Equalign

05/05/2024

Not posted for a while. I hope you are all enjoying
the sunshine. This is me out for a pootle with my mare this morning.

I am still going with the one class just for established clients. I am looking to start more classes again later in the year.

That class is moving to a Monday at 8 in Sharnford. If any of my previous clients would like to join us, there are a couple of places available.

Please note this is not a beginners class. Later in the summer I may be starting a beginners class, also on a Monday evening in Sharnford.

DM me for more details.

02/03/2023

Why what we do works…

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=528516086075742&id=100067520646714

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme features some of our rider based research. In this study we looked at a group of riders, all of which were right handed. Despite the perception of sitting equally, there was increased weight on the left seat bone. How does this translate to when riding (paper on the way)? Whilst we may have a perception of sitting equally, maybe we have a preference to weight one side more than the other. This reinforces the importance of working with riders “off-horse” to improve their proprioception, awareness and symmetry…. which can then be transferred to when riding. 🤓

For more information www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

31/01/2023

Only two spaces left on this class. Don’t delay and miss out. Book online today or message me for more information.

*** Only 2 spaces left in this class!! Book now below or message me for more details***

I am really excited to announce a NEW intake for Pilates for Riders based at a lovely venue in Frolesworth, Leicestershire (LE17). Tuesday Evenings 6.45, starting on the 7th Feb and running for four weeks. This is the first time since 2019 that I have been taking bookings for a brand new Pilates for Riders - Fundamentals class.

Learn how your asymmetries are affecting your horses way of going. Maybe your horse leans on one rein, or struggles to turn right? Maybe you or your horse struggle with a jump off with more right turns than left, or you always have run outs to one side in the cross country phase? Maybe you are struggling with lateral work to one side, or your flying changes are difficult one way?

Research has shown that if we train our movement patterns off the horse, then our position and aids are improved when we are in the saddle.

These hour long Pilates for Riders classes will teach you specific exercises to help correct your asymmetries. This will assist your horse to become better balanced and better able to perform for you!!!

£35 for a block of four classes through the month of February.

Very small classes for close supervision, with a very experienced Physiotherapist and Equipilates™ Biomechanics Trainer.

Please comment below or PM me for more details or book online here...

https://equalign-physiotherapy-and-pilates.uk1.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=772442177350407427&practitioner_id=772442173030274883&appointment_type_id=1075484593634678509

31/01/2023

Limited spaces left on this intake of new clients. I’m not sure when I’ll be opening up a full class intake like this again, so book online now or contact me for further information.

*** Only 2 spaces left in this class!! Book now below or message me for more details***

I am really excited to announce a NEW intake for Pilates for Riders based at a lovely venue in Frolesworth, Leicestershire (LE17). Tuesday Evenings 6.45, starting on the 7th Feb and running for four weeks. This is the first time since 2019 that I have been taking bookings for a brand new Pilates for Riders - Fundamentals class.

Learn how your asymmetries are affecting your horses way of going. Maybe your horse leans on one rein, or struggles to turn right? Maybe you or your horse struggle with a jump off with more right turns than left, or you always have run outs to one side in the cross country phase? Maybe you are struggling with lateral work to one side, or your flying changes are difficult one way?

Research has shown that if we train our movement patterns off the horse, then our position and aids are improved when we are in the saddle.

These hour long Pilates for Riders classes will teach you specific exercises to help correct your asymmetries. This will assist your horse to become better balanced and better able to perform for you!!!

£35 for a block of four classes through the month of February.

Very small classes for close supervision, with a very experienced Physiotherapist and Equipilates™ Biomechanics Trainer.

Please comment below or PM me for more details or book online here...

https://equalign-physiotherapy-and-pilates.uk1.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=772442177350407427&practitioner_id=772442173030274883&appointment_type_id=1075484593634678509

28/01/2023

Spaces are filling fast for my first new intake for Pilates for Riders in 3 years!!! I am now based in a lovely venue in Frolesworth LE17.

*** Only 2 spaces left in this class!! Book now below or message me for more details***

I am really excited to announce a NEW intake for Pilates for Riders based at a lovely venue in Frolesworth, Leicestershire (LE17). Tuesday Evenings 6.45, starting on the 7th Feb and running for four weeks. This is the first time since 2019 that I have been taking bookings for a brand new Pilates for Riders - Fundamentals class.

Learn how your asymmetries are affecting your horses way of going. Maybe your horse leans on one rein, or struggles to turn right? Maybe you or your horse struggle with a jump off with more right turns than left, or you always have run outs to one side in the cross country phase? Maybe you are struggling with lateral work to one side, or your flying changes are difficult one way?

Research has shown that if we train our movement patterns off the horse, then our position and aids are improved when we are in the saddle.

These hour long Pilates for Riders classes will teach you specific exercises to help correct your asymmetries. This will assist your horse to become better balanced and better able to perform for you!!!

£35 for a block of four classes through the month of February.

Very small classes for close supervision, with a very experienced Physiotherapist and Equipilates™ Biomechanics Trainer.

Please comment below or PM me for more details or book online here...

https://equalign-physiotherapy-and-pilates.uk1.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=772442177350407427&practitioner_id=772442173030274883&appointment_type_id=1075484593634678509

27/01/2023

What a lovely morning I have had today. A brilliant pilates class, followed by a rider performance 1:1 with a lovely new client. It is so lovely to be able to use all my experience as a respiratory physiotherapist, musculoskeletal physio, level 3 pilates and Equipilates biomechanics trainer as well as my knowledge from the academic work I do with my ponies.

I had some brilliant discussion today with both the class and my 1:1 client on comparible anatomy and biomechanics of horses and humans. Establishing a greater understanding of the how and why we want to work on specific movements pattern, both with ourselves and when working with our horses.

I love being able to hold these sessions on the same site as the yard I keep my horses on. Helen from Revolution Fitness has such a brilliant set up and then I can pop to the yard to finish off my jobs and see the ponies!!! Even if they are all muddy!!!

I am feeling very lucky today!!

This picture of of my wonderful Connemara, Lottie, from one morning a few weeks ago. I can safely say she isn’t this clean today 😂

26/01/2023

What a lovely recommendation from my fab client when she shared my post about the NEW intake for pilates for Riders…

“Do not miss out on this opportunity while there are places available. They are brilliant classes and Jo is so very knowledgeable 👍🏻”

Thanks E…

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=667549585164558&id=100057285684838

*** Only 2 spaces left in this class!! Book now below or message me for more details***

I am really excited to announce a NEW intake for Pilates for Riders based at a lovely venue in Frolesworth, Leicestershire (LE17). Tuesday Evenings 6.45, starting on the 7th Feb and running for four weeks. This is the first time since 2019 that I have been taking bookings for a brand new Pilates for Riders - Fundamentals class.

Learn how your asymmetries are affecting your horses way of going. Maybe your horse leans on one rein, or struggles to turn right? Maybe you or your horse struggle with a jump off with more right turns than left, or you always have run outs to one side in the cross country phase? Maybe you are struggling with lateral work to one side, or your flying changes are difficult one way?

Research has shown that if we train our movement patterns off the horse, then our position and aids are improved when we are in the saddle.

These hour long Pilates for Riders classes will teach you specific exercises to help correct your asymmetries. This will assist your horse to become better balanced and better able to perform for you!!!

£35 for a block of four classes through the month of February.

Very small classes for close supervision, with a very experienced Physiotherapist and Equipilates™ Biomechanics Trainer.

Please comment below or PM me for more details or book online here...

https://equalign-physiotherapy-and-pilates.uk1.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=772442177350407427&practitioner_id=772442173030274883&appointment_type_id=1075484593634678509

25/01/2023

Wow!!! 7 years ago I started my Equipilates™️ adventure. I am just as excited about the future now as I was this day.

24/01/2023

For any of my previous clients, I have a space available on each of my Pilates for Riders Intermediate classes, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm. These are open to anyone who is attended my one of my Fundamentals classes before.

Please send me a message for more details.

24/01/2023

*** Only 2 spaces left in this class!! Book now below or message me for more details***

I am really excited to announce a NEW intake for Pilates for Riders based at a lovely venue in Frolesworth, Leicestershire (LE17). Tuesday Evenings 6.45, starting on the 7th Feb and running for four weeks. This is the first time since 2019 that I have been taking bookings for a brand new Pilates for Riders - Fundamentals class.

Learn how your asymmetries are affecting your horses way of going. Maybe your horse leans on one rein, or struggles to turn right? Maybe you or your horse struggle with a jump off with more right turns than left, or you always have run outs to one side in the cross country phase? Maybe you are struggling with lateral work to one side, or your flying changes are difficult one way?

Research has shown that if we train our movement patterns off the horse, then our position and aids are improved when we are in the saddle.

These hour long Pilates for Riders classes will teach you specific exercises to help correct your asymmetries. This will assist your horse to become better balanced and better able to perform for you!!!

£35 for a block of four classes through the month of February.

Very small classes for close supervision, with a very experienced Physiotherapist and Equipilates™ Biomechanics Trainer.

Please comment below or PM me for more details or book online here...

https://equalign-physiotherapy-and-pilates.uk1.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=772442177350407427&practitioner_id=772442173030274883&appointment_type_id=1075484593634678509

23/01/2023

Hey fellow horse rider. I see you struggling through this long winter getting enough training in for you and your horse. With the dark nights and icy temperatures it can be tough to find the time and motivation to ride.

That's what you have me for!

What if I told you that winter is the perfect time to work on your position and riding OFF your horse - no getting cold and wet riding I the dark after work...

Research shows that our position in the saddle is linked to the way we move off the horse. The way we walk is the way we ride... The studies also show that if we work on our movement patterns off the horse, well, you guessed it, it improves our position when in the saddle.

All you need to do is keep following my page to get details of my new intake of Pilates for Riders introductory classes starting soon in Frolesworth.

I am also available for 1:1 Rider Alignment sessions for those who want a more in depth, tailored approach, or small groups for bespoke workshops for groups of friends.

I can't wait to hear from you...

22/01/2023

Hi all. I am a little bit late to the party for bringing in the New Year, but its Chinese Ney Year today and this month I have been working hard on my plans for 2023 and I am excited to bring them to you all very soon.

I thought this new chapter for Equalign would be the perfect time for us to all reintroduce ourselves, reconnect and get to know one another a little better. I'll go first, but please help me out and tell me something fun about you, in the comments.

My name is Joanna Smith - best known as Jo. I'm a life long animal lover, but horses and dogs have always held a special place in my life. I trained as a physiotherapist straight from school and I have been practicing in the NHS for coming up to 21 years now, first specialising in respiratory care and then switching to musculoskeletal physiotherapy 7 years ago and launched Equalign. I have always loved Pilates and based my undergraduate dissertation on the relationship between Pilates and breathing, so it made sense to train up to level 3 in mat work to start teaching Pilates and become an EquipilatesTM Biomechanics Trainer.

I live near Hinckley, Leicestershire with my husband, our 11 year old daughter, Labrador Raven and our two ponies, Lottie and Danny.

I'm working hard on upping my social media posting this year, so I hope you'll enjoy seeing a lot more behind the scenes!

Ok, your turn. Please don't leave me hanging! Tell me all about you!
Are you a Dressage rider, Eventer or Showjumper, or do you enjoy any other discipline with your horses? I love training my ponies in Academic work in hand - it shares the essentials of correct movement, strength and endurance with Pilates and is a good fit for us.

What made you follow me? What do we have in common?

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas to all my clients, those new to Equalign and those who have been with me from the very start of my Equalign journey nearly 7 years ago.

21/11/2022

When the student is ready the teacher will (re)appear…

Whilst I’ve not been well this weekend I’ve been hauled up in bed, watching the recording of the live stream of the Jouney On Podcast Summit. It’s three days of presentations from amazing individuals who join Warwick Schiller on his podcast, that is about our journey through life alongside the wonderful animal that is the horse.

Through this podcast I had already been introduced to the fabulous work of a lady named Jane Pike, about the nervous system and movement and also relating that back to (and for our time with) the horses. I even signed up for her online course earlier this year, but then broke my finger and had to stop work so had to stop because money was a bit tight.

At the time I was a bit pi**ed off, because I wanted so much to experience the whole program and the benefits to be sought from it. On the other hand, I procrastinated and didn’t even make a start with the movement work… I know now because I wasn’t ready.

I attended a zoom session held by Jane tonight, to sum up her experience of the Journey On Summit. It cemented my (first level of) understanding about her work and reconfirmed a couple of lightbulb,💡 mind blowing 🤯 moments from the summit. The connection I felt through my phone screen with a group of people in a room two weeks ago in Texas was crazy. I have a reading list as long as my arm, of books written by the speakers and I feel I was on the right track with the Joyride program that Jane runs. Jane reappeared at the summit and I was sold!!

I am now ready for a deep dive into me and my nervous system… and wanted to share a few things with you all as I start that journey.

First is Jane’s page The Confident Rider

https://www.facebook.com/TheConfidentRider

Her podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-confident-rider-podcast/id1460351004

Warwick Schiller Attuned Horsemanship

https://www.facebook.com/Warwickschillerfanpage

The Journey On Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-journey-on-podcast/id1525271300

I encourage anyone who feels the need for a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships with their animals and other humans, to give at least the first episode of the Journey On Podcast a listen.

I am prepared to make some changes in how I show up in the world, how I am with my animals, family and friends, patients and clients.

Thanks

Jo x

‎Leisure · 2022

25/10/2022

Honoured to recommend Hayley and Petals Occupational Therapy.

Petals Occupational Therapy is an independent paediatric Occupational Therapy practice offering assessment, intervention and support for children, young people, their families, local authorities, and schools.

We can help with a range of difficulties including:

- Sensory Processing
- Self Care Skills
- Visual Perception
- Fine Motor Skills
- Activities of Daily Living
- Handwriting
- Participation at School
- Movement & Coordination

If you would like any more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch! 🌼

25/10/2022

Such a lovely welcome for tonight’s class…

07/10/2022

Lovely first session of Pilates for Riders for a brand new group this morning. I love starting from the beginning with the what, why and how of Pilates, especially linking it back to horse riding (and downhill skiing ⛷ 😂). Great work everyone.

Then afterwards I got to chat with the lovely Helen Heritage, who performs Reiki at the Barn on Fridays (and other days I think). Then a physio client or two and I’m able to sort jobs for the ponies in between, as they are kept on site.

Lovely morning. Now to spend some quality time with the furry black one before the heavens open…

04/10/2022

Pilates for Riders Workshops

2 dates released for my Pilates for Riders Fundamentals workshop…

15th October 1-4pm
29th October 1-4pm

Both held at Health Revolution Fitness in Frolesworth.

Come and join me for a small group, dismounted Rider Alignment workshop. Autumn and winter is the perfect time to kick start your journey to becoming a straighter, stronger rider. Recent research shows that it is work OFF the horse that helps contribute to better symmetry and control in the saddle.

These 3 hour session will include:

- Introduction to Pilates for Riders
- Equipilates™️ ABC saddle horse assessment (bring your own saddle on my saddle horse) and exercises
- Introduction to Gym Ball for Riders work
- Tea / cake / refreshments!!

Participants will leave with a selection of exercises for them to complete at home and before riding, to help them to begin to address their asymmetry, balance and core control off the horse, for better symmetry, balance and control whilst riding.

£50 per session. Spaces are limited to keep the numbers down and allow for more detailed assessment.

Please PM me for more details.

25/09/2022

We did it.
I have a strange pain behind my knee which I will investigate later…

For now… I need your cash!!! Please donate as much as you can towards the fabulous cause of the MNDa, looking after people with Motor Neurone Fisease and their families. My previous patients, their families and my colleagues from that time in my life were all on my mind today.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jo-smith100?fbclid=IwAR1ijxFrg9LznVQHuqum1JEjBaT32N_ONggBgAEHVCLM9PLks80DCOh4L_E

I am so grateful to Ed and Louise for the brilliant company and for keeping me going at the end when the pain started to kick in. The feeling when we crossed the finish line was awesome. It turns out 50km is a Bloomin long way? Even when the terrain is “easier” than in the lakes, it turns out about 10km of endless tarmac isn’t great. Especially in stiff walking boots.

So lessons learned. onwards and upwards.

Help Jo Smith raise money to support Motor Neurone Disease Association

21/09/2022

3 days to go!!! The problem is I know what I’m letting myself in for and this time it’ll involve a fair bit more walking in the dark.

However, the reason I started these walks is in my mind more than ever and the charity I am raising money for is so so worthwhile… so I know we can do it.

We will miss Holly this time, l but have my friend Louise stepping in with Ed and I and I know we can do it together. We’ve done the training and we are all prepared.

It’s only 52km walking… how hard can it be (actually, don’t answer that).

Bring it on… and if you feel able please donate towards the MNDa, such a worrhwhile charity!!!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jo-smith100?fbclid=IwAR22WvvzQ9q4Ih6EJS2khOsX5iICnwyl40APECPsS_NKSAmVNU-ymPXiQpc

Help Jo Smith raise money to support Motor Neurone Disease Association

19/09/2022

I cannot allow the day to pass without an acknowledgement of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

This is the moment that nearly brought me to tears. Those who love animals, especially horses and dogs, as she did, will have found it difficult not to be moved by her animals greeting her one last time.

Rest in peace Your Majesty. Thank you for your service, example and kindness.

14/09/2022

Just 10 days to go now before we tackle the Chilterns 50km Challenge. We’ve been training hard and hopefully we’re ready. Just a night time practice walk to do as we will most definitely be finishing in the dark.

I am still a bit of way from my goal for fundraising for the wonderful charity The Motor
Neurone Disease Association. If anyone feels generous enough to donate even a small amount I would be very grateful.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jo-smith100?fbclid=IwAR22WvvzQ9q4Ih6EJS2khOsX5iICnwyl40APECPsS_NKSAmVNU-ymPXiQpc

Help Jo Smith raise money to support Motor Neurone Disease Association

08/09/2022

RIP Your Majesty

Thank you for your service

16/08/2022

Hi guys.

Just over a month until I take in the Chilterns 50km in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

I worked very closely with patients with MND in my old role as a respiratory physio. The MNDa did such wonderful work, finding research, staff, equipment for individual patients and never ending support. Such a worthy cause and I am really looking forward to pushing myself again as I tackle another long hike with Ed Bryan and Holly Cullen.

Please give as generously as you can.

Help Jo Smith raise money to support Motor Neurone Disease Association

23/07/2022

All the kit is in for my first dismounted workshop in a long time.

So lucky to have this brilliant space to work from in Frolesworth, curtesy of Health Revolution Fitness.

I will be advertising more of these workshops in the weeks to come.

12/07/2022

Starting as I mean to go on… bit of a jog up to teach Pilates tonight. I’m very lucky to have the fabulous route from my house, up to The Barn in Frolesworth without having to go on a road.

To train for the 50km Ultra Challenge in September, which I am walking, means fitting bits of exercise and activity where I can. NHS work, two ponies, my daughter, dog and of course my long suffering husband all take my time and attention… every little counts though when it comes to exercising and increasing your activity levels. I lost a fair bit of fitness when I broke my hand in April so need to steadily work to regain that and continue to progress. (For more info on the Challenge see my posts below on my page and if any clients past or present fancy joining us, then drop me a PM!!

It was pretty warm and I was grateful that it wasn’t the heat of yesterday (and I would have chosen not to run), but lots of hydration and sensible clothing made it bearable and it was only 25 mins.

Drop a 🥵 below if you have squeezed in a hot exercise session or two this past week (and remember to take extra care whilst exercising in this heat).

11/07/2022

I am delighted to announce that after completing two Ultra Challenges myself, I have decided to set up an Equalign team for the Chilterns 50 Challenge on the 24th September. It is 50, 25 or 10km walking (or running) through the lovely Chiltern Hills countryside. An area that is close to my heart as I grew up in the area, I literally spent my childhood and teens walking and riding through the hills around Tring, Ashridge and Wendover. This challenge is slightly further south along the hills, but will be no less beautiful.

I am being joined by loyal clients, Ultra Challenge buddies and school friends who still live in the area. In the weeks and months leading up to the challenge I will be running virtual pilates classes, so we all come together to train, focussing on strength and endurance, as well as organising some training walks, posting our progress on here as we go.

I’m really excited for the next 11 weeks!!!

14/06/2022

So I am delighted to say that I am back at work for my NHS job. I am on light duties as I have to be careful for at least another week. However, my hand is holding up to the little bit of typing I have done and my rehab exercises are going well.

I have another Occupational Therapist and Consultant appointment next week, so I will know more then after they x-ray my hand.

Who knew such a small fracture would cause such disruption, but I am on the home straight now.

So stay tuned for some workshops and classes being advertised over the coming weeks… fingers crossed 🤞 😂

23/04/2019

Upcoming events - Booking by Bookwhen

New intake for Pilates for Riders based in Sharnford, Leicestershire (LE10).

Learn how your asymmetries are affecting your horses way of going. Maybe your horse leans on one rein, or struggles to turn right? Maybe you or your horse struggle with a jump off with more right turns than left, or you always have run outs to one side in the cross country phase? Maybe you are struggling with lateral work to one side, or your flying changes are difficult one way?
Hour long Pilates for Riders classes teaching you specific exercises to help correct your asymmetries. This will assist your horse to become better balanced and better able to perform for you!!!
Very small classes for close supervision, with an experienced Physiotherapist and Equipilates™ Biomechanics Trainer.

Please note the link directly below is working, but the main icon for the link is not. I’m unsure why. Please use the blue hyperlink.

https://bookwhen.com/equalign =ev-sr00-20190507190000

03/03/2019

Jodie’s post with her lovely boy... winners of the Elementary section of ADRC’s Winter Dressage Series.

https://www.facebook.com/2187446844871924/posts/2419619874987952?sfns=mo

So a busy,wet,windy but successful day😍
Lessons this a.m then onto A.D.R.C For the final show of their winter league. Seamus thought storm Freya and horses in fields where rather exciting😂 but he managed a respectable score in the elementary and finished winning the winter series 💕 so much love for this horse who has tried his best at everything, and changed massively in 12 months, still a huge amount to work on and we are ready for the next 12 months 💪 Thanks A.D.R.C and sponsors for sashes🤩 char & jarrod for your help😘