Photo Credit: Equestrian Pilates

trouble sitting the trot. I started to add some exercise moves into my workout that Equestrian Pilates suggests to help with poor heels and slipping into the hated “chair position.” This move is simple and easy to do but I have really noticed a change in my riding.

The move is called Cat Up Cat Down and is frequently used during yoga practices. The purpose of the position is to add length to your spine which will allow you to sit up tall and deep in the saddle letting you sink all your weight into your heels.

To begin, get down on all fours with your knees under your hips and your hands under your shoulders with a neutral spine.

Photo Credit: Equestrian Pilates

1. Inhale through your nose

2. Exhale and engage the core, abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Round your spine upward, lowering your hea toward your chest. Keep your shoulders down.

3. Inhale as you arch the other direction- head up, chest up, tailbone up.

Photo Credit: Equestrian Pilates

4. Repeat seven more times.

Note: When doing this movement, focus on the muscles in your lower back and notice them stretch as you move your spine in either direction.  As you feel your abdominal muscles engage, feel your back muscles relax to allow a deeper stretch. Also, don’t rush throw the stretch, I noticed the more time I took, the better stretch I got.

I plan on implementing a equilates move into more of my future workouts due to such success with this one