Barbara Progess
Competitive Equine Dressage Rider
Retired Physics Teacher
Kaysville, Utah

    "As a competitive equestrian, I always felt I was in the best shape possible. I was riding three horses a day, mowing acres of pasture and mucking stalls with gusto. But my first Pilates training session with Kimberly revealed how my body had developed in an unbalanced manner. Working only the outer, large muscle groups had created a crooked riding "seat" and was stressing my upper back and legs in ways not only harmful to me, but also to my horse. After just two sessions I was hooked. I could see an immediate difference in the way my horses moved under my quickly changing body. With every session and with weekly practice, I can visibly see my body becoming lithe, with smoother and stronger movement.

   Pilates is the perfect training tool for any equestrian. In dressage, the rider must move so intimately with the horse the ride becomes a dance. For this to happen, the rider must be able to feel every muscle and be able to work them independently at will. It is only fair if we ask our horses to be strong, flexible and balanced that we should also have robust muscle control to turn our own static weight into a dynamic influence. As Pilates training builds the foundation (or core muscles), the larger outer muscles can relax and work in harmony, rather than overworking and making movement strenuous.

   The additional benefits aren't too bad, either. I've lost inches around my waist and dropped eight pounds to boot. I walk more gracefully, have more endurance, and I can throw hay bales easier with my new postural awareness and Pilates techniques.

    Kimberly is the key to this success. Her focused attention can quickly identify areas of concern and she always has a series of movements to address problem areas. Her excitement and encouraging cheers make the sessions so enjoyable I can't wait for my next lesson. Private sessions are a necessity if a person wants to be assured of correct movements and immediate results. The studio is exceptionally clean and makes for an extremely comfortable workout. My only complaint is Kimberly’s inability to clone herself so I can share her with my out of town friends."