The Power of Physiotherapy

There’s a reason for everything and understanding it is key. Once you understand something, you can do everything in your power to improve it. On Friday, we took the first step in our sponsorship journey with Maxine at Hunts Hill Physio by undertaking a pre-season 'Half Day M.O.T.'. Read all about it below, from the start to the very finish.

A static unmounted rider assessment: Starting with an initial assessment of me, Maxine asked about any previous injuries I’ve had or any weaknesses that I notice in my riding. I was most nervous for this part, nervous to hear that I was damaging Lily with my crooked body (LOL)… The truth is, everyone is crooked and it’s probably only 20% as noticeable as you think. Maxine is so friendly and made me feel at ease, so I soon relaxed. If I were to give you one tip here: don’t play an ache or pain down, you're not invincible! Conveniently done on a table in Lily's stable, Maxine thoroughly analysed two things in particular that went on to be the prominent factors affecting my riding.

• A good 10 years ago now, I fell off of my gelding in a hunter trial. He thought I was asking him to jump the 5 bar gate from a standstill when really what I was trying to do was open it... Obviously! I forgot to let go of the reins (oops), got left behind, twisted my arm and damaged back of my left shoulder. This has not only resulted in tightness in the area, but also drawn my right shoulder forward in compensation.

• Last Christmas I had quite a nasty fall and landed on a show-jump with my right hip/glute. I severely damaged the muscles around my sciatic nerve which has resulted in a similar compensation in my left hip/glute.

An equine assessment:

In the equine assessment, Lily’s topline and weight were checked and recorded for monitoring throughout the season. In addition, Maxine videoed a walk and trot up and also carried out flexion and coordination tests. She's plenty limber... More so than me!

A mounted assessment of rider bio-mechanics to evaluate for any asymmetries and an arena side rider treatment:

Using small white polystyrene balls, Maxine analysed my position on the flat and then carried out my treatment at the side of the arena, with Lily's help of course (see left)! This was hugely beneficial because it reiterated what had already been outlined and reassured me that improvements can be made by paying them attention. After just 30 minutes of treatment, I felt as though I was riding a hell of a lot straighter.

An equine treatment: Lily, who waited very patiently for her turn (but also seemed very confused by the whole experience - see below) was elated when it was her turn... She has clearly missed Maxine which is really cute. Overall, her back has improved around 80% since her first treatment with Maxine as a chunky 'conditionless' youngster. Some tightness in the poll through to jaw might suggest she needs her teeth checking again.

An exercise programme for both horse and rider: As well as detailed evaluation reports for Lily, me AND both of us as a ridden combination, Maxine has built an exercise programme for both of us. The programme will build on the strengths and weaknesses we have in order to improve our dressage scores and overall performance to help us reach our goal of competing at 1*!

The 'Half Day M.O.T' as an efficient approach that not only picks out areas of strength or weakness, but more importantly explains them. By offering visual representations, such as diagrams and videography, I now understand what is happening... Now that I do, I can pick out where key problems lie and improve them; that means I am one step closer to resolving them!