Horses Inside Out- Biomechanics in Action for RDA Coaches (CPD)

12th Oct 2026
Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, CV23 8AJ

Event details

Ticket Type Early Bird Standard
RDA Members £10 £15
RDA Approved Centres £15 £20
BHS, British Dressage, Pony Club and Other Organisations £19 £24

Join internationally renowned equine anatomy and biomechanics expert Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out for a fascinating and practical day exploring how biomechanics can enhance coaching within RDA.

This engaging workshop combines classroom learning, practical demonstrations, and arena-based sessions to help coaches better understand movement, posture, rider influence, and exercise selection. The day will conclude with an RDA-specific demonstration session led by Lindsay Nicholson, bringing together the concepts explored throughout the day into a practical coaching environment.

Schedule

9:30am – Registration
10:15am – Back and Posture (Classroom)
11:15am – Coffee Break
11:45am – Biomechanics in Action (Classroom)
12:45pm – Lunch Break
1:30pm – Pilates and Off-Horse Exercises (Arena)
2:30pm – Polework Exercises for RDA Sessions (Arena)
3:15pm – Coffee Break
3:45pm – RDA Demonstration Session with Lindsay Nicholson (Arena)
4:45pm – Summary and Key Takeaways
5:00pm – Close

What Will This Session Cover?

Throughout the day, Gillian will explore how a greater understanding of equine and rider biomechanics can improve coaching, exercise planning, and participant outcomes within RDA sessions.

Topics will include:

  • Understanding equine back function and posture
  • How horse and rider movement influence one another
  • The biomechanics of walk and why it is so important within RDA
  • Recognising movement patterns and compensations in both horse and rider
  • Pilates-inspired off-horse exercises to improve rider awareness and function
  • Practical polework exercises that can be safely incorporated into RDA activities
  • Applying biomechanical principles to participant development and goal setting
  • Observing biomechanics in action through a live RDA demonstration session

Delegates will leave with practical ideas, exercises, and coaching tools that can be immediately applied within their own RDA groups.

Book this event