As a dressage rider I always appreciated the
importance of a strong core and how Pilates can help you achieve it. We are an
established regular group of riders who had a good foundation in the practice
of Pilates. We sadly lost our instructor due to relocation and Lottie took over
our group and has been taking our class for 9 months. Lottie has meticulous
attention to detail and really focuses on exercises that will help us as
riders. She breaks the exercises down, building up to consolidating the
movements and relating them to riding. It's been amazing how the extremely
subtle differences in how the the exercises are executed makes an extraordinary
difference (she certainly doesn't let you cheat). We mix up the exercises with
standing/balance work, mat work and the big balls. Lottie has honed our
attention to separate the use our corset, lower and upper muscles, as result I
can confidently say that my riding seat has improved dramatically, I am able to
react and work more fluidly with my horse.
Over the last three months I have also been having personal physiotherapy
sessions with Lottie, as my own body awareness is improving I am becoming
conscious of my own imbalances and how these impact the balance of my horse, we
have been working through my weaknesses. To have a rider physiotherapist and
Pilates instructor all rolled into one really is beneficial. We have a great
rapport in the group and Lottie is always willing to tailor sessions if there's
an injury or if someone needs to work on an issue. Lottie is patient and clear
in explaining how/where we should feel things during a movement and takes the time
to ensure we know the purpose of each movement and what's its trying to
achieve.
I would highly recommend Lottie for any level of rider or Pilates ability. Our
group ranges from advanced dressage and eventers to happy hackers from 17yrs to
60yrs.