The Equestrian Physio: On Air

I’m back! After a little holiday pause and a busy January enrollment inside TEP Training, it feels really good to hit record again.In this episode, I unpack a post I shared recently that stirred up more than a few strong reactions. It started with a simple observation: riders being asked to do laps in two point “to strengthen their legs.” I questioned whether that’s really the most effective way to build strength, and whether we’ve quietly normalized outsourcing our fitness to the time we spend in the saddle?This conversation is not about banning two point (it's not even about two point!). It is not about saying squats are superior to riding. And it is absolutely not about attacking coaches or tradition. It is about this:• The difference between skill development and strength development• Whether riding alone is sufficient to build physical capacity• The message we send young riders when we frame mounted drills as “fitness work”• Efficiency, intentionality, and athlete identity• Why surplus capacity matters when things get hard or unpredictable• And how tradition shapes what we defendI talk through the common counter-arguments I received, from “two point builds strength and skill at the same time” to “why can’t we just do both?” I also zoom out to look at how every other sport separates skill practice from physical preparation, and why equestrian sport often resists that model.At the core, this episode is about responsibility.Our horses are our partners. If we identify as athletes, then part of that identity is showing up with strength, endurance, mobility, and resilience already built. Time in the saddle should primarily serve skill, communication, and the horse’s development. Strength can be built far more efficiently off the horse, in a way that creates a real buffer for the unexpected.This is a nuanced conversation. It is not black and white. But I believe it is one worth having.If this episode resonates with you, challenges you, or even frustrates you a little, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. Message me, tag me, share your thoughts. Let’s keep raising the standard together.Welcome to Season 2.Come say hi!​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

Asymmetry is one of the biggest things riders obsess over. Leg length, crookedness, hip rotation, handedness, “my pelvis is twisted,” “one stirrup always feels longer,” all of it. The question is… when does it actually matter?In this episode, I dig into what asymmetry really means for riders, when we care about it, and when it’s completely normal. I talk through why most athletes (in almost every other sport) function perfectly well with natural sidedness, why some asymmetries are literally performance advantages, and why equestrians are a special case because our bodies don’t operate alone — they influence the horse underneath us.I break down:• Why asymmetry in most sports is normal and often helpful• Why equestrians sometimes need to treat asymmetry differently• The problem with chasing endless “corrective” exercises• Why leg length measurements are often inaccurate• How a well-rounded, consistent strength program solves most asymmetries• When unilateral work makes sense and when it doesn’t• Why you shouldn’t automatically add more reps to your weaker side• The difference between an adaptation and an actual problem• Why most riders are trying to fix the top of the pyramid without building the foundationI also explain how I build programs for riders: starting with human needs, then layering in discipline demands, then addressing individual asymmetries only after the base is covered. Most riders don’t need dozens of corrective drills. They need consistent, well-structured strength training that gets them close to failure, covers all major muscle groups, and includes enough unilateral work to balance things out over time.If you’ve been told you’re “crooked,” “uneven,” or “twisted,” this episode will help you understand what matters, what doesn’t, and how to actually train in a way that supports your riding.Come say hi!​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

Hypermobility doesn’t have to mean pain, fatigue, or “I can’t.” In this episode, we unpack what hypermobility really is, what it means for riders, and how we can train smarter so both our bodies (and our horses) feel better.I break down the spectrum from simple joint hypermobility to HSD and hEDS, how these conditions show up for equestrians, and why strength training can be such a powerful tool for comfort, control, and confidence in the saddle. I also talk about why hypermobile riders often experience disproportionate soreness, how to build strength safely, and when bracing or taping can actually help. Expect clear explanations, practical strategies, and realistic starting points for anyone managing hypermobility in their riding and training.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Hypermobile Equestrians08:53 Understanding Hypermobility and Its Implications17:00 Managing Hypermobility in Athletic Performance26:03 Understanding Body Awareness and Neural Pathways28:39 The Importance of Resistance Training30:55 Addressing Joint Pain and Injury33:22 Managing Fatigue in Hypermobile Individuals35:47 The Role of Bracing and Support38:31 Conclusion and Call to ActionKEY TOPICSWhy so many hypermobile riders relate to this show, plus sampling biasDefinitions: hypermobility vs HSD vs hEDS, Beighton overviewCommon co-travellers: fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, GI issues, neurodivergence, MCASDisproportionate soreness after new or high-volume training, what to do insteadProgramming that works: intentional under-dosage, repeat movements, several-week blocksProprioception and body maps, why resistance training sharpens control in the saddleJoint pain, subluxations, and building “good tension” with stronger tissuesFatigue realities, setting worst-week goals, stacking tiny winsBracing and taping: when it helps, and the goal to “be the tape”Travel and show-season training options riders can actually stick withPRACTICAL TIPSStart slower than you think. Aim for 20 to 30 percent of true capacity and build weekly.Keep the same main lifts for 4 to 8 weeks so your body adapts and soreness drops.Use mirrors, tempo, and repeated practice to improve body awareness.Build muscle around lax joints to add healthy resting tension and stability.If you brace or tape for big days, pair it with a plan to strengthen the area.For fatigue, pick a goal you can hit on your worst week, then layer up.Come say hi!​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

Come say hi!​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

Do Barn Chores Count as Training? And what is the Physical Activity Paradox?Unless you've been living under a rock, you're likely aware that riders (or any athlete, really) need to be doing some kind of dry-land training to supplement their riding. If not for the performance aspect of it, at least training to give your horse the same courtesy they give you; namely, showing up as a active partner, not a passive burden. But, in the comments, the DMs, and sometimes even in person, one of the biggest pushback comments I get to this statement is, "But I do barn chores/muck 25 stalls/get 30k steps in a day... I don't need to go to the gym too!". In this podcast, we'll talk through why that statement doesn't hold up against what we know from research, from principles of tissue adaptation, and more. We'll explore the differences between recreational and occupational physical activity, highlighting a principle known in research as the Physical Activity Paradox. TakeawaysOccupational activity is shown in research to have a more neutral health impact, and may even lead to more injuries than benefits.Recreational fitness has clear health benefits for function, health, disease prevention and longevity.This discrepancy is known as the Physical Activity Paradox.For similar reasons as to why this paradox exists, barn chores alone aren't enough for building mobility and strength.Barn chores, like other manual labour jobs, are often too low load or low intensity, too repetitive, too single sided, and don't offer enough recovery time between bouts to see true tissue adaptation (like strength or mobility gains) past a certain point. Our bodies only adapt to be capable of what we ask of them. If we make our chores = our training, our bodies will only adapt to be capable of the daily tasks, not more. Leaving us operating close to our threshold on a daily basis. Dry-land training should prepare you for daily demands, meaning it needs to be performed in a way where we are building up our body's capacity to exceed what is required for day to day tasks. In this way, we build up a "buffer zone" with our training, working to "over-engineer" our bodies for the daily demands of chores and riding. Keywordsequestrian fitness, physical activity paradox, strength training, riding performance, occupational activity, recreational sports, equestrian training, injury prevention, cardio training, equestrian healthChapters00:00 Introduction and Life Updates04:38 Understanding the Physical Activity Paradox10:39 The Implications for Equestrians14:38 Training for Daily Demands16:59 Conclusion and Call to ActionCome say hi!​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode, we discuss the core values and mission behind the training system. We'll talk through the importance of treating equestrians as athletes, the need for evidence-based training, and the significance of empowerment through education. I outline the journey of building this training system, the challenges of identifying quality programming, and the importance of commitment and capacity in training, while also highlighting the principles of structured autonomy and lifelong development, aiming to create a stronger equestrian culture.TakeawaysThe equestrian industry lacks a focus on treating riders as athletes.Rider's also struggle with identifying what good quality training actually looks like, and building the habit of training consistently. ValuesEmpowerment Through Education: We don’t just tell riders what to do. We show them why it matters. Knowledge builds confidence, autonomy, and long-term results.Athlete Identity: Riders are not passengers. They are athletes, and deserve training systems that reflect the strength, skill, and resilience that role demands.Commitment That Respects Capacity: Progress matters, but it also has to be sustainable. We train with intention, but never ignore life’s reality. Consistency is the foundation of everything, and this system reflects that. Structured Autonomy: We offer flexible systems, but not aimless ones. Riders are supported to adapt, reflect, and and make choices that fit their body, schedule and environment while staying grounded in evidence.Evidence-Informed Everything: Every strategy is grounded in the best available science and refined through clinical and coaching experience. We’re not here to sell flashy moves, we’re here to give you what actually works.Lifelong Development: This isn’t about short-term gains or quick fix goals. It’s about building strength, awareness, and habits that hold up across decades, not just seasons.Paying It Forward: We believe in building a smarter, stronger equestrian culture, through education that empowers the next generation of riders and coaches.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Core Values03:53 The Journey of Building a Training System08:37 Identifying Gaps in Equestrian Training12:51 Core Values of the Equestrian Physio Training System16:44 Empowerment Through Education20:54 The Athletic Identity of Equestrians25:11 Commitment and Capacity in Training29:37 Structured Autonomy in Training Programs34:07 Lifelong Development and Paying It ForwardKeywordsEquestrian Physio, training system, core values, athlete identity, evidence-based training, empowerment, equestrian health, strength training, behavior change, lifelong developmentCome say hi!​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode of Equestrian Physio on Air, we dive into the complex relationship between gym training asymmetries and their potential impact on riding performance. We discuss the importance of critical thinking in evaluating claims about asymmetry (and in general), the benefits of both bilateral and unilateral training, and the necessity of movement variability. We see this all the time online: concerns that squatting, deadlifting, or pressing with a small hip shift or rotational bias will reinforce asymmetries and make you more crooked in the saddle. But let’s not just parrot that – let’s break it down:We’re asking:Does lifting with mild asymmetry actually cause one-sided development?Does that matter for our riding?Do the benefits of bilateral training outweigh the risks?What even is “perfect” movement, and should we be chasing it?Can movement variability actually help, not hurt?How do we manage or prevent the risks?TakeawaysAsymmetry in the gym may affect riding performance.Critical thinking is essential when evaluating training claims.Bilateral lifts can provide greater strength/hypertrophy/neuromuscular gains than unilateral lifts.But unilateral training can help reduce asymmetry in athletes.Movement variability is beneficial for injury prevention, too.Riders often develop asymmetries over time due to various factors.Perfect movement is a myth; variability is normal and healthy.Strength training builds confidence and resilience in riders.Monitoring and addressing asymmetries can enhance performance. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Topic Overview05:37 Exploring Asymmetry in Gym Training and Riding20:13 The Impact of Asymmetry on Riding Performance32:17 Balancing Bilateral and Unilateral Training37:51 Strategies for Managing Asymmetry in TrainingKeywordsequestrian, physiotherapy, strength training, asymmetry, gym performance, riding performance, unilateral training, bilateral training, injury prevention, equestrian athletesCome say hi!​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

SUMMARYIn this episode, we’re tackling one of the most hotly debated topics in equestrian circles:Is mounting from the ground harmful to your horse’s back—or are we oversimplifying the issue?We start with where this tradition came from (yes, swords are involved), and then take a deep dive into what the research actually says about the forces placed on your horse’s spine during mounting, especially from the ground.We talk about what’s backed by science, what’s mostly anecdotal, and where we might be making assumptions based on fear rather than evidence.As always, we’re bringing a critical lens. Questioning not just the status quo but also our own biases.KEY POINTS​Tradition isn’t always best practice: Mounting from the left is a centuries-old habit rooted in sword-wearing military culture—not in biomechanics or welfare. While it’s deeply ingrained, it’s worth asking: is our tradition creating unnecessary asymmetrical stress over time?​The force data is clear. Ground mounting hits harder: Pressure-mat studies show that ground mounting creates significantly higher and more asymmetric force on the horse’s back, especially over the right withers. In some cases, the load is comparable to landing from a 1.30m jump. A tall mounting block or a leg-up significantly reduces these forces.​BUT... Horses (and humans) adapt to load—when it’s progressive and intentional: Biological tissues adapt when loaded appropriately. Just like runners build healthier spinal discs or lifters increase bone density, horses may build resilience with smart exposure. Avoiding all ground mounts may actually leave both horse and rider underprepared when they need to do it.​Rider fitness and technique matter more than we think: A quick, coordinated, athletic mount from the ground can be less stressful on the horse than a clumsy, uncontrolled mount from a block. Rider height, strength, and agility all influence how much torque is transferred. Good mounting technique should be a trained skill, not an afterthought.​Repeated one-sided mounting can warp your saddle: Saddle makers tend to confirm that repeated torque from one-sided ground mounting can twist the saddle tree over time, creating uneven fit and pressure points. Horses may also develop postural asymmetries or muscle imbalances from always being mounted from the left.​This isn’t black or white, and we need to be critical in our evaluation: Mounting is a biomechanical event, not just a moment. Yes, ground mounting imposes more stress. But that doesn’t make it inherently bad. Horses, riders, and tack all respond to how and how often the forces are applied. The goal isn’t to eliminate load—it’s to apply it wisely.KEYWORDSground mounting, mounting block, saddle fit, rider fitness, equine biomechanics, horse back pain, one-sided mounting, spinal health, rider technique, equestrian traditionCome say hi!​⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

SUMMARYIn this solo episode, we walk through the real-life framework I use every time I’m asked, “Should I try this?” Whether it’s red light therapy, PEMF, taping, spinal mobilization, or even just a new stretch or gadget, we break down how to move past the hype and make a sound clinical decision.We’re talking about critical thinking and clinical reasoning—two terms that get thrown around a lot but rarely broken down in a way that feels practical. This episode is about making informed choices that actually align with the why behind your treatment goals, instead of grabbing at whatever tool is trending. If you’re a clinician, coach, or rider trying to filter through the noise, this one will sharpen your process.KEY DEFINITIONS​Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information logically and independently, question assumptions, and evaluate claims with curiosity and skepticism. It’s not about being cynical—it’s about asking, “Does this actually make sense, here, for this patient?”​Clinical Reasoning: A dynamic, evidence-informed process we use to make treatment decisions. It pulls from research, clinical experience, client input, and context to determine the most appropriate intervention.EPISODE TAKEAWAYS​Understand the WHY• Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. We need to understand the underlying contributors—load, sensitivity, recovery, movement habits—before recommending any treatment.​Set Specific Treatment Goals• Is the goal to improve tissue capacity? Reduce sensitivity? Promote movement? Build confidence? Without a goal, we’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall.​Ask: Does This Modality Actually Address That Goal? • If you’re recommending something like laser, massage, or spinal mobilization, it better align with the system or structure you’re trying to affect.​Look at the Evidence • Is the support for this intervention coming from high-quality, independent research? Or is it mostly testimonials and brand marketing?​Compare Other Options • Even if a modality might work, is there something just as effective, more accessible, and less expensive? Is there something with lower risk? Active treatments like resistance training often outperform passive ones long-term.​Plan to Test and Measure • Don’t assume it works. Build in ways to assess before and after. If it doesn’t make an impact, it’s okay to change course.​Watch for Red Flags in Marketing • If it’s making big promises without much substance, pause. Words like “regenerates,” “balances,” or “detoxes” often signal more marketing than mechanism.Keywordsequestrian, critical thinking, physiotherapy, horse care, treatment modalities, evidence-based practice, equestrian industry, clinical reasoning, horse health, rider healthChapters00:00 Introduction and Life Updates06:06 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Equestrian CareCome say hi!​⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode, we discusses the essential components of being an effective rider, and look at a framework that I like to use of six pillars: strength, mobility, body awareness, power, endurance, and skill. Training off horse is essential to build physical capacity and allow riders to focus on skill development while riding. We also touch on common misconceptions in equestrian training and the need for a overall approach to rider fitness.TakeawaysThe six pillars of effective riding include strength, mobility, body awareness, power, endurance, and skill.Strength allows riders to stabilize their bodies under dynamic loads from the horse.Mobility is crucial for matching the horse's movements without causing discomfort.Body awareness is essential for accurate riding and effective communication with the horse.Power training helps riders respond quickly to the horse's movements.Endurance is necessary for sustaining performance throughout a ride.Skill development is what occurs in the saddle.Training in the gym should focus on building capacity rather than mimicking riding movements.Your horse should not be the means to get fit; riders need to be fit before riding.Keywordsequestrian, riding, strength, mobility, body awareness, power, endurance, skill, training, fitnessCome say hi!⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode, we chat about the principles of rehabilitation, focusing on pain management, understanding diagnoses, and the importance of movement and recovery. TakeawaysRehabilitation is not just about exercises; it's about understanding and managing symptoms.You are not defined by your diagnosis; it is just a part of your story.Imaging results do not always correlate with pain levels or functional ability.Pain is influenced by various factors, including stress and beliefs about movement.Gradual exposure to painful activities can help in recovery.Load management is crucial in rehabilitation; modify activities to find an entry point.Resting too much can lead to deconditioning; movement is essential.Sleep and recovery are vital for healing; prioritize them in your routine.Track your progress objectively to recognize improvements over time.Seek professional help for personalized rehabilitation guidance.Keywordsequestrian rehabilitation, pain management, physiotherapy, musculoskeletal rehab, load management, graded exposure, recovery strategies, equestrian sports, injury prevention, strength trainingChapters00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Rehabilitation01:59 Understanding Pain and Diagnosis04:35 Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehab10:43 Managing Pain and Load19:18 Graded Exposure and Movement StrategiesCome say hi!⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode of Equestrian Physio, we discuss the challenges equestrians face in maintaining a consistent training routine. We'll go over the importance of understanding psychological barriers, the need for curiosity in overcoming limitations, and practical strategies for habit formation. Keywordsequestrian, physiotherapy, training, psychology, habit formation, consistency, barriers, motivation, strength training, equestrian fitnessChapters00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Training Challenges02:25 Understanding Barriers to Consistent Training04:24 The Psychology of Habit Formation06:58 Strategies for Building Consistent Habits09:44 Creating an Environment for Success12:14 Making Training Attractive and Rewarding14:44 Simplifying the Process of Training17:11 The Importance of Consistency Over Perfection19:38 Integrating Training into Daily Life21:55 Final Thoughts and EncouragementMaestro on the Mic - Shante Cofield"The prize for fighting for your limitations is that you get to keep them."Instagram: @theequestrianphysioFacebook: @theequestrianptTikTok: @theequestrianphysioWebsite: theequestrianphysio.caGet the Training App!Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

Join host Katie, a Canadian physiotherapist with a passion for equestrian and equine rehab, as she shares her unique journey into the world of physiotherapy. From her early days on a family breeding farm to overcoming personal challenges and launching the Equestrian Physio brand, Katie's story is one of resilience and dedication.KeywordsEquestrian Physio, physiotherapy, equestrian athletes, strength training, rehabilitation, equine health, podcast, equestrian education, sports medicine, equestrian communityTakeawaysThe mission of Equestrian Physio.There is a significant gap in evidence-based training for equestrians.Katie's journey into physiotherapy was influenced by her own rehab experiences.Equestrian athletes need to train outside of riding to improve performance.Katie's childhood on a breeding farm shaped her understanding of horses.Her car accident led her to discover the importance of physiotherapy.Katie's master's research focused on equine metabolism and obesity.The Equestrian Physio brand started as an educational initiative on social media.Katie offers a range of services from free education to one-on-one coaching.Come say hi!⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode of Equestrian Physio on Air, we discusses the importance of periodization in training for equestrians. We dive into how structured training can enhance performance, manage fatigue, and reduce injury risk. The conversation covers the definition of periodization, its application in both rider and horse training, and the benefits of understanding these principles for improved athletic performance.Keywordsequestrian, periodization, training, strength, conditioning, equestrian training, athlete, performance, recovery, injury managementTakeawaysPeriodization is crucial for optimizing performance and recovery.Understanding basic training principles can elevate the equestrian industry.Linear periodization involves gradually increasing intensity while decreasing volume.Undulating periodization allows for variation in training intensity and volume.Block periodization organizes training into specific goals over time.Periodization helps manage fatigue and avoid burnout.Training should be structured to allow for recovery and adaptation.Both riders and horses benefit from periodized training.A well-designed training program can enhance overall performance. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates03:20 Understanding Periodization06:00 Defining Periodization10:50 Types of Periodization14:32 Importance of Periodization for Equestrians18:40 Applying Periodization to Horse Training22:05 Conclusion and Call to ActionCome say hi!⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

In this episode of The Equestrian Physio On Air, we discusses the importance of foundational training for equestrians, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to training that goes beyond quick fixes. We go through how to create effective training programs tailored to individual equestrian disciplines and addresses the significance of individual needs and rehabilitation in training.takeaways.Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DL7Wa0isOg1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkCome say hi!⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.