Acupuncture in equestrian sports

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'People often joke that the horse does all the work. I warmly invite these people to come and sit on my horse for half an hour'

Hilde is an acupuncturist and, due to her own background in the equestrian world, has a special interest in treating and guiding riders. As part of Acupuncture Week, she is happy to tell us more about it!

What specific physical and mental challenges do you often see in riders and how can acupuncture help reduce or alleviate these complaints?
The physical and mental challenges I see in riders are quite varied. You often see various forms of muscle pain and injuries because equestrian sports can be quite intense. People often joke that the horse does all the work. I always warmly invite these people to come sit on my horse for half an hour. I'm sure they'll know well the next day that they did. Maybe even that same evening. In addition to strength, it also requires a lot of balance, making a fall and therefore injury just around the corner. The sport especially demands a lot from the legs and core, so muscle stiffness or pains often occur in these areas. Especially when riding in winter and the cold sets in.

I also help with acupuncture for mental restlessness and anxieties, as a result of, for example, a fall. Think of incorrect postures due to tension. This physical and mental stress, which often also affects the horse, can become a vicious circle. I enjoy being able to contribute something in this way for both the rider and indirectly for the horse.

What are typical focus areas in acupuncture treatment for equestrians?
Being a rider myself, I automatically know what to pay attention to and am familiar with the problem areas. For riders, these are often the neck, shoulders, core, and lower back where tension or stiffness is present. And therefore also the corresponding meridians. But sometimes the calves and ankles are involved too, as these muscles tend to shorten due to the sport. Increased muscle tension is quite common among riders and is almost always a focal point. In this case, the acupuncture point Liver 3 Tai Chong is a favorite, as it is a great point for quickly reducing muscle tension.

Can you share a success story with us about a rider you treated?
I treated a woman who was experiencing significant lower back pain after a serious fall from her horse. She had also developed a fear of the horse. We first treated her lower back and ensured she was pain-free. Additionally, we addressed the trauma she had experienced from the fall. Prior to the fall, she had already built up stress, but this was the final straw. She had reached a state of constant alertness and was incredibly tense. Through acupuncture and providing her with tools to manage this tension, she slowly regained her enjoyment of horseback riding. I also made her aware of her breathing. Many riders - and certainly other people as well - hold their breath when experiencing tension. A horse can sense this tension perfectly. By encouraging the rider to sing, you promote better breathing, which is also calming for the horse. This turned out to be a perfect way for her to get through the tough moments. She made great progress and after a few months, she entered a competition again and even earned a winning score. A truly remarkable achievement for her.

Do you have any tips or advice for riders to maintain their balance and muscle relaxation between sessions, both on and off the horse?
Horseback riding is a beautiful sport, but unfortunately, it also shortens many muscles. I always recommend combining it with another sport that promotes muscle elongation, such as yoga. Yoga often brings people to a state of calm, creating a win-win situation. Additionally, breathing exercises can offer important support. By being more mindful of their own bodies, they can apply this awareness in their interaction with the horse. This helps in maintaining balance and control of their own body, as well as in guiding the horse. This, of course, benefits their riding style and ultimately the performance they can achieve. 

Want to know more about Hilde and her acupuncture practice? Check it out here.

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