Horse pilates course offered by Derby College

If you’re lucky enough to be in Derby and feel that your horse is in need of a bit of relaxation, then Derby College could have the answer for you – horse Pilates.

On Saturday 17th September, Derby College’s Equine Centre at Broomfield Hall played host to a special Pilates workshop for riders and horse owners looking to improve the health and wellbeing of their animals.

The Pilates sessions was the latest in a series of short and part-time courses at the Equine Centre, aimed at supporting local equestrian enthusiasts with a wide range of skills including riding and grooming techniques.

Tutor Hannah Haskew explained: "The benefits of Pilates and core stability exercises for improving balance and posture in riders have been widely recognised in recent years.”

The course looked at how Pilates benefits people and how this can be transferred to horses by helping them improve their posture and athletic performance.

Hannah Haskew said: “Such exercises will help to improve a horse's posture, suppleness, balance and performance and everyone will leave the session with a wide range of easy exercises which can be continued at home."

Participants were invited to bring their own horse with them or use the College’s horses to learn the exercises and how to incorporate them into their regular routine.