Asymmetry is one of the biggest things riders obsess over. Leg length, crookedness, hip rotation, handedness, “my pelvis is twisted,” “one stirrup always feels longer,” all of it. The question is… when does it actually matter?

In this episode, I dig into what asymmetry really means for riders, when we care about it, and when it’s completely normal. I talk through why most athletes (in almost every other sport) function perfectly well with natural sidedness, why some asymmetries are literally performance advantages, and why equestrians are a special case because our bodies don’t operate alone — they influence the horse underneath us.

I break down:

• Why asymmetry in most sports is normal and often helpful

• Why equestrians sometimes need to treat asymmetry differently

• The problem with chasing endless “corrective” exercises

• Why leg length measurements are often inaccurate

• How a well-rounded, consistent strength program solves most asymmetries

• When unilateral work makes sense and when it doesn’t

• Why you shouldn’t automatically add more reps to your weaker side

• The difference between an adaptation and an actual problem

• Why most riders are trying to fix the top of the pyramid without building the foundation

I also explain how I build programs for riders: starting with human needs, then layering in discipline demands, then addressing individual asymmetries only after the base is covered. Most riders don’t need dozens of corrective drills. They need consistent, well-structured strength training that gets them close to failure, covers all major muscle groups, and includes enough unilateral work to balance things out over time.

If you’ve been told you’re “crooked,” “uneven,” or “twisted,” this episode will help you understand what matters, what doesn’t, and how to actually train in a way that supports your riding.

Come say hi!

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

Hypermobility doesn’t have to mean pain, fatigue, or “I can’t.” In this episode, we unpack what hypermobility really is, what it means for riders, and how we can train smarter so both our bodies (and our horses) feel better.

I break down the spectrum from simple joint hypermobility to HSD and hEDS, how these conditions show up for equestrians, and why strength training can be such a powerful tool for comfort, control, and confidence in the saddle. I also talk about why hypermobile riders often experience disproportionate soreness, how to build strength safely, and when bracing or taping can actually help. Expect clear explanations, practical strategies, and realistic starting points for anyone managing hypermobility in their riding and training.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Hypermobile Equestrians

08:53 Understanding Hypermobility and Its Implications

17:00 Managing Hypermobility in Athletic Performance

26:03 Understanding Body Awareness and Neural Pathways

28:39 The Importance of Resistance Training

30:55 Addressing Joint Pain and Injury

33:22 Managing Fatigue in Hypermobile Individuals

35:47 The Role of Bracing and Support

38:31 Conclusion and Call to Action

KEY TOPICS

• Why so many hypermobile riders relate to this show, plus sampling bias
• Definitions: hypermobility vs HSD vs hEDS, Beighton overview
• Common co-travellers: fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, GI issues, neurodivergence, MCAS
• Disproportionate soreness after new or high-volume training, what to do instead
• Programming that works: intentional under-dosage, repeat movements, several-week blocks
• Proprioception and body maps, why resistance training sharpens control in the saddle
• Joint pain, subluxations, and building “good tension” with stronger tissues
• Fatigue realities, setting worst-week goals, stacking tiny wins
• Bracing and taping: when it helps, and the goal to “be the tape”
• Travel and show-season training options riders can actually stick with

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Start slower than you think. Aim for 20 to 30 percent of true capacity and build weekly.
• Keep the same main lifts for 4 to 8 weeks so your body adapts and soreness drops.
• Use mirrors, tempo, and repeated practice to improve body awareness.
• Build muscle around lax joints to add healthy resting tension and stability.

• If you brace or tape for big days, pair it with a plan to strengthen the area.
• For fatigue, pick a goal you can hit on your worst week, then layer up.

Come say hi!

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

Come say hi!

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.