Equilibrium

Why your warm-up matters just as much as your horse’s Horse riders are generally very good at thinking about their horse’s preparation — warming up slowly, managing workload, and being mindful of conditions. But one thing is often overlooked: the rider’s body. As a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist working in both human and equine medicine, Hannah Donnelly regularly sees the impact that rider stiffness, asymmetry, and fatigue can have on a horse’s way of going. “Most of us arrive at the yard straight from work. Many riders have office-based jobs that involve long periods of sitting, which can leave hips, backs, and shoulders stiff before we even get on.” When a rider’s body isn’t prepared, it doesn’t just affect comfort - it can directly influence the horse. How rider stiffness affects your horse Research has shown that rider asymmetry and stiffness can alter a horse’s movement, including changes to stride, balance, and the range of motion through the back. Studies have demonstrated that induced rider asymmetry can significantly affect equine locomotion and thoracolumbar range of motion when ridden (MacKechnieGuire et al., 2020).  The horse may: Struggle to move evenly Find bending more difficult on one rein Compensate through different areas of the body Over time, this can place additional strain on the horse - particularly when work is increasing or conditions are more demanding. Why a rider warm-up doesn’t need to be complicated A warm-up for riders isn’t about stretching for long periods or doing anything strenuous. Instead, the aim is to: Increase circulation Gently mobilise joints Prepare commonly tight areas for movement A simple pre-ride warm-up routine Head and neck mobility Why it helps: Reduces neck tension and improves upper body suppleness, helping riders avoid holding stiffness through the reins. Arm circles Why it helps: Warms the shoulders and upper back, encouraging softer, more even contact. Thoracic twists Why it helps: Improves spinal mobility and symmetry through the torso. Hip circles Why it helps: Mobilises the hips — a key area for balance, seat, and effective leg aids. Gentle lunge positions Why it helps: Prepares the hips and thighs for time in the saddle, particularly after sitting during the day. Warming down: helping your body recover Just like horses, riders can experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise - especially when returning to riding after a break or increasing workload. Research suggests that warming up can reduce the severity of DOMS, helping muscles cope better with exercise (Law & Herbert, 2007). A gentle cool-down after riding can help riders: Reduce post-ride stiffness Maintain mobility Feel more comfortable for the next session Simple post-ride mobility ideas Head and neck stretches Shoulder blade stretch Cat–cow back movement Gentle leg stretches These don’t need to take long - even a few minutes can help maintain mobility over time Consistency over perfection Rider preparation isn’t about being perfect or adding another time-consuming task to your routine. It’s about small, consistent habits that support your body - and in turn, your horse. “Maintaining rider mobility helps support healthy joints, balanced movement, and clearer communication with the horse.” Over time, these small decisions can make riding feel easier, more comfortable, and more consistent. A note on safety If you have any pre-existing injuries, pain, or medical conditions, always seek advice from a qualified physiotherapist or medical professional before starting new exercises. Written with contributions from:Hannah Donnelly — Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist (Human & Equine) References:  MacKechnie-Guire, R., MacKechnie-Guire, E., Fairfax, V., Fisher, M., Hargreaves, S. and Pfau, T. (2020)The effect that induced rider asymmetry has on equine locomotion and the range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine when ridden in rising trot.Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 88, 102946. Law, R.Y.W. and Herbert, R.D. (2007)Warm-up reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness but cool-down does not: a randomised controlled trial.Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 53(2), pp. 91–95.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0004-9514(07)70041-7  

How long should a warm-up take? Veterinary physiotherapists share evidence-led advice for warming up and cooling down horses safely, and some advice for you too! 

When choosing a rug for your horse, comfort is just as important as warmth. One of the key measures of comfort is water vapour permeability – essentially, how well a fabric allows moisture (sweat and natural body vapour) to pass through it. What is Water Vapour Permeability Testing? Water vapour permeability (WVP) testing measures how much water vapour can pass through a material over a set period. Results are usually expressed in grams per square metre (g/m²), showing how many grams of vapour pass through one square metre of fabric in 24 hours.A higher number means the material is more breathable, allowing moisture to escape instead of becoming trapped against the horse’s skin. A Rough Guide to Breathability While scales can vary between industries, a useful guide for equestrian textiles is: Under 500 g/m² → Low breathability (suitable for warmth but may trap moisture) 500–1000 g/m² → Moderate breathability (suitable for stable use or rugs worn at rest) 1000+ g/m² → High breathability (ideal for active use or performance wear) Where Does Our Magnetic Rug Sit on This Scale? Our Magnetic Rug scored 1166.25 g/m² in WVP testing. This places it in the high breathability range.This means it allows excellent vapour transfer making it suitable for use all year round, helping prevent trapped moisture. Find out more about the Magnetic Rug here.

As horse riders, we’re used to keeping a close eye on our horses — spotting a tiny change in their stride, noticing a slight swelling, or picking up on unusual behaviour. But how often do we pay the same attention to our own bodies? Breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. The earlier it’s found, the better the chances of successful treatment. That’s why regular self-checks are vital — and why we’re proud to support CoppaFeel!, a charity helping people build the habit of checking regularly. 10% of our Pink All Sports Boots and Pink Stellar Style will be donated towards this vital charity.  Why Early Detection is So Important Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. While many cases are diagnosed after age 50, it can also affect younger people — which is why knowing your normal and spotting changes early could save your life. When breast cancer is caught early, treatments are often less invasive and survival rates are much higher. That’s why self-checking is one of the most powerful tools you have for protecting your health. How to Check Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide Self-checking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about getting to know your body and recognising when something feels different. CoppaFeel! recommends checking at least once a month. Here’s how: Look Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms by your sides.   Look at the shape, size, and outline of your chest. Raise your arms and check again. Notice any dimpling, puckering, or skin changes. Feel Using the flat part of your fingers, move around your entire breast area, including up to your collarbone, under your armpits, and down to your ribcage.   Check one side at a time. Apply different pressures: light, medium, and firm. Notice ChangesBe alert to: A lump or thickened area Changes in shape or size Skin changes (dimpling, rash, redness) Nipple changes (discharge, inversion) Constant, unusual pain in the breast or armpit If you notice anything unusual, don’t panic — most changes aren’t cancer — but do see your GP as soon as possible. How to Fit Checks Into a Rider’s Lifestyle We know life with horses is busy — early mornings, late nights, endless yard chores, and little time left over. But fitting in a quick self-check is easier than you think: Shower routine Bedtime habit Making checks part of your horse-care routine ensures you won’t forget — because if you can’t go a day without looking after your horse, you shouldn’t go a month without looking after yourself. Helpful Resources CoppaFeel! Self-Check Guidance CoppaFeel! Text Reminders  NHS Guidance Final Thought As equestrians, we’re experts at spotting subtle changes in our horses — now let’s apply that same skill to ourselves. Regular self-checks are quick, simple, and could make all the difference. This Breast Cancer Awareness season, join us in spreading the word, riding with pride in our limited-edition pink products, and supporting CoppaFeel! with every purchase. Take care of yourself as well as your horse — because early detection matters.