|
|
| Equestrian Professional Sarah Geike, who was
instrumental in the construction of the guidelines "Rider
Biomechanics: Technical Development for Dressage" for the faculty of
the USDF instructor training program. |
.
.
ONE ON ONE INSTRUCTION OFFERED IN RIDER BIOMECHANICS FOR
EQUESTRIAN PROFESSIONALS
The diverse training backgrounds, experience, instructional
methods and needs of the equestrian professional has prompted the
development of a One on One Rider Biomechanics Program for trainers and
judges. This adaptation of the Rider
Biomechanics Clinic encompasses a concentrated one on one program
that includes:
- 1. Review and discussion of lecture materials in a
powerpoint
presentation covering (a) the science of classical ballet
training
used to develop fundamental movement mechanics in Eastern Bloc
development
programs for sports such as gymnastics and figure skating, (b) postural
mechanics:
upper and lower extremity covering alignment and muscle control,
(c)
common mechanisms of injury of the spine and extremities, (d)
sports
specific applications in riding.
2.
Private analysis, correction and retraining sessions for the
rider. This includes spine and extremity analysis using the
mechanical ideal in classical training as our comparative reference
point. The next
step is focused on increasing flexibility and joint range of
motion
to optimize alignment as we would with an elite dancer preparing for
international
competition. Then this work is applied to riding specific mechanics on
a
static barrel that include the seat, posting, halt/half halt, turn
mechanics,
spiral seat and lateral movements.
- 3. Optional: Application of the static barrel exercises, on
horse.
- .
As
articulated in the paper "Why Eastern Bloc Countries Dominated the Gymnastics
Field in Sydney," Coaches Information Service: International
Society of Biomechanics in Sports:
- "Postural
alignment as illustrated in correct classical ballet training is the
reference point for the most stable, balanced, integrated relationship
of the spine and
extremities that exists. If a movement is executed at any developmental
level with incorrect alignment, the associated spine and extremities
will
strengthen incorrectly, leading to joint instability and lack of
precision
control of the human frame in space."
|
