The Equine PT Program

Home
The Equine PT Program

What is the Equine PT Program? It's a complete training method for riders wanting to work their hors

Designed by an Equestrian Coach who's also an Equine Body Worker, The Equine PT Program combines the principles of Classical Dressage with modern Movement Science. It's a training method that works WITH the horse's body, including exercises to strengthen his core postural muscles so he can stand, move and carry the rider in a healthier posture. This has the flow-on effect of helping reduce many co

mmon training and schooling issues in the arena. Issues like falling in and cutting the corners, falling out on the circle, trouble bending on the stiff side, horses that are tense, rushing or travel in a hollow frame, that disunite in the canter or struggle to get the correct canter lead. All of these issues can be resolved by addressing the underlying symptom (rather than focusing on the cause as many riding instructors do!) for example, it could be that the horse has a weak left hind, and that's why he's can't bend to the right etc. It's not just for competitive/equestrian horses though, this training method is based on bio-mechanics and improving the way the horse chooses to use his body. It's great for strengthening up young or green horses so you can build up their backs and core strength prior to starting under saddle, to make it easier and less stressful for them to learn to carry a rider. It's perfect for maintaining senior/retired horses to release some of that age-related stiffness tightness, and can be done both from the ground or from the saddle. The Equine PT Program offers both stand-alone Online Courses and also ongoing Coaching Programs where you can work closely with Jessica in a fully customisable program to suit the place you and your horse are starting from right now. If you'd like to join the ever-growing group of riders who want the best for their horses and are looking to train them in a way that works with the horse - both physically, mentally and emotionally - strengthening and suppling their bodies, preserving their willing natures and keeping them sounder for longer then please be in touch via fb messenger or [email protected] to discuss how I can help you with your horse.

22/03/2022

Remember this little guy? The top pick is from 10th Feb and the bottom one was this week - quite a difference in his posture and stance, isn't there!

Once this kind of postural rehabilitation work gets to that magic point where the horse starts to practice and use his better posture in the paddock on his own (rather than only during your work sessions) then the improvement rate starts to snowball.

That's when you can really see the changes in their bodies; in their muscle tone (including topline), movement and stance. How long does this take? Not long at all, just 4 - 6 weeks of 1 to 2 Equine PT Workouts per week.

Interesting in starting our 6-week Online Program to learn how to do this with your horse? Just shoot me a message to find out more. x Jessica

04/03/2022

Equine PT Boof taking in his surroundings at the Tallarook Family Riding Club Nav Ride today.
25yo Boof looks this good because he does an Equine PT workout once a week, if you're here too and you'd like to find out more about Equine PT and how it can help keep your horse sounder for longer, I'd love to chat so come and say hi! x Jessica

28/02/2022

Time for a nap in the stables after this morning's training. Boof and I have been training for an 11km Nav Ride that's coming up which means hitting the trails twice a week to work on fitness and stamina.

23/02/2022

Posture begins with our interaction ground, so an imbalance in the horses hooves will affect everything from the hoof up... and that's the whole horse!

Similarly, issues further up the leg can cause uneven loading of the limb and hoof and lead to imbalances in the hooves... this is why bodywork and good trimming go hand in hand.

Looking at just the body (or just the hooves) without considering the other is only seeing half of the picture.

In the upcoming Equine PT Online Course I'll be showing you some things to look out for and so you can spot the warning signs from the ground up and take a look at your horse with an analytical eye.

We kick off on 7th March, to find out all the details just shoot me a message x Jessica

10/02/2022

The right start - I've been working with this little guy for the last few weeks to get him ready to go to the trained to be started under saddle...

there's quite a lot to be done before he's ready to carry a rider though, can you see what I'm talking about? Based on his posture, how do you think he moves?

(Hint for those who've done the Equine PT Mini Course, does he walk like a Horse or an Ostrich?)

02/02/2022

The more I work with this horse the more his mane is beginning to swap sides... it started out just at his wither, but now it's changing sides at the top as well...

Some horses are what I call "simple horses" in that they're clearly left- or right-handed... an then we have the "complicated horses" like this one, who may be left-handed in front and right-handed behind...

or whose preferred side actually changes during the kind of postural and asymmetry targeting work that we do in Equine PT.

Most horses are left-handed (ie. go better on the left rein when ridden) which is your horse's preferred side? Let me know in the comments 👇

03/01/2022

How do you get a square halt? A fresh trim and some bodywork has done it for this horse! I'm not sure I've ever seen him stand square before, so I'm taking it as a compliment! Knowing your horse's typical stance and patterns makes it easy to spot when something changes. I also caught him resting a hindleg yearlier on, and he doesn't normally do that eiher. Things are changing for this handsome boy and I can't wait to see how that flows on into our work under saddle!

21/12/2021

Observing your horse closing in the days after a bodywork session can be quite enlightening.

This horse was very tight through his chest, shoulders and ribs and the next morning (after Cranio Sacral Therapy) he was standing much wider than normal and I was delighted to see him walking with a heel-first landing, which he had not had prior!

If we don't make a conscious effort to really look 👀 at our horses, we may miss the little (or in this case, not so little) things that all add up to the answers we're looking for.

Making regular observations, and knowing what is typical for your horse in terms of posture (both in stance and in movement) will mean you notice the subtle signs when things are changing and you can nip minor problems in the bud before they become major ones!

Next time you're out with your horse take note of how he's walking, look for even over-stepping on both sides, heel-first landing (or not) and straightness.

If you can't see these things in moment, make a video so you cause play it back in slow motion or pause/take screenshots to make it easier.

The Equine PT Program is gearing up for a big 2022 and we're looking forward to seeing you and your horses there, so if you'd like to reserve your place ahead of time just shoot me a message, Jessica

30/11/2021

Variable height feeding positions...

It's a simple way to increase your horse's use of his full range of motion.

When given the opportunity horses will spend time eating from trees and shrubs as well as grazing at ground level. Many domestic horses don't get this opportunity and as we all know...

if you don't use it, you'll lose it!

My 24yo gelding found this height a bit too high... he ate half his lucerne hay then walked off, so next time I'll hang it a bit lower until we figure out the height he likes best.

25/10/2021

Foals are born with spider-long legs, almost at their full adult length already. Short necks make it hard to reach the ground and creativity can be needed to get a bite of grass! It's the foal's preference for grazing stance that sets up life-long patterns and determines if they are left- or right-handed for the rest of their lives.

13/10/2021

Abnormal patches of hair can be an indication there's something going on. This 24yo horse has 3 of these patches of pale hair, one on either side of the pelvis and one on top.

Winter coat or summer coat, these patches are there year round. He's an old horse who had worked extremely hard all his life, and is known to have hip pain.

I'm curious to see if some bodywork and movement pattern re-wiring will see these pale patches disappear!

Keep an eye out for the little signs like this, it may be that the hair sticks up, is frizzy with split ends, is always slicked down, or the hairs always lie the wrong was in a particular spot. These could all be indications of some kind of restriction that's crying out for help.

16/09/2021

Interested in biomechanics but don't know where to start? Join the Free Mini Course for bite-sized training videos and exercises to try with your horse. Here's the link to secure your spot https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

15/09/2021

We can give the horse all the training he needs through work in-hand...

and the best bit about it? When you do sit in the saddle all of that training is there and ready for you. How often do you work your horse from the ground?

06/09/2021

What does the way your horse stands say about his body?

Like a photograph, posture may just be one moment in time, but it's the accumulation of these moments over weeks, months and years that have an effect on his performance, soundness and working life...

If you'd like to know more about how to read your horse's stance and train your eye to spot good and poor posture in horses join my upcoming Mini Course using this link https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

It's completely free (a lot of fun) and starting soon, so jump on the list now so you don't miss out.

04/09/2021

🌞 Summer bodies are made in winter 🌞

This goes for our horses too... don't get caught up in the winter blues or feeling frustrated that there's no where to take your horse right now...

turn your thoughts to what you'd like to be doing in 3 or 4 months time...

because NOW IS THE TIME to get started on your fitness and training program so that your horse is reaching his full work load and fitness level so you can make up for lost time and start leveling up straight away.

Join the FREE Mini Course and let me re-inspire and re-motivate you with something fun and new to try.

Use this link to secure your spot https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

02/09/2021

"The walk is the mother of all gaits"

Its one of those old adages (like no hoof, no horse) that has stood true throughout the centuries...
..but what does it mean?

I don't know who said it first, but they really knew their stuff! You can tell a lot about a horse by watching how they walk...

In fact, it's the first thing we'll do in the Equine PT Mini Course that's starting soon...

I'll show you how to look at your horse's walk with an analytical eye so that you can spot a healthy and unhealthy walk in any horse...

Here's the link to save your seat in the FREE Mini Course https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

31/08/2021

Love carrot stretches, but looking for something more?

Most riders are familiar with good old carrot stretches these days, and having them as a regular part of your training program is great...

but the 'same old same old' does get boring after a while and many of the riders i see are looking for something more...

Specifically, something a bit more relative to their riding and schooling...

something a bit more related to riding so they can target any any weakness or crookedness in their horse for visible results...

If you feel like this too, jump into the Equine PT Mini Course where you'll get my absolute BEST core activating exercise to try with your horse.

Here's the link https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

29/08/2021

What is the Equine PT program?

It's a targeted exercise program for horses, with the goal of improving their performance under saddle.

it reduces natural one-sidedness so you can get your horse working better in both directions...

It activates the core postural muscles that your horse needs to lighten the forehand and move in self-carriage...

It improves topline by getting your horse moving in a healthy way so he's using his body the way he's meant too...

It works for all healthy horses no matter their age or discipline... because it was developed by a Body Worker using the principles of Bio-mechanics.

When followed to the letter it gets results in as little as 4 weeks...

Sound good? Jump onto the list for the upcoming Free Mini course to see how it works https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

27/08/2021

We're turning one!

In celebration of The Equine Personal Training Program's first birthday we are treating you...

and here's how:

1️⃣ one week of free training (in the form of the Mini Course)

1️⃣ one last chance to join the Equine PT Program at the old price (even though you'll be getting all of the new good stuff included)

1️⃣ one place to get access to one training program that's based on movement science and combined with classical dressage so it can take your riding to a higher level as well as develop your horse's physical capabilities

1️⃣ one solution to your training/schooling issues

all you have to do is that that one first step and join us for the free Mini Course so you can get started https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

25/08/2021

There's no better way to train your eye to spot good and poor posture in movement in horses than by working them from the ground.

In The Equine Personal Training Program we do a variety of ground-based exercises both with our horses standing still and in motion...

it's not natural horsemanship style groundwork, you won't need a special halter or a flag or stick...

You don't need a sand arena or round yard, all you need is some good footing where you can safely walk with your horse for 200 steps...

Some riders even use their driveway when the grass is too wet.

It's all about learning to look at your horse with an analytical eye, so you know what to look for and how to spot it.

If this sounds like just what you need to make those little changes that get big results join the free Mini Course to learn more https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

23/08/2021

Happy birthday to us! 🥳

This month The Equine Personal Training Program celebrates it's first birthday! 🎂

🎉 One year of helping riders train their eye to see and understand good/poor posture in horses

🎉 One year of helping riders design exercise programs specifically for their horses so they can strengthen his weaknesses and reduce natural asymmetry

🎉 One year of watching riders enjoying the flow on effects of their horses' improved posture as their riding and schooling issues begin to melt away

🎉 One year is just the beginning with new courses and new bonuses being added this month

What's the best thing about our birthday celebrations?

🥳 We're sharing them with you! 🥳

Keep an eye on your email inbox for the full details of what birthday treats we're giving away this week

Not on our mailing list yet? You probably haven't done the Mini Course either?

Join the FREE Mini Course and jump onto the list here https://mailchi.mp/jessicabryce/jump_on_the_list

20/08/2021

The sun is shining 🌞 the grass is growing 🌾 and spring is in the air 🌺

It's time to get our four-legged friends moving!

Exercise, coat shedding and regular checks for signs of laminitis are a must for this time of year, so make the most of this weekend and spend some time with your horse 🐴💜

(p.s. it will make you feel good too!)

15/08/2021

Spring is in the air at Equine PT headquarters, and we are looking forward to getting back into the swing of things after the horses having a six week break.

When bringing horses back into work, it's important to consider
🐴 how long they've been out of work for
🐴 their fitness level before the spell
🐴 how you are going to address each of the elements of fitness ie. muscular, cardio-vascular and skeletal and how long it takes for each of these to recover lost fitness

Has your horse been off work for a while? With better weather on the horizon it's time to get planning his return to work program so you can get back to full swing by the time the good weather is here :)

07/08/2021

Magic moments with my girl, Nutmeg.

It's those special little moments that happen in between the big things that really make our relationship with our horses special.

Some horses get into our hearts more than others, I call these "heart horses" and Nutmeg is definitely a heart horse for me 💙

Do you have a heart horse in your current herd?

11/07/2021

There's more to a good position than 'sitting pretty" on our horse...

💙 Confidence - an independent seat removes the worry around falling off
💙 Communication - through the subtle use of the seat/weight aid
💙 Clarity - efficient use of our body makes it easier for the horse to carry us, as he can then use his body the way it was designed to, without having to compensate for an unbalanced rider

There's a new element coming to the Equine PT Online Course, and it's all about the RIDER! To find out more just shoot me a message :)

29/06/2021

Winter is here (at least at Equine PT Headquarters in the Southern Hemisphere!) and wet weather and slippery footing can stop a lot of us in our tracks when it comes to working our horses.

Good news though, Equine PT will soon be opening it's doors for the second time this year, to riders looking to train their eye to spot healthy and unhealthy movement, learn a little biomechanics and join the movement of riders training in more of a movement science way!

If you'd like to know more about the 6-week course, just reach out and shoot me a message :)

15/06/2021

A session on the lunge (or longe) can be more valuable than a schooling session from the saddle...

Lunging gives us a view of the horse we don't get from his back, we can see things that we might not yet be able to feel when riding. We can look for the elasticity of his joints, the placement of his hooves and the shape of his back.

It takes real skill, and a well schooled eye for posture to be able to influence the horse with minimal equipment, to get him balanced through the shoulders and bending, which enables him to stretch over the back and engage the inside hind leg.

A good place to start is to film your lunging session, you can then play it back slowly or take screenshots to compare what the horse was like from the start of the session to the finish, and whether you were able to get him using his body better.

Oscar (pictured) is 18yo and takes a while to warm up, these two stills were taken 15mins apart, can you guess which one I was more pleased with ;)

02/06/2021

Earlier in the year Equine PT Sponsored Rider Sheridan and her 3x Eventing Horses came to visit and tried out the big jump in our back paddock... so far it's only been used a chew toy by the young horses so it was nice to see it being used properly for once!

31/05/2021

Walking with your horse is a fantastic way of observing how they're moving and carrying themselves.

It give us a different perspective to that we get from the saddle, and without a rider the horse doesn't need to compensate so we get a better idea of what's really going on!

Remember to keep a suitable distance between you, so you can observe the whole horse, and watching with "soft eyes" or your peripheral vision (rather than a focused pin-pointed stare) can make it easier to notice things.

Lunging (and riding) on a square rather than a circle is also some serious gold... but that's a topic for another day!

14/05/2021

As a dressage rider, I have spend many an hour riding around in the arena, and let me just say, that the kind of walk you get out on the trails is better than what you'll get out of your horse in the arena any day!

The best thing about riding out (apart from the amazing hind-driven powerful walk with the horse lifting his back and using his body it such a healthy way) is that you don't have to ask him for it!

You don't have to ask for it, remind him to keep doing it, hassle or even work for it at all! He walks his best walk because he wants to, because he likes it and because it's so very NATURAL for horses to go walking with their herd members.

It's good for their bodies, minds and souls, and since I started riding my horses out last year, and have seen just how good for them it really is I'm going to make it a regular part of training for all of my horses!

It's this newly-discovered goodness (new to me, anyway) that's led The Equine PT Program to sponsoring the HRCAV's TTT Navigation Ride coming up in August 2021!

01/05/2021

Nutmeg making up her own rules with the Surefoot Pads, we got it right in the end!

07/04/2021

Interested in learning more about how working your horse from the ground can make a difference to your ridden work?

I'm offering a 5-part FREE training series so you can see what I do, and how it works! It's available right now, link to join in the comments.

01/04/2021

Did you know? Your horse doesn't know when his boots match his bonnet... He doesn't mind if your car isn't fancy, as long as you drive carefully when he's in the float...

If I'm having a quiet day at home, or decided to ride unexpectedly and I'm not wearing joddies... my horse won't be worried by it...

All he cares about is how he feels in the moment, and how the work you're asking him to do makes him feel in his body.

When your training works WITH the horse (instead of being imposed on the horse) he will be a willing partner with an open mind and open heart.

When you show him how to move in a way that's good for him he does it because he wants to, and it doesn't matter what saddlecloth he's wearing ;)

24/03/2021

Every horse is a unique individual, just like us. The relationship between a horse and human is also a unique partnership, crafted over time by their collective interactions and the formation of a friendship.

18/03/2021

The stretchy-neck walk is good for tense horses who tend to brace their backs and become lateral in the gait. Take care not to let them get too low as it puts strain on the lower back, muzzle no lower than the knees.

What I'm really looking for isn't so much the low neck, as the lengthened neck, as each vertebra is stretched forward, increasing the distance between them (like a telescope) and activating the deep postural muscles.

A good stretchy-neck in the warm up sets your ride up for suppleness and healthy movement of the spine. It's also good for the heart and mind 💃🐴😉

16/02/2021

We're all familiar with the 3 main components of physical fitness: cardio-vascular, skeletal and muscular... but the 4th is often underestimated.

Later today I'll be talking about the Neurological component of fitness and why it's possibly the most important one of all! See you soon.

12/02/2021

Exercise Physiology - Fitness

I wonder how many riders have a solid understanding of equine fitness?

Fitness will be our focus topic over the next week, so jump into The Equine Personal Training Program Group and keep an eye on this page for videos, live chats and more every day.

From creating a training plan, measuring fitness levels, feeding accordingly and knowing how to take your horse's vital signs, there's a lot to know about managing your equine athlete.

Eventing riders (like Sheridan King, pictured here) and endurance riders are acutely aware of preparing their horses for events as fitness and soundness check are a standard part of competition day. However; many pleasure and recreational riders aren't quite as across the topic as they could be, are you?

If you've got any questions, or perhaps something you've been wondering about for a while, or a topic you think should be discussed let me know in the comments and I'll make sure it's covered. See you in the group :)

Address

Website

https://jessicabryce.com.au/?page_id=66

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Equine PT Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Country:

City: