Pilates for the Equestrian Population
Pilates for the Equestrian Population
1 hour 30 minutes
The instructors
Overview
The pelvis is where the rider and the horse meet. Horseback riding requires considerable pelvic mobility and strength, postural awareness, and coordination. Riders can present with muscular imbalances that affect the advancement of their riding and create risk for injury or dysfunction.
Jessica Bergevin, PT (Registered Physiotherapist) provides comprehensive assessment and evidence-based interventions for equestrian riders that focus on spine, hip, and pelvic alignment, mobility, core strength, and equestrian-specific function. Her approach integrates postural analysis, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and therapeutic movement tailored to the unique needs of each rider.
In Pilates for the Equestrian Population, Jessica shares the treatment strategies and specific Pilates protocols she has developed for the equestrian population. This course includes patient resources and video content to support implementation of the strategies and protocols clinically.
Pilates for the Equestrian Population is a follow-up to the introductory course Physiotherapy for the Equestrian Population. It is recommended that the introductory course is viewed first.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the functional requirements and movement patterns of horseback riding.
- Select and prescribe Pilates exercises for the equestrian population.
- Design individualized home exercise programs for the equestrian population based on observed movement patterns, physical signs/symptoms, and patient needs.
Audience
This 90-minute online course is intended for both orthopaedic and pelvic health physiotherapists with an interest in assessing and treating the equestrian population with therapeutic movement.
Recording and Replays
This webinar will be recorded and made available as a course on Embodia, free to webinar registrants. If you can’t attend live, don’t worry—you’ll receive access to the recording and any shared resources shortly after the session.
The instructors
PT
Dr. Jessica Bergevin, PT, holds a Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation and Health Leadership from Queen's University, where her research focused on reducing maternal morbidity by integrating physiotherapy into routine prenatal care.
As a clinician, she provides orthopaedic and pelvic health physiotherapy in rural Nova Scotia, where prenatal patients make up a large share of her caseload. Jessica is the founder and host of the Maritime Pelvic Physiotherapy Conference and Social, a professional development event that blends education, well-being, and networking for pelvic health physiotherapists. Her courses synthesize published evidence with practice-based experience, with a focus on clinical relevance and practical tools for care.
Her vision is to support and advance evidence-based practice related to physiotherapy care across health systems and enhance patient experiences/health outcomes through research, strategy, advocacy, and collaborative innovation.