THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE FOR RIDERS

Imagine you have taken a child to ride on your shoulders. If the child sways around, slumps, tightens up with fear you feel it. If the child is confident and balanced you walk along happily carrying the weight. The horse is a sensitive creature, he feels a fly on his back: think how he must feel with you on his back if you and he are not in harmony.

The Alexander Technique can help you find that harmony. It can improve your balance and body awareness and help you develop a more independent seat. You can learn to be more effective in a subtle but powerful way: toned rather than tense, relaxed but not floppy.

Philippa teaches many riders in conjunction with Susie Nevill Parker, a trainer experienced in the art of Classical Dressage, who owns and runs the Arrow Equestrian Centre at Pembridge in Herefordshire.

Since how you are off the horse is reflected in the way you ride, Philippa will start by working with you on the ground, and on a saddle horse, before Susie gives you a lunge or a ride on one of her highly trained horses. You are also welcome and indeed encouraged to have extra lessons outside the riding environment.

Philippa, Susie and Sarah Merriam Pierce, a Feldenkrais practioner, give regular day courses on particular topics, such as seat and legs, arms, balance, combining the benefits of Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, and Susie's riding experience. See Susie's website for details, www.arrowequestrian.co.uk.

Philippa riding Crisp

'I am taking a course of Alexander lessons with Philippa to complement my riding. After 4 sessions I have become more 'body aware' and small changes to my breathing and position have dramatically improved my effectiveness on the horse. I would thoroughly recommend some lessons in the Alexander Technique to anyone who wants to improve their general riding or in preparation for competions' Caroline