Finding balance in all things, is always a challenge and yet is a very important state which we all strive for.
Imagine finding your perfect balance, by connecting your centre of gravity over that of a horse’s, in maximum dynamic movement, and remaining there in still steadiness, all the while sensitively communicating with the horse invisibly via independent rein, seat and leg aids. This is what I do, competitively and professionally, and what I have done my whole life.
I am a Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer, with goals to ride for Canada in international competition.
Nancy Coles is a key part of my training regiment and we have worked together, regularly, for over 5 years. Her precise eye for detail and strict adherence to correct bio-mechanical alignment has greatly aided my body awareness and control, which translates directly to my riding. In order to be perfectly symmetrical, strong and still, all the while absorbing tremendous power and thrust coming up beneath you from the horse, the rider relies on a strong core. This is how the centre of gravity is aligned and stabilized over top of the moving horse, and how the arms and hands can maintain a light sensitive connection to the horse’s mouth. Nancy found areas of weakness and asymmetry in my body, some of which I was not even aware, and immediately improved my riding through very specific and targeted strength exercises. She was able to assess old riding injuries that I have harboured for decades and have managed, via recruiting compensatory muscle groups. Nancy has been able to untangle the old muscle memory neuro-patterns, just as she untangled scar tissue and nerve damaged areas that were not functioning optimally for me. Regardless of your goals, who doesn’t want to function optimally?
No one is ever too old to start really inhabiting their bodies with awareness and alignment. To feel fit and strong, with the energy to engage what ever activities are of interest to you, is a true source of happiness and joy. Furthermore, Nancy has a wide and varied background in sport and training and can very quickly and creatively find exercise patterns that are best suited to you and your goals. Working privately together, we have come up with many modifications and new variations, depending on my immediate and long term needs. In addition to all of this, Nancy is organized, on time, very compassionate and fun to be with. She is also a registered holistic nutritionist and is very knowledgeable in terms of nutritional ways to support your goals and health, which is a very significant component to this process.
Working closely with Nancy will not only change your body dramatically, it will change the way you inhabit your body, and the way you engage the world around you!. I highly recommend it!
Shelley Lawder
Delta, BC
High Performance Dressage Coach for Canada
Awarded Grand Prix Dressage competitor in US and Canada
US Certified dressage coach and judge
shelleylawderdressage.com
