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:	9781570766640
Publisher:	Trafalgar Square
Publication date:	06/10/2014
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	10.20(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Beth Glosten MD, graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1983, did an internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago, then changed into their residency program in Anesthesiology. She did a fellowship in Obstetric Anesthesia at the University of California, San Francisco, in 1986 before returning to the University of Chicago and working as Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology for four years. She then moved back to her home region, the Pacific Northwest, in 1992, where she joined the faculty at the University of Washington, and earned the rank of Associate Professor in 1996. She retired from medical practice in 1997 and pursued her passion for riding dressage full time, while also becoming Pilates Method Alliance certified. Dr. Glosten is a USDF gold, silver, and bronze medalist, as well as a USDF “L” judge training program graduate with distinction. She teaches riding and Pilates students at her facility in Redmond, Washington. 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