Rider Biomechanics
We offer individual sessions and group workshops to help you develop your riding to improve your comfort, effectiveness and performance in the saddle.
Taking a close look at the underlying mechanics of riding and one’s own body patterns can unlock a new level of performance and shed new light on ongoing riding challenges.
Rider Biomechanics Assessment
45 minute session
$90 (with a chiropractic visit)
travel fee will apply for stand-alone service
Suitable for all rider levels, the rider biomechanics assessment takes place mounted and involves feedback on rider alignment and function. Dr Crawford draws on her in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and biomechanics and years of experience coaching riders as well as her training with Mary Wanless.
Structured similar to a regular lesson but the emphasis is on the rider’s alignment, stability and symmetry.
Assessment of saddle fit to horse and rider
On and off-horse exercises are given to work on strength, mobility and movement patterns.
Riders go away with new levels of awareness and new motor patterns to improve their effectiveness
Typically done in conjunction with an equine/human chiropractic assessment or follow up visit. If you would like to book this service on it’s own, extra fees will apply.
Rider Biomechanics Dismounted Workshops
half day workshop $500
These workshops are suitable for all ages, fitness and riding levels. They are packed with information and hands-on learning. We recommend a group size of about 6-10 participants for optimal learning environment but can accommodate larger or smaller groups.
Workshops combine classroom-style teaching and interactive exercises. You will have the opportunity to explore your own body patterns with feedback from an expert. We cover:
Fundamental concepts in anatomy, posture, balance and body control geared to rider specific skills
Biomechanics of the horse-rider interaction and the keys to a balanced, stable seat
Anatomy-based discussions around improving performance and injury prevention
Individual postural analysis (depending on group size)
Riding clinics
$1000 per day
We offer one or two-day mounted clinics that focus on rider biomechanics, with a dismounted workshop for riders and auditors over lunch.
Upcoming events
March 31 2024: Riding Biomechanics Clinic and dismounted workshop
Location: Firefly Equestrian, Hamilton, Ontario
Contact: Jenn panzsa@hotmail.com to inquire about rider and auditor spaces
April 14 2024: Horse and Rider posture and function biomechanics and chiropractic clinic
Location: Evamar Equestrian Centre, Peterborough, Ontario
Contact: Carol evamarfarms@hotmail.com to inquire about rider and auditor spaces
May 11-12 2024: Riding Biomechanics Clinic and dismounted workshop
Location: River Ridge Equestrian, Walkerton, Ontario
Contact: Gail 760riverridge@gmail.com to inquire about rider and auditor spaces
Want to host a workshop or riding clinic?
If you would like to bring an On Course rider workshop or clinic to your barn or club, get in touch today! Hosting is easy, and all types of riders will enjoy a fun and educational day.
What people are saying about On Course rider workshops and clinics:
“I haven’t been that enthralled by a topic in a long time. Thoroughly enjoyed it and am keen to learn more.”
“I think it was the most informative clinic we've ever hosted”
“I’m not normally the enthusiatic reviewer, not overly critical, but truly I got much more than I expected. Most clinics I go leave with one ‘takeaway’. This time I came away with a better understanding of my weaknesses and how to develop a better posture, seat, and engagement. What I found interesting was seeing different levels of rider, age groups and disciplines having similar issues. I enjoyed your analytical approach. Well organized. Thank for spending time with each individual both in getting exercises better and especially in the saddle. That rarely happens.”
“I really enjoyed and found the workshop most useful and greatly appreciate the hard work you put into organizing and presenting it.”
“AMAZING day at the Rider Biomechanics Workshop hosted by Stephanie Crawford. She is a wonderful and engaging teacher, with amazing attention to detail. I left the workshop and had 2 great rides on two very different horses. Great take-home messages applied.”
“Had a super fun and educational day at the Rider Biomechanics workshop today. Stephanie Crawford was excellent at breaking down the different muscles and anatomy used for riding. She helped us all get 'body-aware' and have a better understanding of our biomechanics and how they are used for riding, helped assess our strengths and weaknesses in certain muscle groups as well as our positions in the saddle and gave us suggestions and exercises to fix them. It was a great group of riders and professionals and exactly the type of thing I needed to give me more to work on and get remotivated this winter!”
