Developing Safe and Skilled Equestrian Athletes at SRA
Riding horses might seem like a world away from the usual sport training programs that SRA Sports Therapy is best known for. But just like our elite ball sport athletes, equestrian athletes need strength, symmetry, control and body awareness to perform at their best – and stay safe while doing it.
That’s why we’re proud to host a series of three-hour “Seat School” workshops this June, designed specifically for equestrians. Delivered by expert physiotherapist and educator Lissanthea Taylor of The Better Rider Project, these sessions focus on building skilled human performance in the saddle through better understanding of anatomy, movement and body control – particularly in the hips, pelvis and lower back.
Beyond Rider Biomechanics
Equestrian sport should look “easy” from the outside, but it demands strength, stability, and body coordination that is almost invisible to someone sitting on the side of the arena. If rider’s have limitations in their mobility or have differences in their balance and co-ordination between their right and left sides, these can have a negative impact on the horse’s health and performance, and affect the horse’s behaviour and training.
At Seat School, participants learn how the anatomy of the pelvis, hips and lumbar spine influence movement patterns on the horse. The workshop includes functional movement assessments using state-of-the-art “Force Decks” to measure postural strategy and stability, helping riders get objective feedback on how their body moves — and where improvements can be made.
Train the Human, Help the Horse
The philosophy of Seat School is simple: train the human, and the horse benefits. Riders will have the opportunity to ride the horse simulator — affectionately known as Sven — to practice core coordination, pelvic control, and lower limb awareness safely. The simulator gives real-time feedback and helps riders translate off-horse skills into in-saddle improvement.
Sessions also include take-home exercises using tools like pilates balls and resistance bands, allowing riders to keep developing their skills and body awareness. Whether the goal is more accurate aids, improved rider position, or better balance on young or unpredictable horses, the workshop equips participants with the tools to make change.
Building Confidence Through Awareness
At its core, this workshop builds rider confidence by making some of the essential but invisible movement skills of riding visible, and teaching you how to practice them. Knowing how your body works – and how to make it work even better – is one of the most powerful tools a rider can have. Whether you ride with your sights set on elite competition or you’re working on mastering the lower levels, Seat School offers insights that make time in the saddle safer, more effective, and more rewarding for both horse and human.
Seat School will run twice in June, 15 and June 29, 10am-1pm at SRA Sports Therapy, $150 per person. Spaces are limited to ensure individual attention, apply via email to Lissanthea at betterriderproject@gmail.com.