The Riding Doctor: A Prescription for Healthy, Balanced, and Beautiful Riding, Now and for Years to Come

by Beth Glosten

Overview

After leaving horses behind for many years to pursue her medical career, Dr. Beth Glosten decided it was time to ride again only to discover that, as a middle-aged woman, she struggled with tension, awkwardness, and an aching back. Dr. Glosten’s own frustration with riding prompted her to apply her clinical research skills to figure out what it would take to not only create the harmonious picture of horse and rider moving together, but also feel good while doing it.

In this book, Dr. Glosten shows others how best to improve their posture and position in order to prevent unnecessary physical degeneration, ensuring they can ride, and ride well, for many years to come. Readers will find basic rider anatomy that is easy to understand, as well as over 50 step-by-step exercises geared toward developing riding skills. Plus, Dr. Glosten has developed a systematic “Rider Checklist” to help you keep track of your position and function in the saddle. Throughout, case studies share rider stories that illustrate the kinds of physical challenges experienced in the saddle in midlife, and how they can be met with proactive, pain-free solutions. The result is a remarkably valuable book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781570767463
Publisher:	Trafalgar Square
Publication date:	01/01/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	19 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Beth Glosten, MD, earned her medical degree from the University of Washington and practiced as an academic anesthesiologist, specializing in obstetric anesthesia. While she no longer practices medicine, this background laid a foundation for her analytical approach to rider-position issues.

Dr. Glosten received her Pilates training through the PhysicalMind Institute and is certified through the Pilates Method Alliance. She operates her RiderPilates program in Redmond, Washington, where she teaches private and small-group, offhorse, exercise and movement classes. She also gives lessons and offers RiderPilates clinics that focus on rider position and function to improve balance and health.

Dr. Glosten owns two horses: the 2004 mare Donner Girl (“DG”) and the 1992 semiretired Grand Prix mare Bluette. She has successfully competed in dressage from Training Level through Grand Prix, and has earned her USDF bronze, silver, and gold medals. She is a graduate of the USDF “L” judge training program, with distinction. Find out more about Dr. Glosten and her RiderPilates program at RiderPilates.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Riding in Balance
My Story
The Five Rider Fundamentals
Overcoming Challenges
Exercises
Simple Exercise Equipment
More Nuts and Bolts

Fundamental 1: Mental Focus
Coordinate Your Breathing with Movement
Exercises to Coordinate Breathing with Movement

Fundamental 2: Proper Posture
23 What Is Balance?
26 Anatomy of Posture
Exercises to Align Your Spine
Exercises to Engage your Deep Abdominal and Back Muscles
Exercises to Strengthen Your Core
Exercises to Stabilize Spinal Alignment
Exercises for Symmetry and Lateral Balance

Fundamental 3: Body Control: Legs
Anatomy of Legs
Exercises for Gluteal and Hamstring Muscles
Stretches for Gluteal and Hamstring Muscles, and External Rotators
Exercises for Adductor and Abductor Muscles
Exercise for the Quadriceps Muscle
Exercises for the Iliopsoas Muscle
Exercises for Differentiating Movement in the Hip Joint, Pelvis, and Spine
Exercise to Learn Core Stability with Leg Movement
More Pain Issues

Fundamental 4: Body Control: Arms
Anatomy of Arms
Exercises to Connect the Arms, Shoulder Girdles, and Torso
Common Arm Position and Function Challenges

Fundamental 5: Understanding Movement
Exercises to Develop Independent Movement
Exercise for Supple Elbows
Riding Exercise to Improve Sitting Trot
Riding Exercise to Improve Transitions
Riding Exercise to Improve Timing of Aids

Final Comments
Learn More!
Quick Reference: Rider Fundamental Exercises
Suggested Workouts
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

“The pictures and descriptions are wonderful. Many [exercises] have step-by-step instructions, and each exercise then relates directly back to how it affects your riding. … This book is broad enough to cover a variety of disciplines. … I found this book really fascinating and loved the visual representation of both exercises and issues. I can’t wait to see how it helps with my shoulders.” —A Gift Horse

“Gives you remedies and fixes for all the common rider issues, from locked elbows and stiff backs to body control and lateral balance. [Beth Glosten] brings us all a wonderful resource which identifies the problems many of us face in the saddle and gives us appropriate exercises and advice on how to improve. … A great book.” —TheHorseStudio.com

“Remarkably clear and understandable explanations of riding anatomy and what our bodies ‘do’ on horseback, for riders of all ages, abilities, and equestrian disciplines.” —Lone Star Horse Report

“Each exercise could benefit anyone, but Glosten’s instructions are laced with real-life stories and examples of how they create a better, more effective equestrian…sort of a Centered Riding for the rest of us.” —Equestrian Ink

From the Publisher