Annette Willson
I have worked as a Physiotherapist for 25 years; I have a Masters degree in Physiotherapy and am a Pilates Trainer. I am also a competitor and Instructor.
I have been a rider all my life developing my talent through pony club and open competition. I won the individual state championships in eventing in South Australia 5 times in a row on 5 different horses all trained from racing to competition level by me. I competed at the national championships as a junior and as senior for the state of South Australia. I received my "A" certificate in Pony Club at the age of 21. This certificate has only been awarded to 4 riders in South Australia.
I won the state dressage championships 3 times in a row.
Moving into senior open competition required more money and more support. I managed to attend university for 4 years, pass, get a job and continue to compete at a moderate level and gained a spot on the Olympic training squad. I remained on this squad for 3 years until my top horse dropped dead from colic. I struggled with severe back pain having ruptured 2 discs in my lower back and a lack of time and funds.
This was a devastating time for me. I bought trained and sold a few horses but didn't get back to high level competition again. I still ride and compete at a lower level, this because it is my passion.
My life has settled into work, family and horses. I have my own Physiotherapy practice, I teach Pilates in my work and I teach it to horse riders. I have 3 three children the youngest disabled. I buy young thoroughbreds off the track and re train them into competition horses. I also train race horses.
The writing of the book my book "Applied Posture Riding" developed over a few years due to my own experience and due to the demand by riders asking the questions, "How do you stay so still in the saddle especially at the sit trot?" I was asked this almost at every outing. I knew I could teach riders to ride well. I hope you are one of them.
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I have been a rider all my life developing my talent through pony club and open competition. I won the individual state championships in eventing in South Australia 5 times in a row on 5 different horses all trained from racing to competition level by me. I competed at the national championships as a junior and as senior for the state of South Australia. I received my "A" certificate in Pony Club at the age of 21. This certificate has only been awarded to 4 riders in South Australia.
I won the state dressage championships 3 times in a row.
Moving into senior open competition required more money and more support. I managed to attend university for 4 years, pass, get a job and continue to compete at a moderate level and gained a spot on the Olympic training squad. I remained on this squad for 3 years until my top horse dropped dead from colic. I struggled with severe back pain having ruptured 2 discs in my lower back and a lack of time and funds.
This was a devastating time for me. I bought trained and sold a few horses but didn't get back to high level competition again. I still ride and compete at a lower level, this because it is my passion.
My life has settled into work, family and horses. I have my own Physiotherapy practice, I teach Pilates in my work and I teach it to horse riders. I have 3 three children the youngest disabled. I buy young thoroughbreds off the track and re train them into competition horses. I also train race horses.
The writing of the book my book "Applied Posture Riding" developed over a few years due to my own experience and due to the demand by riders asking the questions, "How do you stay so still in the saddle especially at the sit trot?" I was asked this almost at every outing. I knew I could teach riders to ride well. I hope you are one of them.
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Masters in PhysiotherapyInterests
horse riding, riding teaching, horse riding instruction, back pain, neck pain, headaches, posture, teaching pilates, sport injuries, pain managementMotto
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Displaying Results 1 - 7 (of 7) for All Content
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Equestrian Exercises ..How Important Are They to the Horse Rider?Equestrian Exercises. Any body can attend a pilates class and most likely improve their posture and fitness. This will not improve your riding.If you want to learn pilates to improve your riding look at a specific program designed just for horse riders. -
How to Lose the Pregnancy Tummy FatBreastfeeding is the best way because in many mothers the metabolism is much more efficient. Exercise and watching what you eat are obviously the other ways. But the most important is to learn how to exercise efficiently and safely after a baby. -
Horseback Riding for Beginners Good Advice to FollowLearn from the experienced. Learn from a person or persons who are good at the sport If you are thinking about taking up Horseback riding then read the following, these are important tips for you to follow to start riding safely and effectively. -
Training the Independant Horse Riding AidsLearning specific movement patterns can improve your riding ability enormously. The movement patterns for horse riding are quite unique.Training them specific requires expert advice.
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Learn How to Canter on a HorseThe canter is a three-beat movement. The well-balanced elevated canter is a beautiful pace to ride. As a rider you feel elegant, skilled and feel like saying, "Wow look at me." This is how it should feel.
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Back Pain Amongst Horse RidersBack pain in horse riders can be controlled. Learning pilates and how to apply it to the riding skill can be learned. -
How to Sit the TrotThe sit trot is a very complicated pace to ride. It requires balance, strength and deep core stability to do well. This can be taught and practiced out of the saddle to become a better horse rider.