Pilates for the Dressage Rider: Engaging the Human Spine Using Pilates

While they use different terms, both Pilates and dressage share an emphasis on the torso, or Powerhouse in Pilates-speak, and achieving core strength, good posture, and muscle flexibility. The goals of a Pilates program are often identical to what riders try to achieved in the saddle in the sport of dressage. The book shares three basic goals: to give the reader an introduction to Pilates and basic workout to do at home or on the horse, to help the rider understand and gain control over the engagement of her own spine, and to guide the rider toward using the knowledge gained through the practice of Pilates to help her find new ways to use her body to improve her riding. The exercises in the book have been culled from the over 500 Pilates exercises and have been specifically chosen to best suit the needs of the dressage rider. Clear photos and detailed instructions clarify each exercise. Written with input of physical therapist Katrin Haselbacher, Pilates for Dressage Riders is required reading for any serious student of dressage.

Author: Janice Dulak, Katrin Haselbacher
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
Published: 05/01/2006
Pages: 158
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.30h x 7.60w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9780939481729
ISBN10: 0939481723
BISAC Categories:
- Health & Fitness | Exercise | General
- Sports & Recreation | Animal Sports | Equestrian

About the Author

Janice Dulak is a former professional dancer, a Romana's Pilates Master Instructor Trainer and a USDF Bronze medalist. Her path from dancer to dressage rider combined with her clear and concise distillation of the Pilates Method creates Pilates for Dressage(R), the original rider training program. Janice is passionate about helping riders achieve their riding goals. As a dancer trying to learn to ride dressage, Janice noticed that there was a language barrier between the instructor and rider. For example, if an instructor were to say "use your leg" to a dancer, that could actually mean anything. Janice has created a vocabulary for both instructor and rider that is meaningful, and teaches riders how to do what the instructor is asking.