Can A Mechanical Horse Simulator Called The Equicizer Improve Horseback Rider Fitness?

Few people would argue that there should be some kind of mechanical horse simulator that horseback riders can use to exercise, improve fitness, rehab from an injury, and train on for “riding real horses.” All other athletes have a means to train and practice their skills. If you were a cyclist, you’d have a stationary bike in your home. Baseball players have batting cages, boxers have punching bags, golfers have driving ranges, and basketball players have a basketball hoops in their driveways.

So if you’re a horseback rider, why not have a stationary, mechanical horse that simulates riding so you can improve overall fitness and practice skills? After all, horseback riders are athletes too!

Treadmills, exercise bikes, and other exercise machines, offer great exercise in general. But they don’t work your core and the important muscles you need specifically to ride a horse.

So what’s the answer for horseback riders who want to improve their fitness? I found it in an Equicizer!

The secret to this mechanical horse’s ability to improve your strength, balance and coordination is that you, the rider, make it go! The simple exercise of pushing with your hips offers an amazing core, abdomen, back, and leg exercise for anyone to simulate working those muscles you so importantly need to ride a horse.

So what makes the Equicizer move? When you’re seated on the Equicizer you push and tilt your hips forward in a rhythmic manner. This action puts the Equicizer into motion. Gently riding in this manner creates the sensation of a horse walking. If you were to watch a rider’s seat on a real horse while the horse was walking, you’d see the same forward rhythmic movement in the rider’s hips. The only difference is that a real horse is doing the work for you.

And the cool thing is that you don’t have to ride the Equicizer fast to gain good healthy exercise. Being able to ride it slowly and gently enables people of all ages and level of abilities to ride and exercise. This is what makes the Equicizer extra special. People with injuries or disabilities that may not be able to use traditional exercise equipment can ride the Equicizer!

For more information on how you can improve your horseback rider fitness and skills by riding this fun mechanical horse simulator, go to www.equicizer.com

The Outside Rein-Part 2-The Connecting Aids

In April’s Newsletter, I gave you some exercises to help you learn how to use the outside rein. This month, I want to address the importance of the outside rein when you ask your horse to come on the bit. And then next month, I’ll go over what it looks and feels like when your horse steps through the outside rein.

Once you have a handle on using your outside rein, ask your horse to step through it and come on the bit by giving what I call the connecting aids. During the connecting aids, there’s a marriage of three sets of aids:

• The driving aids (both legs and the seat)
• The bending aids (both legs and the inside rein)
• The rein of opposition (the outside rein)

Imagine what would happen if you were to apply your driving and bending aids to their maximum without adding the rein of opposition. That’s right. Your horse would be running very fast on a very small circle. Not very good balance, eh? However, with the addition of the outside rein, an imaginary door shuts in front of your horse. As your horse maintains his speed and straightness while yielding to the outside hand that is closed in a fist, he bends the joints of his hind legs to a greater degree and changes his balance and shape.

When you’re ready to give the connecting aids, you’ll combine the three sets of aids for approximately three seconds. Of course, there will be times when you give the aids for just one second. But it’s best for the green rider to think that the connecting aids last for the amount of time it takes to take a full breath.

As you breathe in, tighten your stomach and the small of your back. You should feel it as a wave that travels up your stomach into your chest. Your shoulders go back and down and the wave goes down your back into your seat. At the same time close your legs and maintain your horse’s bend with your inside hand. As he begins to move forward and bend to a greater degree, you’ll feel a surge of energy come into the rein. This is the moment to close your outside hand in a fist. The outside hand says, “You’re not allowed to speed up or bend to a greater degree than you already have.

Instead you must yield to the outside hand, and because you’re being driven forward, you’ll bend your hind legs more.” At the end of your full breath, relax all the aids and resume a light but pleasant contact with your legs on your horse’s barrel and your hands with his mouth. Then you can ride him forward in a new state of balance and attention.

Dressage Trainer Jane Savoie and Human Condition’s Peter Raymond Unite to Create EQ Equisense SmartTack

Dressage trainer Jane Savoie and Peter Raymond, President of Human Condition LLC, joined forces at EQ-Equisense to create the world’s first SmartTack for Equestrians.

After extensive research and development, Savoie and Raymond announced today that their revolutionary new product EQ-Equisense SmartTack is now available for purchase by dressage centers and universities.

Savoie saw the need for a system like SmartTack because she recognized the unique challenges facing riding instructors and students—the ability to teach and learn that elusive quality called “feel”.

Jane explains that, “Subtle imbalances in a rider’s position are not always clearly visible to the human eye. Yet they clearly have a negative impact on riding and training. Plus, riders get frustrated by their lack of natural “feel” which results in unbalanced and crooked bodies as well as confusion about how to use aids correctly. EQ SmartTack addresses both of these issues.”

Raymond, a leading innovator in immersive simulation technology describes EQ SmartTack as, “tack retrofitted with sensors in the seat, flaps, stirrups, and reins. The sensory data is transmitted wirelessly to an iPad or Apple computer for instantaneous interpretation. Data may also be captured for later review and analysis.

The most exciting aspect of SmartTack, however, is that it is designed not only for static position analysis but also for use while actually riding your own horse. The system gives an instructor instantaneous feedback about a rider’s position and pressure in the saddle and on the reins while riding.

By providing a “magnifying glass” to examine often imperceptible elements of a student’s balance, position, and use of the aids, corrections are immediate and accurate. This system skyrockets a student’s learning curve while also making learning fun.”

Supported by solid research conducted by Dr. Hilary Clayton at the McPhail Equine Performance Center at Michigan State University, the EQ SmartTack System merges cutting-edge technology with proven teaching and training methodology.

To learn more about how you can bring Jane Savoie and Peter Raymond’s EQ-Equisense SmartTack to your dressage facility or university, go to www.eqtrained.com.

Experiencing the Jane Savoie Clinic as a Demo Rider At Northwest Horse Expo

I have been working with Jane Savoie for 2 years now, via her video analysis of me
riding my horses on her Dressage Mentor website. But I had never met her
in person before.

Therefore I would like to thank ODS for the opportunity to be a demo rider at
the Northwest Horse Expo this year! I was also lucky enough to be able to take off
from work to be able to watch the other 2 clinics that I was not a demo rider in!

I probably enjoyed Saturday the most, as besides her lateral work clinic, she also
gave a very motivational speech about choosing to be happy vs.sad. The main
messages were not to allow negative people to bring you down and that anything
you set your mind to, you can achieve!

Also exciting- her Equisense SmartTack that senses exactly what mistakes the
rider is making both in position and use of the aids! (www.eqtrained.com)

I was so proud of Hindrik during this past weekend and think both he and I
learned a lot. He is usually tense around large audiences and I always have
my hands full with him at shows, but that ‘nervousness’ is also what makes
him a great horse and super responsive to light aids, once he’s warmed up!

On Saturday I rode him in the warm up arena with Mules knocking jumps over
right next to him, and all kinds of riders carrying flags and western
riders zipping all around him. I was so proud of him in that he could
remain focused on me, and stay rhythmic and relaxed! After those rides,
I will NEVER complain about any warm ups at dressage shows again!!!
I was hopeful that after those warm up rides, the Jane clinic would be a piece
of cake!

However, the large audience, loud noise, and new arena made him spook and
adopt a bolting type posture when we first walked in. Jane took good care
of us though, and instructed us to do one of her “relaxation” suppling
exercises. She realized I had to keep him moving and let us keep walking
and as she explained things, and she also asked the audience not to clap
and to do “silent applause” instead.

We got a lot out of being in this clinic, as it was probably the largest
audience Hindrik has been exposed to so far, and he ended up handling
it really well! The audience got to see how a really hot horse can be
calmed down and handled by suppling so it could be a good experience for the horse.

Sue Zoltner

Dressage Trainer, Jane Savoie, Unveils Her Revolutionary Horse and Rider Training System by EQ-Equisense

Dressage trainer, Jane Savoie, is excited about her new company EQ-Equisense’s breakthrough approach to riding and horse training for all equestrians.

EQ Equisense Systems and three-time Olympic coach, Jane Savoie, debuted this unique training system for dressage horses and riders at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Developed with the help of the world-renowned McPhail Equine Performance Center, EQ’s line of products changes the face of equestrian sports forever.

Savoie says, “This exciting marriage of training and technology skyrockets a rider’s learning curve far beyond traditional teaching methods because it relies on science rather than flawed subjective human analysis and bias.”

EQ training moves leaps beyond traditional horsemanship and delivers to riders an unprecedented set of tools and technology to improve their own skills as well as their horses’ training. The EQ motto is: If you can see and feel it, you can fix it. EQ helps you see and feel it. EQ Certified Training Centers are opening globally and a mobile clinic begins a multi-event tour in the Spring of 2011.

The EQ Sensored Tack actually senses how a rider moves. It give an instructor a better “magnifying glass” so she can really see below the surface right down to the root of training problems. The EQ Sensored Tack can be used either on an Equicizer for position analysis and diagnosis. But it also can be used on the rider’s actual horse. Data is transmitted wirelessly to the EQPro system where the instructor can analyze the nuances in the riders position and use of aids.

EQ is also launching EQ Live–the premier equestrian destination for riders in all disciplines and all levels of experience. With EQ Live, you can learn, compete, and connect with other people who are passionate about horses. With a range of iPhone apps, DVDs, and online riding simulations, you can tune up your skills day or night, whether at your stable or in your living room.

Experience the most revolutionary advancement in the horse industry for diagnosing, evaluating, and improving your riding skills by visiting dressage trainer, Jane Savoie‘s Equisense website www.eqtrained.com. Check it out at: http://social.eqtrained.com/videos/view/video—_80.html

Dressage Trainer Jane Savoie’s DVD on Handling The Horse That Shys

“How to Handle Shying” DVD

Hosted by Jane Savoie

This DVD on How To Handle Shying helps you:

• Learn Why Horses Shy
• Understand The Dominant Eye
• Avoid Several Common Rider Mistakes
• Learn Simple Exercises to Help You Relax Both On And Off Your Horse
• Learn The Exact Aids For A Suppling Technique To Relax Your Spooky Horse
• Learn How To “Read Your Horse’s Ears” To Know When He’s About To Shy
• How To Gradually Introduce a “Scary Object”

Thousands “Stampede” World Equestrian Games to Experience EQ Training Tack

EQ Equisense Systems stunned the competitive riding community at this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ by unveiling its debut products, the enhanced EQ Sensor based Reins and Saddle.
The “enhanced” saddle and reins use biomechanical feedback together with computer processing and a graphic user interface to detect imbalances and unevenness in the rider’s seat, legs and rein. Armed with this information, instructors can now actually “see below the surface” and correct mistakes that are too subtle for the naked eye, while riders instantly “feel” how to correct chronic mistakes. As a result, training time is slashed from the traditional months and years to days and weeks.

Quite obviously, Equisense made instant believers out of the thousands in attendance at the Games, held at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, September 25 – October 10, 2010. Novice riders, professional trainers and world-class competitors alike couldn’t wait to try these new products, and stood in line as long as five hours for a personalized position analysis from a certified EQ trainer.
In fact, demand was high for the full spectrum of Equisense products, the first of which will be available in early spring. Attendance records show the EQ-Equisense Booth was the most popular destination at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) by far.

“We knew EQ’s debut would be huge,” said Olympic coach and Equisense co-founder Jane Savoie. “But we were overwhelmed by the response. Our booth was mobbed the entire 16 days. Security actually had to be called in because the crowd that gathered was creating a fire hazard…”
Though clearly impressed by the turn-out, Savoie was more confident as to why, remarking, “Riders are all hungry to learn how to ‘feel.’ They want to learn how to sit straight and balanced not only so they can be more effective riders, but to keep their horses happier and healthier longer too. By combining science with solid training techniques, we’re able to skyrocket a rider’s learning curve.”

Public reaction certainly bore this out. Riders were astounded at how easily they could improve their positions, and how the corrections stuck with them when they returned to try out the enhanced tack another day. “Within five minutes I learned so much,” said one woman who tried the system. “It was a jaw-dropping experience.”

Data shows that people thronged not just to EQ’s booth space but its cyberspace offering as well, as seen by nearly 15,000 unique visitors and over 24,000 page views from September 1st to October 1st.
Given such the overpoweringly positive response to debut products, many would ask what Equisense plans for an encore. Company representatives were eager to reveal plans to introduce EQLive, EQ Training Centers for students, EQ Pro for certified trainers, and the EQ Roadshow that will bring the full EQ experience to riders around the world.

Whichever products come to the fore, it seems both EQ-Equisense and its customers are in for the ride of their lives.

EQ Equisense Systems is the fusion of two highly successful entities: Jane Savoie International, Inc.–run by world-renowned dressage competitor, mentor, author, Olympic coach, and creator of the first interactive Web-based coaching program; plus the EQ technology team-developers of breakthrough immersive simulation, training and communications solutions.

For more information visit EQtrained.com.

Contact:
Peter E Raymond
Product Development
Email: praymond@EQtrained.com
T: 631.731.4915
Eq-Equisense Enhanced Saddle and Reins

Jane Savoie’s EQ-Equisense Debuts Her Enhanced Tack at WEG

If you couldn’t make it to WEG, enjoy this short video on how Jane Savoie’s EQ enhanced tack can help you “feel” how to sit straight, square, and balanced.

http://www.youtube.com/user/janesavoie#p/u/0/Pmwilf0-xAs

For more information on how you can be trained on this tack or even become a certified EQ trainer yourself, go to: www.eqtrained.com

EQ – Equisense Systems Unveils a Revolution in Equestrian Sports at The World Equestrian Games

EQ – Equisense Systems Unveils a Revolution in Equestrian Sports at The World Equestrian Games

EQ – Equisense Systems unveils a revolution in equestrian sports at The World Equestrian Games, September 2010.

EQ Equisense Systems, Inc. will debut the most revolutionary equestrian training system in the industry at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Developed with three-time Olympic coach, Jane Savoie, and the world-renowned McPhail Equine Performance Center Institute, EQs line of products changes the face of equestrian sports forever.

Savoie says, “This exciting marriage of training and technology skyrockets a rider’s learning curve far beyond traditional teaching methods because it relies on science rather than subjective human analysis.”

EQ-Equisense training moves leaps beyond traditional horsemanship and delivers riders unprecedented tools and technology to improve their own skills and their horses’ training. The EQ motto is: If you can see, you can fix it. EQ helps you see it.

EQ is also launching EQ Live–the premier equestrian destination for riders in all disciplines and all levels of experience. With EQ Live, you can learn, compete, and connect with other people who are passionate about horses. With a range of iPhone apps, DVDs, and online riding simulations, you can tune up your skills day or night whether at your stable or in your living room.

EQ-Equisense will also debut the EQ – Nutrena Change Your Game feed selector. The selector allows horse owners to match the right feeding program with their horses’ nutritional needs. This state-of-the-art system is available in the Nutrena pavilion in the downtown area at the International Equestrian Festival as well as EQ’s booth at the Horse Park–Booth #610.

Special demonstrations will take place at EQ’s booth twice a day. This is the first time EQ-Equisense will demonstrate the system to the public, previously code named SSNP (Super Secret Ninja Project), EQ will be unveiled on Saturday September 25th. Participants can register online at www.eqtrained.com or sign up at booth #610. Four lucky riders will be chosen daily to be evaluated by the EQ team led by Jane Savoie.

The public is welcome to visit Booth #610 at the Horse Park where you’ll have a chance to meet Jane and enter to win a chance to be evaluated by Jane Savoie’s amazing team of clinical experts. Experience the most revolutionary advancement in the industry for diagnosing, evaluating, and improving your riding skills!

EQ Equisense is proud to announce our growing list of partners, Cetyl M and Fortiflex.

For press contacts:

Peter E Raymond
EQ Equisense Systems
646-867-0644
praymond@eqtrained.com

Dressage Trainer Jane Savoie on In Country TV

I’m excited to tell you that you can actually see some dressage on In Country TV this Monday and Saturday.

My segments will be aired May 24th at 8p & 11p eastern and Sat May 29th at 7:30pm. There will be 2 segments–cantering & straightness.

Here’s a link to In Country TV. http://www.incountrytelevision.com/show.cfm?id=70

Don’t miss the chance to see some dressage on TV this week!

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