EquiSports LLC.

11/25/2024

Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us for the Annual All Horse Wassail Parade December 1 at 2 pm in the Village of Metamora. Santa will be at Metamora General after the parade.

11/25/2024

Great info about sport Med management

Podcast Episode · The Horse First: A Veterinary Sport Horse Podcast · 11/19/2024 · 51m

11/23/2024

11/23/2024

11/23/2024

"The Biomechanics of Jumping Position" by Alexis Soutter DVM

"There is much debate these days about the “best” jumping position. For over thirty years now, it has been very common for riders in the hunters, equitation divisions, and even the jumpers to favor a position in which they lean their upper body well forward onto the horse’s neck. The most common explanation for this position is that it in some way allows a better release of the horse’s mouth. Very little attention has been paid in many circles as to what this does to the rest of the horse, however."

Click on the link below to continue reading 👇

https://www.myvirtualeventingcoach.com/articles/guest-blog-48-biomechanics-jumping-position-by-alexis-soutter-dvm

11/23/2024

11/20/2024

Riders often hear or say the phrase "heels down" as the key to good riding, but I believe it's time to shift the focus.

When riders are asked about foot position in the stirrup, "heels down" is often the go-to answer—leading many to place the stirrup too close to their toes. But this obsession with heels down has lost the original meaning of why it's important and how it actually helps your riding.

Here’s why alignment matters more:

1️⃣ Neutral Pelvis is the Foundation
Your pelvis is your anchor in the saddle. If it's tilted too far forward or backward, you'll feel unbalanced, bounce in the saddle, and grip with your thighs to compensate. This not only makes it harder to stay with your horse's movement but also sends confusing signals to your horse.

2️⃣ Spinal Alignment Creates Stability
A neutral spine, combined with a strong core, helps you move with the horse rather than against it. If you're slouching or overarched, your balance and control suffer, limiting your riding effectiveness.

3️⃣ Shoulder-Hip-Heel Alignment Improves Position
When your shoulder, hip, and heel align, your weight is distributed evenly, letting you sit deeper and use your legs effectively. This balanced seat moves with the horse instead of resisting it.

4️⃣ "Heels Down" Can Create Tension
Forcing your heels down before your body is ready often causes tension in the ankle, knee, and hip, making your position stiff and unstable.

Common causes include:
❌ Placing the stirrup too close to your toes, preventing the ankle from absorbing movement effectively.
❌ A lower leg positioned too far forward, throwing off your alignment and balance.

Instead, focus on proper alignment—shoulder, hip, heel—and allow your heels to naturally drop as your strength, flexibility, and balance improve.

⚡ Takeaway: A well-balanced rider with a neutral pelvis, strong posture, and proper alignment will always be more effective than forcing heels down. Build a strong foundation, and the rest will follow!

💡 Want to improve your riding position and alignment? Check out my Rider Physio Video Subscription for tailored exercises and tutorials to help you ride with more balance and control.

🔗 www.pegasusphysio.co.uk

Let me know—do you focus on "heels down," or have you tried shifting your approach?

10/14/2024

10/10/2024

What’s for dinner ! At EquiSports L.L.C.

10/10/2024

10/05/2024