Would You Like to be a Confident and Effective Rider?

By Cheryl Schuhmann-Wertheimer

Would you like to follow your trainer’s riding instructions perfectly more often than not?

Would you like to be pain free after your ride, and in the morning?

The challenge of riding is understanding your horse, and what makes him or her the best. What does it take for you to be your best? It is both mental and physical.

The best thing that ever happened to me was being born with a hip that dislocated when I started to walk. My MD recommended to my parents that I ride a big fat horse, to help my hip heal the best it could. I already loved horses, and would scream and cry if I couldn’t ride at the local pony ride after church on Sunday.

“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their champion character”~ T. Armstrong

My deep passion for horses and competitive nature are some of the traits that have guided my career. As a physical therapist, and equestrian, I have taken riding seriously, and understand the physical demands required to be your best. I love sharing with other riders what it takes for them to make changes and progress in this sport.

Training for the sport means knowing how to develop postural strength, stability, mobility, balance and deep core endurance. Your spine, hips, knees and ankles are also trained to be shock absorbers.

Research shows that riders have a greater incidence of lower back pain than the average American. 85% of Americans report having lower back pain. Back pain in riders can be caused by a multitude of things. I have seen riders injure their back from lifting bales of hay or moving something that is heavier than they think. It is also common to see riders with poor posture complain of back and neck pain. Trainers who ride most of the day tend to feel the effects of prolonged sitting and overuse. Sometimes just stretching helps alleviate back and or neck pain. Do you fit into any of these scenarios? Do you want to gain the strength, balance and mobility you need to ride your best? Do you want to learn how to prevent back or other joint pain?

Photo Courtesy of Cheryl Schuhmann-Wertheimer

Transform your riding.
We start with a thorough evaluation on
and off your horse.

Develop a plan of care using corrective exercises.
Your benefits – gain confidence, be able to improve the connection with your horse,
be a more effective rider

Or reduce pain and gain mobility.
Learn what corrective exercises are best for you.

My education, scientific research, practice and experience working with riders from all disciplines, will help you and your horse’s performance.

Cheryl Schuhmann-Wertheimer, PT/DPT
(805)496-2189 • www.Transitions-PT.com

  • Certified Physical Therapist for USEF
  • BS Kinesiology UCLA 1975
  • BS Physical Therapy CSUN 1977
  • Wrote and performed in Palomine Productions
  • Cheryl Schuhmann’s “The Riders Workout” 1985
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy – EIM 2010

• Certified Speciality in Sport Medicine UCSD 2000

• Certified in Pilates with specialty in rehabilitation 2002

• Certified in Redcord – Active and Rehabilitation 2013

Originally from the April 2020 Issue.

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