Equestrian Pilates

As you can see from the photo opposite, I started horse riding when I was quite young! Thankfully my taste in jods and footwear have improved.....

I rode regularly until I was in my late teens when work-life and other sports took over from horses. The main sport which took over my life was rowing, and it was through persistent lower back pain whenever I was in the boat that brought me to Pilates. An osteopath suggested it as a means to correct my postural 'bad habits' and to learn how to use the correct muscles to stabilise my core. Several pain-free years later I had the opportunity to train as a Pilates Instructor and have not looked back since.

I rekindled my love of horses a couple of years ago and I found that my increased body awareness and core strength through doing Pilates made a big difference to how I rode and so I set out to 'spread the word' in Northumberland about the benefits Pilates has to offer.

Professionally, I have been a Body Control Pilates Instructor since 2004 and am also an S.M.A. approved Sports Massage Therapist. I am also a qualified fitness instructor - basically I can nag at you from all view points!

As I said above, I started riding as a youngster along with my elder sister who went on to become an excellent BHS instructor. We used to ride weekly with my Mum and at one point my Grandad who only took up riding in his 60s! My youngest sister also rides so it must be something in the genes which I am grateful for as it is great to have family to bounce ideas off. I have also made some wonderful friends and mentors since starting Equestrian Pilates and it never ceases to amaze me how generous they can be with their knowledge, time and support.

Finally I have to mention my gorgeous young horse, Ari (Arizona when he is being naughty!). Ari is just starting work this year and is bright as a button, and boy does he know it... I am sure I will have my hands full with him but hope to have loads of fun too.