Equestrians of all levels aim to improve their riding skills, and one way to do that is through rider biomechanics. On Tuesday, June 2, at 8 p.m. ET, we are hosting our second Members-Only VIP Webinar—Rider Biomechanics 101 with Stephany Fish Crossman. She is a LEVEL 3 Ride With Your Mind Accredited coach, biomechanics expert and dressage trainer with a passion for helping riders reach their goals with their horses. In the webinar, Fish Crossman will explain biomechanics for equestrians, who started the field of study, what the goals are, and how it applies to riders of all English disciplines including hunters, jumpers, eventers and dressage. We chatted with her for a sneak peek of the insights she’ll share in the webinar.

Q&A With Stephany Fish Crossman

PH: What is rider biomechanics exactly?

SFC: Rider biomechanics is the study and evaluation of the rider as a separate set of levers and pulleys, designed to work in a specific fashion for their best balance and use. While this doesn’t sound all that exciting, putting riders in their best balance helps them influence their horse with greater ease and clarity, increases their confidence in the saddle, helps them be more equally effective in both directions, and can reduce body pain from incorrect alignment. When our bodies are in proper alignment, we have a greater ability to put our horses in proper alignment.

PH: Why is it important for all riders?

SFC: Being in better alignment makes you an easier package for your horse to carry and gives you more ability to aid your horse with greater clarity and less white noise. This is a huge help in every horse sport, even driving!

PH: If I’m a hunter or jumper rider, how can it help me?

SFC: Better rider biomechanics extends to hunter/jumper riders, too! Having better body awareness and positioning in the saddle can make it easier to stay with your horse over a jump and give you the ability to land on both leads with ease. Better balance can also help you through turns and rollbacks to potentially shave time off your jumper round.

Sign up for the Webinar

Want to join the webinar to learn more? Practical Horseman+ subscribers can register and submit their questions for this Members-Only VIP Webinar with Fish Crossman. Click here to subscribe for only $3.99 a month! In addition to our VIP webinars, learn about all the benefits you’ll enjoy as a Practical Horseman+ member here.

Once you are signed up as a Practical Horseman+ subscriber, go to register for the webinar here. Click on the link to “Register and submit your questions for our Practical Horseman+ Members-Only VIP Webinar.”

About Our Expert: Stephany Fish Crossman

Stephany Fish Crossman, who co-hosts the Dressage Today Podcast, began riding as a young girl in Maine, and hasn’t gotten off a horse since. Besides a brief stint in the hotel industry, Fish Crossman has worked for and with trainers at all levels, from grass roots Pony Clubs to several different Olympians. She attended the former International Academy of Equestrian Studies in Warendorf, Germany, where she graduated with her National Trainer Certificate. She’s also a USDF bronze and silver medalist as well as one of only two LEVEL 3 coaches worldwide for Mary Wanless’ Ride With Your Mind Biomechanics System. She teaches clinics all around the country and runs a small training business, Serendipity Dressage, in Okeechobee, Florida.