Acupuncture in equestrian sports

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'People joke that the horse does all the work. I warmly invite these people to come 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. She would like to tell us more about this as part of Acupuncture Week!

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 very diverse. You often see various forms of muscle pain and injuries, because equestrian sports can be quite intensive. People 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 will know well the next day that they did that. Maybe even the same evening. In addition to strength, it also requires a lot of balance, which means a fall and therefore injury are just around the corner. The sport especially demands a lot from the legs and core, so muscle stiffness or pain 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 to both the rider and indirectly to the horse in this way.

What are typical areas of focus in the acupuncture treatment of riders?
As a rider myself, I automatically know what to pay attention to and am familiar with the problem areas. In riders, these are often the neck, shoulder, core, and lower back where tension or stiffness is present. And therefore also the corresponding meridians. But sometimes the calves and ankles are also involved, because these muscles are slightly shortened by the sport. Increased muscle tension is quite common in riders and is almost always a focal point. In this case, the acupuncture point Liver 3 Tai Chong is also a favorite, because it is a great point to quickly reduce muscle tension.

Can you share a success story with us about a rider you treated?
I treated a woman who had significant lower back pain after a serious fall from her horse. She had also developed fear of the horse. First, we 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 therefore was extremely tense. With acupuncture and some guidance on how to deal with this tension, she slowly regained her enjoyment of horseback riding. I also made her aware of her breathing. Many riders - and certainly others as well - hold their breath when experiencing tension. A horse can sense this tension perfectly. By having the rider 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 competed again and even earned a winning score. A truly wonderful achievement for her.

Do you have tips or advice for riders to maintain their balance and muscle relaxation between sessions, both on and off the horse?
Riding is a beautiful sport, but unfortunately it also shortens many muscles. I always recommend combining it with another sport that promotes muscle lengthening, such as yoga. Yoga often brings people to a state of calm, which is often a win-win situation. In addition, breathing exercises can provide important support. By consciously focusing on their own body, they can also use this in their interaction with the horse. By maintaining balance and control of their own body, as well as in directing the horse. This will obviously benefit their riding style and ultimately the performance they can deliver. 

Want to know more about Hilde and her acupuncture practice? Then look here.

Vrijdag

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Acupuncture in equestrian sports

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