Equestrian Movement Studio
Equestrian Performance Training
Developed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy
with the Equestrian in Mind
Rethinking Equestrian Performance Training
Are you ready to learn your own body’s mechanics?
When you understand your
body’s strengths and limitations,
you are able to gain control
over how effectively it influences
your horse's movements.
If you’re frustrated by your body limiting your ability to exercise the way you want, you are in the right place!
What is Equestrian Performance Training?
Equestrian Performance Training starts by looking at key body movements identifying your strengths and limitations to define your exercise training towards your riding goals.
Equestrian Movement Assessment
Find out why your body isn’t cooperating with you
Identify Movement Compensations
Stop fighting your body’s limitations and start building a stronger, more effective version of you.
Build Dynamic Stability
Learn how to control your body against the external forces of the horse’s movement for harmony, finesse, and connection in the saddle.
Build Consistency in Performance
Progressively train your muscle memory and endurance off the horse so you can build the power and flexibility to become the rider you want to be.
"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.”
Whether you’re looking to restore movement or realign your performance, it all starts with understanding your body’s current level of performance.
Is Equestrian Performance Training right for you?
Not just another exercise plan - a real solution for riders
Do you already know you compensate in the saddle with or without pain?
Are you ready to objectively measure how your body moves so you can customize a progressive exercise training program or or take your current program to the next level?
Once you understand your body’s limits and strengths, you gain control over how effectively it influences your horse's movements. And that’s when you see the progress you’ve been working so hard for.
Where to Start?
Equestrian Performance Training starts with an assessment by Dr. Emily Shields, PT where you will perform key movements
to identify your body’s limitations and strengths.
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.
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
- Board Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist
- Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner
"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."