Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics
2 Day Course for Riders and Coaches
with Gillian Higgins
Next Date TBA
Wavendon Grange, Lawn Lane, Old Dalby, Leicestershire, LE14 3LW
The key to effective and sympathetic training requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, biomechanics and posture.
With a greater knowledge of biomechanics and posture it will further enhance your understanding of training and riding – taking your skills to a whole new level.
This course is of interest to coaches, professional equestrians and riders, in fact, anyone who would like to appreciate the relevance of applied anatomy and biomechanics to improve riding, training and how the horse moves.
Course Trailer
Using slow-motion video of painted horses, you will see exactly what’s happening under the skin. This will help your understanding of this complex subject.
The course also looks at practical aspects of applied biomechanics and anatomical principles of movement related to the horse. Plus, we’ll take an in-depth look at the structure and function of the equine body and relate it to the way of going.
There will be plenty of discussion and hands-on participation – using a mix of theory and practical observation. Also, the unique facilities at Wavendon, allow horses to come into the classroom to join us and help bring the topic to life.
Key Points
In this course we will look in detail at:
Joint range of movement
Postural problems and how to avoid them
How to assess the gaits and spot irregularities
Myofascial connections related to training and posture
Skeletal maturity and appropriate exercises for young horses
Assessing dynamic posture and asymmetry
Ridden exercises to improve performance
Provisional Timetable
DAY 1
08.30: Registration and Coffee
09.00: Skeletal Biomechanics
11.00: Break
11.30: Muscle Biomechanics
13.00: Lunch
13.45: Posture and the Effect of Riding
15.00: Break
15.30: Supporting Posture
16.00: Practical Session
17.00: Close
DAY 2
08.30: Coffee
09.00: Movement from the Anatomical Perspective
11.00: Break
11.30: The Biomechanics of Jumping
13.00: Lunch
13.45: Poles and Distances
14.30: Assessing Dynamic Posture and Movement
15.30: Observation and comparison of 2 ridden horses on the flat and jumping
16.30: Close
Notes
Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available throughout the day. A light lunch of sandwiches, crisps, fruit and chocolate is included.
Course notes will be provided and Certificates of Participation (CPD) will be emailed after the course.
This course is held both inside and out so please bring appropriate warm clothes for a day out on the yard. This course is limited to 14 people to ensure small groups and individual attention.
Prerequisites
This course is perfect for anyone wishing to learn more about equine anatomy, biomechanics, movement and posture applied to improving training, management and performance.
Prices
Course Leader
Gillian Higgins
Gillian is an equine anatomist, biomechanist, BHS Senior Coach, professional Sports and Remedial Therapist and author with a first class honours degree in Equine Science and Business Management.
Gillian is passionate about posture. She specialises in assessing the musculoskeletal systems and designing exercise programmes for improving posture and performance as well as assessing and addressing individual horses’ weaknesses.
Gillian has studied a variety of equine and human modalities both traditional and holistic.
As well as conventional training, Gillian has studied equine therapies in America, France, Germany and Sweden and is committed to giving our equine partners the best possible levels of care and consideration.
Gillian works with horses from all disciplines and levels from leisure to Olympic.
Venue and Horses
All of Gillian's courses are supported by a wealth of photographs and video footage taken from years worth of work including footage of her anatomically painted horses and from her dissections.
Also on the day of the course, you will have access to Gillian's large collection of bones and anatomical models.
This ensures that you will be better able to visualise the structures we discuss on this course.
This course is run at the Horses Inside Out headquarters, Wavendon Grange near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.
The facilities at this central UK location include a small yard with a variety of horses, arenas and a classroom complete with audiovisual facilities.
This is a comfortable and professional space for learning where you are always guaranteed a friendly welcome.
Gillian has many bones, skeletons and anatomical models in the teaching barn for you to view and handle.
Being able to bring horses into the teaching barn alongside the anatomical models really helps to combine the theory and the practice!
