Rider Physio FAQs

What can Rider Physio help with?

Rider physiotherapy is suitable for all levels of rider – whether you’re managing pain or injury, returning after surgery, aiming to improve performance, or simply wanting to understand your body better in the saddle.

Common areas we work on include:

Riding challenges

Problems on one rein
Difficulty with smooth transitions
Struggling to sit to the trot
Gripping with the thighs or collapsing to one side
Feeling off-balance or asymmetrical in the saddle

Pain, recovery & rehabilitation

Back pain during or after riding
Hip pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility
Knee, shoulder, or ankle issues
Ongoing sports injuries or riding-related discomfort
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Injury prevention and long-term movement support

Performance & improvement

Improving rider alignment and posture
Increasing strength, control, and stability
Learning movement patterns that transfer into riding
Building confidence and body awareness
Movement analysis to support more effective training

What is Riding Ready?

Riding Ready helps riders understand how their anatomy and the basic principles of physics influence their riding – including balance, force transfer, and movement over a moving base of support – so they can work with those principles rather than unknowingly working against them.

It is not a general term for being “ready to ride”, and it is not about warm-ups or general fitness.

Instead, Riding Ready focuses on three core elements:

Position – how the rider is organised over the horse
Movement – how the rider moves with the horse
Control – how the rider adapts and applies aids as demands change

Within rider physiotherapy sessions, Riding Ready is used to decide where to start and how to progress. Sessions usually begin by establishing a stable base of support and functional positions. If position is already effective, work moves on to movement, control, and specific riding problems. If position is limiting, that is addressed first.

The framework supports injury management, post-operative rehabilitation, pain management, return to riding, and performance development by providing a structured way to understand what the rider’s body needs to do at each stage.

What’s the benefit of using a simulator / mechanical horse?

Sessions take place at the Racewood Training Centre, using either the Dressage Pro or Eventer simulator, depending on your goals. The simulator allows sessions to happen in a controlled environment, where the focus can be entirely on you – the rider.

The simulator provides:

real-time feedback on balance, posture, and symmetry
consistent movement that helps reveal riding habits
the ability to pause and analyse movement using video
a safe space to build new habits without the unpredictability of a live horse
integration with visual tools such as SymmFit clothing to highlight alignment

Using a mechanical horse also allows work that would not be possible in a normal arena. We can:

get on and off the simulator regularly to reassess and treat
use bands, poles, or light resistance to improve body awareness
work without reins or stirrups without anxiety about horse behaviour

What should I wear for my session?

Clean boots
Fitted clothing (to allow clear assessment of position and movement). YYou may be asked to wear a SymmFit Core training top to help make alignment and asymmetries clearer.

You do not need to wear a hat or gloves unless you prefer to.

You’re welcome to bring your own saddle if it fits the simulator.
Please note: plastic stirrups are required – metal stirrups cannot be used.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes – the minimum age is 10 years old, as required for insurance at the Racewood Training Centre.

Is there a weight or height limit?

Maximum weight: 16 stone (approximately 101 kg)
There is no height limit (the simulator is based on a 15.2 horse)

Is there parking?

Yes – free parking is available on-site.

If you are bringing a horse trailer or lorry, please let us know in advance so arrangements can be made.

Can someone come with me?

Absolutely. Spectators are welcome.

Free tea, coffee, and soft drinks are available, and there is often a small tuck shop selling snacks and SymmFit clothing is available to buy in the sessions..

Where are sessions held?

Sessions take place at Racewood Training Centre (CW6 9AR).

If using Google Maps, please search Racewood Ltd. Typing only “Racewood” may direct you to the old site in Tarporley village.

For the most accurate directions, please use what3words:
///beeline.suggested.chucked

If the postcode takes you near a livery yard and:

If Hares Farm / KC Equestrian is on your right – keep going, Racewood is on the left
If it’s on your left – you’ve gone past it, turn around and look for the wooden gates

Can you tell me more about the Racewood simulators?

For detailed technical information, please visit the Racewood website.

What’s the cancellation policy?

All initial assessments must be paid for in advance
Cancellations up to 48 hours before your session receive a full refund
Late cancellations may not be refunded

Are there places to stay or eat nearby?

Yes – there are several local options.

Accommodation

Food & drinks

The Drays (tea, coffee, and cakes)
Restaurants in Tarporley village
The Fishpool Inn (pub with garden)

Kelsall Hill is also nearby if you’d like to visit an equestrian venue or tack shop, also a cafe onsite there.

For those travelling with dogs, horses, or family, Sandhole Cottages is approximately 15 minutes away.

I’m travelling a long way – are there rider packages?

Yes.

For day trips, a 2-hour session (£200) is recommended. This allows time for assessment, treatment, and an exercise plan to take home.

For riders travelling further or wanting a more in-depth start:

£550 for 6 hours, split over 2–3 days
Ideal for detailed assessment and concentrated improvement

Please get in touch to discuss what would work best for you.

Can I book a joint session?

Yes – joint sessions are available once both riders have completed individual initial assessments.

For riders travelling together, a 3-hour shared session (£300) often works well.

Do you offer on-horse sessions?

Yes.
After an initial simulator assessment, sessions can also take place in the 20 × 60 m arena at Racewood, where appropriate.

Can I buy a gift card?

Yes – gift cards are available in values of £25 and above, they are bought online.

Do you offer discounts for block bookings?

Yes – 10% off when booking a block of 5 sessions after your initial assessment.

Still unsure?

Contact Pegasus Physio to discuss your injury, concerns, or riding goals and whether a rider physiotherapy session using the simulator is right for you.