Pilates for the Dressage Rider

When I received this DVD, I had been both riding dressage and doing mat Pilates for about a year. I hoped the DVD would be good for a beginner but not too easy. This is indeed the case. The DVD starts out talking about Pilates in general (history and general concepts). Then it gives individual exercises and two home workouts, a shorter and a longer one. The author relates the exercises to riding as much as she can. She also has a segment adapting the Pilates exercises to work in the saddle. The DVD takes safety seriously, giving various exercises and positions for people who have trouble with neck, back, knees, etc.Anything that can build core strength and flexibility will help in riding, and I feel stronger through using these exercises. There are a few things in the DVD that I hope the author will change in a revised edition, however. In the Basic Pilates workout, it would be nice if she had actually counted out the Hundreds exercise rather than saying, "When you get to 100, stop." It's annoying to have to stop the DVD to finish the Hundreds. In the same segment on the leg circles, there is instruction to circle the right leg but not the left. If you want to finish the exercise properly, you need to get up, pause the DVD, finish the exercise, get up again, and restart the DVD. This is annoying.These are the only two criticisms I have. I like the inclusion of basic exercises like the Hundreds, but at the same time there are a few that are challenging like Roll Like a Ball. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to get in shape to ride better.

When I first watched this DVD last year, I thought it was great. I had done very little Pilates previously, so I found the detailed how-to's for each exercise helpful. At the time I rented "Pilates for Dressage" through one of those mail-in horse dvd subscriptions and decided not to buy due to my financial situation. I have now been taking Pilates classes at least once a week fairly regularly for the past three-four months. By no means do I consider myself experienced yet, but I have built enough strength in my core that even the "advanced" exercises in the DVD are fairly easy. I feel disappointed that the workouts are only approx. 10 and 15 minutes. I get much more value out of my classes, which although not focused on riding, include many of the same exercises featured in the DVD. I am now sort of regretting my purchase. I would recommend to all riders interested in Pilates to sign up for classes, where you can benefit from the personal instruction of an experienced teacher. Also, you do need to work out more than ten minutes a day to make a difference!

If you ride and think you may need to start some kind of an exercise program to improve your riding, this is the DVD for you. It covers most Pilates floor exercises and even some on the horse. If you are committed to being a fit rider, this DVD can help get you there. Your horse will appreciate it!The DVD is nicely done. It's clear, concise and easy on the eye. It takes you from basic moves to advanced ones. You choose which section to focus on.I highly recommend this DVD. You won't be disappointed.

Good book

This book was a disappointment to me, I found the formatting to be a huge distraction. The black and white photos are dark, the cartoon graphics are unappealing, and I was expecting it to be more demonstrative and less "block paragraph" and wordy. I have picked it up three times since I bought it and just cannot work my way through it. I'm a visual learner and this book is definitely not overly visual.If I'd gotten a better "look inside", I would not have purchased this book and gone for one that more clearly illustrated what was being done.

This is an extraordinary book and DVD! I have been riding with back pain for years and searching for a solution; have studied many different methods, exercises, therapies and products in my riding career with limited success, until finding this teaching. What an incredible difference this material has made to me and my horse! We are finally riding in harmony and painfree thanks to these exercises! The information in this book and DVD will certainly help any rider in any discipline become the best rider they can be for their horse!

This will help you be balanced in the saddle and have a great core. The great core will help you even when not in the saddle.

Easy to understand the moves. Doesn't take 2 hours and works the muscle groups to help my riding. Good riding information too. I wish I had bought it a long time ago.

This DVD is a great introduction to pilates with advancing exercises. I have found it has been beneficial not only in riding, but has greatly improved my overall fitness and muscle tone; and into the bargain I have lost weight! Exercises are clearly explained and easy to follow, I do this 17 minute workout every day - thank you Janice Dulak

The exercises are great and you know you are working and can see the results. Would recommend to everyone wanting to work their core, not just horse riders.

Highly recommended. Thoroughly explained and very enlightening read. Opens your eyes to an approach you wish you had known for years. From following these exercises not has my riding and body awareness improved, my physique has also improved! Win - win.

the wife found it to be beneficial to her posture and strength with regular use and incorporated into her lessons.

Great exercises