01/31/2023
This is one that has boggled my brain for the past 2 years as it seemed so opposite of what their purpose was for it and not to mention the physical problems and pain that can come for this crazy method🤦🏼♀️ After 2 years of sharing photos of this with Britta and begging her to give me one single reason why this was a good idea (which she could not), she has written a fantastic article on why riders should NOT allow someone to tape them to the saddle. It seems like common sense to me, but apparently not to others🤦🏼♀️🤕🤦🏼♀️ Thank you, Britta, for taking the time to write this!! You truly are at the very top of Rider Physios in the world and I’m so grateful to have you as a coach, mentor and sister😍🤩😍
The SCIENCE to Incorrect Taping
Lets delve into the Rider Biomechanics of Equestrian sports … There seems to be a growing trend of riders being attached via their helmet or a body part/s to the saddle. In my professional opinion this needs to stop as it is WRECKING both a riders mechanics & their “feel”. These practices are dangerous and NOT the intended purpose of the design or methodology of these tapes in the hands of untrained persons.
Always question: “Is the person employing these techniques adequately trained to do so in the sport of Equestrian”? Taping is a governed certification under its founder at Kinesio Tape which encompasses over 64hours of direct application education, followed by an exam.
In my perspective when we are addressing mechanics in relation to ‘feel’ you need to adequately understand and have felt the force vectors applied to a riders body under the dynamic motion of a horses way of going to truly appreciate how your body simultaneously moves with the horse.
I have trained horses and riders for the better part of 30 years, along with being a professional rider at an international level and representing my country on multiple occasions. My passion for riding and horses pushed me into my profession of physiotherapy. As a medical professional, rider and trainer, I advocate for all riders' welfare. My passion for our equestrian sport, manual physiotherapy, and a commitment to my riders. I view this as a dedication to my sport and fellow riders to educate and help understand the why. As riders, we deserve the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions on our welfare and longevity in our sport.
READ THE FULL REPORT HERE:
https://performancerefinery.com/the-science-behind-why-you-should-not-let-anyone-tape-you-to-your-saddle/
