head, chest and pelvis in relation to each other, to help get a better balance.

The Pilates exercises include using a gym ball, which helps with posture and balance.

I am doing this from memory and not doing the book justice, but I hope it gives you some kind of flavour. 

I liked also reading about her own story which was in part about frustration with her riding resulting in her becoming stronger and stronger with her aids, until she realised she was not the kind of rider she wanted to be.  I believe that since then she is more influenced by the French classical school.

I have spent today with her and had 2 great sessions, one on postural alignment with exercises to improve balance and flexibility, and the second doing some Pilates for the horse; in-hand work. 

I hope that is helpful to you.

All the best

Nona

[Naiad]

Just saw these responses. I think that I have to get this this book!

My physio had me doing some stuff on an exercise ball today, and did that ever show up the slightest asymmetry! Really difficult!

[Flyingfox]

You do realise that the bloke who invented Pilates in the 30s died doing his own Pilates exercises don't you..........
stick to yoga!

[lisaNW]

He's thought to have died of emphysema

[Flyingfox]

He's thought to have died of emphysema

I have been told that he got stuck in one of his own upside down stretching contraptions and died due to being stuck upside down for too long..........

[lisaNW]

 :laugh:Think the general concensus is that it was a breathing issue, although the exact reason for that isn't clear -he apparently had asthma, smoked and there was a fire in his studio around the time of his death...

[Flyingfox]

:laugh:Think the general concensus is that it was a breathing issue, although the exact reason for that isn't clear -he apparently had asthma, smoked and there was a fire in his studio around the time of his death...

I'm sticking to yoga just to be on the safe side