Physical Therapy for Horseback Riders
Do you enjoy horseback riding? No matter your age, discipline, or riding level, your body shouldn’t be holding you and your horse back.
Pain while riding is not normal. No matter how much you try to block it out, it impacts your ability to communicate with your horse and to ride effectively.
There is so much that a physical therapist can do to help you ride your best.
We will look at why you are having difficulty executing certain movements and why you have weakness / tightness in particular areas.
The therapy techniques will facilitate more symmetrical and efficient muscle function so that you can ride with increased ease and confidence.
Testt® Method
I have studied the Testt® Method through one-on-one coaching with Andy Thomas, founder of the Testt® Method and High-Performance Human Science and Sports Medicine Advisor to the USA (2015 – 2022) and GB Equestrian Teams (2005 – 2015). This assessment and treatment philosophy links body asymmetry with rider-horse performance.
For more information on the Testt® Method, please visit: Testt.co.uk
Sessions performed at your home or barn (with permission from barn management).
Para Riders welcome.
“When I broke four vertebrae in a horseback riding accident in December of 2018, Jennifer happened to actually be present (talk about service!).
In the time that I was healing, she inquired about my well-being and provided support. Once healed and back in the saddle (I had a baby via c-section in there too!), she worked in partnership with my riding coach to help me redevelop my musculature and reduce the chance that I would injure or re-injure myself.
Jennifer supported me with realistic yet effective exercises. (It’s not always possible to get down on the floor and do 20 minutes of stretches three times a day with a newborn, which Kaiser doesn’t seem to understand.) Seven months on from getting back in the saddle in November 2019, I am as strong and capable an athlete as I ever was and probably more so.
Additionally, some of the other aches and pains I had before my injury and pregnancy have also resolved, which I attribute to her careful, holistic approach to my body.
Having had more than one round with Kaiser PT services, I was impressed by how much more effective Jennifer was, with actually less time spent doing the activities than when I was with Kaiser.
Though I was at first worried that working with Jennifer would cost a lot more than working with the Kaiser PT department covered under my plan, it actually ended up being not that much more since the work we did was a lot more efficient.
Plus, there was a personalized aspect to working with Jennifer that helped me feel listened to in a way that Kaiser just couldn’t provide. They seemed unable to comprehend or work with the idea that I was pregnant with a broken back and once the baby came there were two issues that needed physical therapy, whereas Jennifer seemed to take the idea that everyone comes to PT with multiple issues as a given. I refer people to her all the time (most recently outside the x-ray room at Kaiser!).
—Lark B.
“Like many people “of a certain age,” I had chronic lower back problems. My chiropractor could relieve my back pain, but didn’t give me any ways to prevent it. When my back issues got worse and interfered with my horseback riding, I knew I had to find a better way to deal with them.
My riding instructor suggested that I make an appointment with Jennifer, who was also taking riding lessons at our barn. I am so glad I did!
Jennifer’s technique of myofascial release was unlike any physical therapy I’d ever had. She gently manipulated my body to find hidden places where the muscles were tight & painful, and relieved them, both through sessions at her office and by giving me exercises to do at home. She also taught me ways to support my spine while doing daily activities.
I enjoyed my sessions with her very much! She is incredibly knowledgeable about the human body, and I learned many fascinating things. Best of all, I am now able to ride with NO pain, either while riding or afterwards. My flexibility while in the saddle has improved as well.
I would recommend Jennifer to anyone without reservation, but if you are a horseback rider you MUST check her out! Whatever your level, she can help you improve and ride pain free. Also, I found her price to be reasonable, and she is always on time.”
—Heidi T.
Jennifer is really great at what she does. In our initial session she quickly identified weakness on my left side which is the root of a lot of my pain and muscle tension. Unknown to me, this muscle weakness was also affecting my horseback riding and I'm pleased to say that after several sessions with Jen (and with her working in collaboration with my riding instructor), I'm making great progress and have noticed a difference on the horse and off. Having a PT who can work in conjunction with a riding instructor is so valuable and she offers convenient sessions right at my barn. I would highly recommend Jennifer!
— Lizzy L.
Life changing body work!
I am an Equestrian of 20 years and I also have many old injuries, various chronic pains, arthritis and newly diagnosed fibromyalgia. I have been working with Jennifer for a few months now and I have had significantly different (better) results than with other physician appointed physical therapists.
Jennifer's approach is beyond the standard strength training "boot camp" that I have experienced from 17 years prior of on and off physical therapy. She helps understand my body's own unique limitations and incorporates the nervous system into her therapy as well as various other techniques.
I have had trouble from a really bad ankle/lower leg horse accident from 7 years ago and did not even realize how much it was impacting me until we worked on it and improved it. I can
physically walk so much better now. And my leg/ankle are significantly more stable and actually a little stronger than the other side. This has also improved my back pain!
She also works with me and my trainer to improve my dressage lessons and I am riding with better equitation and less pain. Jennifer also has a very kind compassionate nature and is very comforting during her sessions. I have been very fortunate to have found Jennifer and highly recommend her to other Equestrians and people with physical therapy needs.
— Melinda R.