How We Help With Horse Rider Assessments

At Jo Seddon Porteous, we offer a comprehensive horse rider assessment designed for equestrians across Bath, Bristol, and Wells.

Our horse rider assessment addresses muscular imbalances, flexibility limitations, and movement asymmetries that influence your riding and your horse's wellbeing. With our background in biomechanics and over 25 years' experience, we conduct each horse rider assessment with a focus on accuracy and professionalism, helping riders of any level move with more efficiency and confidence, whether in the schooling arena or out hacking. All assessments are performed by a certified, accredited veterinary physiotherapist, recognised by ACPAT and RAMP.

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How Would a Rider Benefit from a Horse Rider Assessment?

A horse rider assessment with Jo Seddon Porteous is invaluable for improving performance and ensuring long-term rider and horse health. Each assessment provides:

  • Improved Performance: Communicate more clearly with your horse using targeted feedback and tailored exercises, leading to a better seat and more effective aids.
  • Injury Prevention:  Identify areas prone to strain for both you and your horse, allowing early intervention and reduced discomfort.
  • Personalised Exercise Plan:  Receive recommendations for exercises designed to improve your core strength, stability, and symmetry.
  • Enhanced Harmony:  Reduce uneven weight distribution to help your horse move more freely and willingly, supporting both of you in achieving your goals.

Clients across Bath, Bristol, and Wells benefit from our physiotherapy for horse riders, with equestrian expertise supporting visible improvements both in and out of the saddle.

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What Happens During the Assessment?

Your assessment involves a mix of off-horse and on-horse evaluations designed to identify root causes of performance issues and to improve seat riding physiotherapy outcomes. The process includes:

1. Static Postural Screening: Examining alignment from head to foot, including photo analysis, pelvic tilt checks, and leg length review.
2. Seated and Saddle Analysis: Assessing pelvis and trunk position both off the horse and, when possible, in the saddle or on a simulated seat.
3. Dynamic On-Horse Assessment: Observing your riding at walk, trot, and canter to note symmetry, posture, balance, and neuromotor control.
4. Off-Horse Dynamic and Strength Testing: Evaluating balance, muscle endurance, glute and core strength, and proprioceptive control.
5. Equipment Check: Reviewing saddle fit and basic gear to flag any issues affecting position or comfort.
6. Pain Screening: Identifying any pain or red-flag symptoms indicating the need for referral to another professional.

All horse rider assessments are conducted by a certified and insured physiotherapist, guaranteeing high standards of care.


 
 

Common Areas Focused On

Every horse rider assessment with Jo Seddon Porteous places special emphasis on common challenges faced by riders in Bath, Bristol, and Wells:

  • Pelvic Mobility & Stability: Ensuring seat bones are in proper contact and a neutral pelvis is maintained, crucial for effective, pain-free riding.
  • Hip Flexor Length: Checking for tightness that can contribute to lower back strain and block smooth riding movement.
  • Shoulder Girdle Alignment: Correcting rounded shoulders or uneven tension so you can hold relaxed reins and maintain rider symmetry.
  • Leg Length and Knee/Ankle Alignment: Addressing discrepancies to prevent collapsing or loss of balance in transitions and schooling.
  • Core and Glute Strength: Seeing how your trunk and lower body stability influence your horse's motion, and identifying any sided weaknesses.

Our accredited physiotherapy for horse riders combines technical assessment and practical advice, supporting improved comfort and performance.

 

What Happens Next?

After your initial assessment, we work with you to develop an ongoing plan tailored to your physiology, discipline, and aims. Follow-up appointments with Jo Seddon Porteous can be arranged in Bath, Bristol, and Wells to monitor your progress, adapt routines, and maintain gains in strength and symmetry. We document measurable outcomes and, when necessary, collaborate with your trainer, instructor, or healthcare professional to ensure fully integrated support for you and your horse.

 
 
 

Our Animal Physiotherapy Services

Beyond horse rider assessments, Jo Seddon Porteous also provides canine physiotherapy, equine physiotherapy, and feline physiotherapy across Bath, Bristol, and Wells. We bring the same accredited and insured expertise to every animal in your household or yard, promoting holistic rehabilitation, performance, and wellbeing.

Equine Physio Feline Physio