Welcome to Core Physio: Home of Equestrian Performance
At Core Physio we support equestrian performance for all levels by accessing what both your bodies are capable of because we know equestrian performance is a team game. Whether you are a pleasure rider or high level competition, we can help you be the best you can be for you and your horse.
It is essential that both horse and rider function are optimised to achieve harmony and balance within this complex system. There is a strong body of evidence that now recognises the impact an asymmetrical rider can have on their horses' body and its locomotion. By assessing the impact we have on each other, we can develop the most effective treatment plan for both horse and rider.
The Core Physio Approach
1.
On Horse Rider
A ridden assessment is extremely valuable to be able to ascertain particular compensations and weaknesses the rider may exhibit when in the saddle. Using a visualisation jacket, rider asymmetry can be identified.
Basic tests can be carried out at the side of the arena which may be able to pinpoint the source of the asymmetry and help to form a treatment plan to resolve any imbalances. More in depth follow up can be done in clinic.
2.
Off Horse Rider
A lot can be learned about our symmetry and compensation patterns through off-horse analysis. This helps us know what to focus on to enhance the horse's ability to perform at it's best.
Any history of previous injuries is imperative to assist in identifying the basis of possible movement patterns and habits the rider may have adopted to perform basic functional tasks which will translate to their ridden position. This assessment includes:
3.
Horse
Equine physiotherapy is extremely complex. There are so many factors that can influence equine well-being and performance, all of which must be considered when evaluating any issues to formulate a complete picture.
Nutrition, environment, tack fit and training methods are just some of the fundamental aspects which impact general horse health and in some cases we need to collaborate with vets, and other equine professionals to ensure a comprehensive management plan is in place.
At Core Physio we start with a Comprehensiv 7 point Initial Assesment.
Riding Simulator
The Racewood Dressage Simulator is the only one in the North Island of New Zealand. Made in England, this highly specialised piece of equipment is the size of a real horse and gives real-time feedback to the rider on their weight distribution, leg pressure and rein tension via sensors. The horse can be ridden through the gaits and rider symmetry is shown on the computer screen in front. You can even ride a dressage test in the arena and practice flying changes, half pass, piaffe and passage, so you can practice all the movements to be a Grand Prix rider!!!
Not only can the simulator be used to help identify and strengthen riders with functional asymmetries, it can also be used for post surgical rehabilitation such as after hip and knee surgery, concussions, and even people with special needs and RDA riders.
A comprehensive assessment can be carried out to evaluate the rider's issues and then a customised strength programme is designed and delivered. Follow-up sessions and progressions are carried out to ensure the rider is on the right track and improving correctly. These applications can then be taken real time where the rider is on their own horse, working on their issues, which can be more complex as the horse's body and locomotion will add further challenges. This is a unique system in New Zealand where not only dressage riders can benefit, but those in all disciplines as effective flat work is essential to optimise equine performance.
You can book in for a physiotherapy assessment and treatment, or just a training session to work on pelvic and core stability, using a series of exercises, weights and resistance bands.
Meet Lindsey
Lindsey Skinner (nee Craig) has been a qualified human physiotherapist for over 20 years.
Originally from Scotland, she moved to Australia to continue her career in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and completed her Masters Degree in Animal Physiotherapy.
Following that she then moved to New Zealand where she owned a Private Physiotherapy Clinic on the North Shore of Auckland and also had an equine caseload.