EQUESTRIAN PHYSIOTHERAPY
Michaela has an extensive background in Equestrianism. She was brought up on the back of a horse, competing since the age of 3. Her Grandmother, Judith Wintle, was and still is a successful thoroughbred racehorse breeder, and her mother, Linda Mohr, owns the distinguished stable yard Vaderlandsche Rietvlei. Michaela has won 3 individual South African Championships, was selected for the Western Cape (then Western Province) provincial team over ten times, and won countless championship and provincial classes.
Her sister, Nichola Mohr, is a successful professional dressage rider.
Equestrian Rider Assessment
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In-depth full postural and movement pattern analysis on and off the horse
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The aim is to identify any areas of pain, weakness and tightness that could cause asymmetry or lack of performance during riding
Why is it necessary?
Riders communicate with their horse through their body position. Balance and symmetry are qualities needed by both horse and rider to execute a movement, as well as to prevent injury.
To be a balanced rider, one needs to have control over their centre of gravity, an excellent symmetrical posture with the ability to move asymmetrically, and the ability to absorb (stability) and transmit (power) energy.
The rider's stiffness, weakness, asymmetry, and fitness all impact how their horse can move under them. For example, if you have one hip that is tighter than the other, it can put your horse off balance, which could cause your horse to knock a fence or make it harder for your horse to do a half pass.
With equestrian sports, two athletes need to be considered. Horse riders are good at looking after their horses but need to give themselves the same level of care. Riders need to recognise themselves as the athletes that they are and treat their bodies accordingly.
No matter the horse riding level, a happy horse is always the primary goal. A correct position in the saddle with a seat independent of the contact on the reins is a good starting point.
Nichola Mohr
Professional Dressage Rider
Michaela has been working with her sister, Nichola Mohr, since the start of her physiotherapy career. Nichola is a professional horse rider who competes successfully in dressage at higher-level provincial and national competitions. Through a targeted exercise program and hands-on physio, Nichola’s effectiveness and performance of clear and effective aids have improved.
