THIS year’s well-received post-meeting presentation was given by Lisa Allen, director of Pilates NI and Ireland’s first Equipilates-certified biomechanics trainer.

Allen assesses the rider’s position on and off their horse using the ‘Visualise’ jacket and screens how the rider’s pelvis, spine and shoulders are functioning to provide individually-tailored exercises which will improve any restrictions.

During Monday’s presentation, which was titled ‘An insight into rider biomechanics’, Allen spoke first on the importance of the rider’s body functioning optimally on the inside to create the perfect picture on the outside and the effect restrictions will have in all three phases of eventing.

For example, if your weight is not symmetrically balanced over your horse’s back, it can cause drifting and leaning, lack of straightness and asymmetric gait patterns.

The second half of Allen’s presentation covered what riders can do to improve their intrinsic biomechanics (function) through screening their body to locate restrictions and following a training pyramid where the baseline of normal pelvic function, mobility, reducing muscle spasm and nerve tethering was of great importance; developing core stability through Pilates and functional exercises comes later.

Using this pyramid, the rider was less likely to be injured through strain placed on them whilst riding and more likely to have a stronger core through a balanced pelvis and better overall mobility and performance.

awards

As usual, three special awards were presented on Monday night with the John Martin Award for the advancement and promotion of eventing being presented by Jill Delaney to David Lowry, while Clare Abbott received the Pooler trophy for international performance from Elizabeth Hamilton.

The Stinson award for contribution to the sport by effort, endeavour and example was presented by Helen Panell to Eamon O’Flynn and his daughter Hollie Woods who hosted four events in 2017 at Kircubbin – two at very short notice.

The region is looking forward to a busy 2018 and, while the campaign proper doesn’t begin until late March, today sees the first leg of the Baileys Horse Feeds-sponsored flexi eventing series being staged at The Meadows Equestrian Centre outside Lurgan. The qualifying rounds run for six straight weeks with the final taking place on Saturday, March 3rd.

Prior to the first one-day event at Tyrella on Saturday, March 24th, the Region will host its annual two-phase event at the Co Down seaside venue on Saturday, March 10th.