Asymmetry is one of the biggest things riders obsess over. Leg length, crookedness, hip rotation, handedness, “my pelvis is twisted,” “one stirrup always feels longer,” all of it. The question is… when does it actually matter?
In this episode, I dig into what asymmetry really means for riders, when we care about it, and when it’s completely normal. I talk through why most athletes (in almost every other sport) function perfectly well with natural sidedness, why some asymmetries are literally performance advantages, and why equestrians are a special case because our bodies don’t operate alone — they influence the horse underneath us.
I break down:
• Why asymmetry in most sports is normal and often helpful
• Why equestrians sometimes need to treat asymmetry differently
• The problem with chasing endless “corrective” exercises
• Why leg length measurements are often inaccurate
• How a well-rounded, consistent strength program solves most asymmetries
• When unilateral work makes sense and when it doesn’t
• Why you shouldn’t automatically add more reps to your weaker side
• The difference between an adaptation and an actual problem
• Why most riders are trying to fix the top of the pyramid without building the foundation
I also explain how I build programs for riders: starting with human needs, then layering in discipline demands, then addressing individual asymmetries only after the base is covered. Most riders don’t need dozens of corrective drills. They need consistent, well-structured strength training that gets them close to failure, covers all major muscle groups, and includes enough unilateral work to balance things out over time.
If you’ve been told you’re “crooked,” “uneven,” or “twisted,” this episode will help you understand what matters, what doesn’t, and how to actually train in a way that supports your riding.
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
Hypermobility doesn’t have to mean pain, fatigue, or “I can’t.” In this episode, we unpack what hypermobility really is, what it means for riders, and how we can train smarter so both our bodies (and our horses) feel better.
I break down the spectrum from simple joint hypermobility to HSD and hEDS, how these conditions show up for equestrians, and why strength training can be such a powerful tool for comfort, control, and confidence in the saddle. I also talk about why hypermobile riders often experience disproportionate soreness, how to build strength safely, and when bracing or taping can actually help. Expect clear explanations, practical strategies, and realistic starting points for anyone managing hypermobility in their riding and training.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Hypermobile Equestrians
08:53 Understanding Hypermobility and Its Implications
17:00 Managing Hypermobility in Athletic Performance
26:03 Understanding Body Awareness and Neural Pathways
28:39 The Importance of Resistance Training
30:55 Addressing Joint Pain and Injury
33:22 Managing Fatigue in Hypermobile Individuals
35:47 The Role of Bracing and Support
38:31 Conclusion and Call to Action
KEY TOPICS
PRACTICAL TIPS
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
Come say hi!
Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
Do Barn Chores Count as Training? And what is the Physical Activity Paradox?
Unless you've been living under a rock, you're likely aware that riders (or any athlete, really) need to be doing some kind of dry-land training to supplement their riding. If not for the performance aspect of it, at least training to give your horse the same courtesy they give you; namely, showing up as a active partner, not a passive burden.
But, in the comments, the DMs, and sometimes even in person, one of the biggest pushback comments I get to this statement is, "But I do barn chores/muck 25 stalls/get 30k steps in a day... I don't need to go to the gym too!".
In this podcast, we'll talk through why that statement doesn't hold up against what we know from research, from principles of tissue adaptation, and more. We'll explore the differences between recreational and occupational physical activity, highlighting a principle known in research as the Physical Activity Paradox.
Takeaways
Keywords
equestrian fitness, physical activity paradox, strength training, riding performance, occupational activity, recreational sports, equestrian training, injury prevention, cardio training, equestrian health
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Life Updates
04:38 Understanding the Physical Activity Paradox
10:39 The Implications for Equestrians
14:38 Training for Daily Demands
16:59 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
In this episode, we discuss the core values and mission behind the training system. We'll talk through the importance of treating equestrians as athletes, the need for evidence-based training, and the significance of empowerment through education.
I outline the journey of building this training system, the challenges of identifying quality programming, and the importance of commitment and capacity in training, while also highlighting the principles of structured autonomy and lifelong development, aiming to create a stronger equestrian culture.
Takeaways
Values
Empowerment Through Education: We don’t just tell riders what to do. We show them why it matters. Knowledge builds confidence, autonomy, and long-term results.
Athlete Identity: Riders are not passengers. They are athletes, and deserve training systems that reflect the strength, skill, and resilience that role demands.
Commitment That Respects Capacity: Progress matters, but it also has to be sustainable. We train with intention, but never ignore life’s reality. Consistency is the foundation of everything, and this system reflects that.
Structured Autonomy: We offer flexible systems, but not aimless ones. Riders are supported to adapt, reflect, and and make choices that fit their body, schedule and environment while staying grounded in evidence.
Evidence-Informed Everything: Every strategy is grounded in the best available science and refined through clinical and coaching experience. We’re not here to sell flashy moves, we’re here to give you what actually works.
Lifelong Development: This isn’t about short-term gains or quick fix goals. It’s about building strength, awareness, and habits that hold up across decades, not just seasons.
Paying It Forward: We believe in building a smarter, stronger equestrian culture, through education that empowers the next generation of riders and coaches.
Chapters
Keywords
Equestrian Physio, training system, core values, athlete identity, evidence-based training, empowerment, equestrian health, strength training, behavior change, lifelong development
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
In this episode of Equestrian Physio on Air, we dive into the complex relationship between gym training asymmetries and their potential impact on riding performance. We discuss the importance of critical thinking in evaluating claims about asymmetry (and in general), the benefits of both bilateral and unilateral training, and the necessity of movement variability.
We see this all the time online: concerns that squatting, deadlifting, or pressing with a small hip shift or rotational bias will reinforce asymmetries and make you more crooked in the saddle. But let’s not just parrot that – let’s break it down:
We’re asking:
Does lifting with mild asymmetry actually cause one-sided development?
Does that matter for our riding?
Do the benefits of bilateral training outweigh the risks?
What even is “perfect” movement, and should we be chasing it?
Can movement variability actually help, not hurt?
How do we manage or prevent the risks?
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Topic Overview
05:37 Exploring Asymmetry in Gym Training and Riding
20:13 The Impact of Asymmetry on Riding Performance
32:17 Balancing Bilateral and Unilateral Training
37:51 Strategies for Managing Asymmetry in Training
Keywords
equestrian, physiotherapy, strength training, asymmetry, gym performance, riding performance, unilateral training, bilateral training, injury prevention, equestrian athletes
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
SUMMARY
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most hotly debated topics in equestrian circles:
Is mounting from the ground harmful to your horse’s back—or are we oversimplifying the issue?
We start with where this tradition came from (yes, swords are involved), and then take a deep dive into what the research actually says about the forces placed on your horse’s spine during mounting, especially from the ground.
We talk about what’s backed by science, what’s mostly anecdotal, and where we might be making assumptions based on fear rather than evidence.
As always, we’re bringing a critical lens. Questioning not just the status quo but also our own biases.
KEY POINTS
KEYWORDS
ground mounting, mounting block, saddle fit, rider fitness, equine biomechanics, horse back pain, one-sided mounting, spinal health, rider technique, equestrian tradition
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
SUMMARY
In this solo episode, we walk through the real-life framework I use every time I’m asked, “Should I try this?” Whether it’s red light therapy, PEMF, taping, spinal mobilization, or even just a new stretch or gadget, we break down how to move past the hype and make a sound clinical decision.
We’re talking about critical thinking and clinical reasoning—two terms that get thrown around a lot but rarely broken down in a way that feels practical. This episode is about making informed choices that actually align with the why behind your treatment goals, instead of grabbing at whatever tool is trending. If you’re a clinician, coach, or rider trying to filter through the noise, this one will sharpen your process.
KEY DEFINITIONS
EPISODE TAKEAWAYS
Keywords
equestrian, critical thinking, physiotherapy, horse care, treatment modalities, evidence-based practice, equestrian industry, clinical reasoning, horse health, rider health
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Life Updates
06:06 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Equestrian Care
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
In this episode, we discusses the essential components of being an effective rider, and look at a framework that I like to use of six pillars: strength, mobility, body awareness, power, endurance, and skill. Training off horse is essential to build physical capacity and allow riders to focus on skill development while riding. We also touch on common misconceptions in equestrian training and the need for a overall approach to rider fitness.
Takeaways
Keywords
equestrian, riding, strength, mobility, body awareness, power, endurance, skill, training, fitness
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
In this episode, we chat about the principles of rehabilitation, focusing on pain management, understanding diagnoses, and the importance of movement and recovery.
Takeaways
Keywords
equestrian rehabilitation, pain management, physiotherapy, musculoskeletal rehab, load management, graded exposure, recovery strategies, equestrian sports, injury prevention, strength training
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Rehabilitation
01:59 Understanding Pain and Diagnosis
04:35 Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehab
10:43 Managing Pain and Load
19:18 Graded Exposure and Movement Strategies
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
In this episode of Equestrian Physio, we discuss the challenges equestrians face in maintaining a consistent training routine. We'll go over the importance of understanding psychological barriers, the need for curiosity in overcoming limitations, and practical strategies for habit formation.
Keywords
equestrian, physiotherapy, training, psychology, habit formation, consistency, barriers, motivation, strength training, equestrian fitness
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Training Challenges
02:25 Understanding Barriers to Consistent Training
04:24 The Psychology of Habit Formation
06:58 Strategies for Building Consistent Habits
09:44 Creating an Environment for Success
12:14 Making Training Attractive and Rewarding
14:44 Simplifying the Process of Training
17:11 The Importance of Consistency Over Perfection
19:38 Integrating Training into Daily Life
21:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Maestro on the Mic - Shante Cofield
"The prize for fighting for your limitations is that you get to keep them."
Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
Join host Katie, a Canadian physiotherapist with a passion for equestrian and equine rehab, as she shares her unique journey into the world of physiotherapy. From her early days on a family breeding farm to overcoming personal challenges and launching the Equestrian Physio brand, Katie's story is one of resilience and dedication.
Keywords
Equestrian Physio, physiotherapy, equestrian athletes, strength training, rehabilitation, equine health, podcast, equestrian education, sports medicine, equestrian community
Takeaways
Come say hi!
Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
In this episode of Equestrian Physio on Air, we discusses the importance of periodization in training for equestrians. We dive into how structured training can enhance performance, manage fatigue, and reduce injury risk. The conversation covers the definition of periodization, its application in both rider and horse training, and the benefits of understanding these principles for improved athletic performance.
Keywords
equestrian, periodization, training, strength, conditioning, equestrian training, athlete, performance, recovery, injury management
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
03:20 Understanding Periodization
06:00 Defining Periodization
10:50 Types of Periodization
14:32 Importance of Periodization for Equestrians
18:40 Applying Periodization to Horse Training
22:05 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.
In this episode of The Equestrian Physio On Air, we discusses the importance of foundational training for equestrians, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to training that goes beyond quick fixes. We go through how to create effective training programs tailored to individual equestrian disciplines and addresses the significance of individual needs and rehabilitation in training.takeaways.
Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DL7Wa0isOg1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.