Equestrian Movement Studio
SportPerformance Training
Developed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy
with the Equestrian in Mind
It Starts Here
Ready to train your achy body smarter
to be a stronger, more agile equestrian?
You are in the right place!
Train your body smarter, not harder
Equestrian Sport Performance Training
A structured exercise program
designed by a physical therapist,
based your aches and pains
to progress your ability in the saddle.
It all starts here...
How does your body move?
Find out why your body isn’t cooperating with you.
Stop Fighting Your Body
Find the right exercise modification to build a stronger, more agile body, while minimizing your everyday aches and pains.
Build Dynamic Stability
Find balance between mobility and stability to create the power and flexibility to stay in rhythm with your horse's movements.
Build Consistent Performance
Consistent, progressive exercise training builds muscle memory and agility to reach your riding goals.
Ready to start your journey?
Where to Start?
During the initial visit, key rider movements will be assessed to identify your body's strengths and limitations.
From there, you choose a program that fits your riding goals, whether it is to realign your balance in the saddle, restore your body's movement, or to repair your achy body.
Ready to start your journey?
"Emily is amazing. She’s helped me, my students and my horses focus on critical areas that need improvement. She’s been a blessing to work with and her knowledge is indispensable.”
Why Equestrian Sport PerformanceTraining?
Let's Work Together
Do you already know you twist, collapse, or sit to one side in the saddle?
Is your achy equestrian body ready to train smarter, not harder?
Ready to restore and improve your body's movement?
Hi, I'm Emily
I’ve been a Doctor of Physical Therapy for over 20 years.
When I came back to the equestrian world after too many years away, I realized I had the opportunity to impact the equestrian community as a physical therapist.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege to work with amazing professional riders and some of the happiest trail riders across many disciplines.
I’m not an elite rider. I’m an average adult amateur, working hard to correct my own riding position, fighting my body in the saddle due to non-painful and painful limitations.
But that gives me a unique advantage: I know how it feels to struggle in the saddle. And with my physical therapy education and clinical decision-making skills, I can assess your whole-body movement, treat your underlying limitations, and develop a progressive training program tailored to you — the equestrian athlete.
So, if you’re here to learn how to train your achy body to overcome movement compensations and become a stronger, more effective rider - you’re in the right place.
Whether your pain comes from falling off a horse or tripping on a shoe lace, your achy and limited body movement will affect your riding.
Dr. Emily Shields PT
- A Broken Equestrian
- Champion Performance-Specialist
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist
- Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Ready to start your journey?
Let's Work Together
"If you’ve never worked with Emily Shields, you should definitely try it. She’s helped me sort out some of my asymmetries, which have in turn helped my riding tremendously. Remember, the horse can only be as aligned as we are, and our biomechanics directly impact theirs. If you’re having issues with canter leads, lateral work, or balance in general, Emily can help identify where your body could be holding you back from progress."