At the Core of Riding: RiderPilates Clinic with Beth Glosten
- Nicole Walther
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 1
The Riding Doctor will see you now! Dr. Beth Glosten came to Santa Barbara to help riders improve their own body control and to generate a comfortable and beautiful pairing with the horse.
Beth Glosten, MD, delivered in spades and 'prescribed' each rider a cure for their specific body challenge. From Friday, June 13 - Sunday, June 15th, 9 riders learned about the "Rider Checklist" which Beth systematically developed for riders to keep track of body position and function in the saddle.
The mounted clinic took place at three locations in Santa Barbara, including Shoreline Farms, Emerald Stables and Lisa White's place, which she generously opened up to the riders and auditors.
Lisa White, chapter secretary and one of the clinic participants took copious notes so she could report from the 3-day event for this blog.
We started Friday evening with a 2-hour unmounted clinic. We got into it on the Pilates ball, the mat and with stretchy bands. Beth presented 5 rider fundamentals: mental focus, posture, body control LEGS, body control ARMS and understanding the mechanics of your horse. We all focused hard and got very hungry. Thank-goodness Carolyn Adams was ready with delicious vittles.
Saturday and Sunday each participant rode their horse under the watchful eyes of Beth Glosten. We applied new techniques learned Friday along with pointers on how to make corrections for habits we're not even aware of. We will never sit on our horse or in our cars the same. At the core of every movement is our core!
Visiting from Nipomo was Lisa Everett, a long-time horse trainer. She joined the group for insights on riding with a few back and hip issues. Here she is with Estrella, her 8 year old PRE.
Chapter Chair Mary Couch had this to say about the clinic. “Beth’s keen eye and deep understanding of how a rider’s position affects every stride of our ride was a game changer for Nuncio and me. I am thrilled to have several new tools to incorporate into our riding program.”
Laura Kranzler commented that “It was extremely helpful for me and Lilli having Beth’s keen eye watching me ride. I always thought I was centered in the saddle, but after Beth’s instructions and what she saw, this was clearly not the case. Especially when I looked at my videos and pictures. Such a helpful clinic, I can’t wait to ride with Beth again.”
Marianne Kruidenier reports “Each of us has our own physical challenges that act as a barrier to better posture both in and out of the saddle. Beth helped us achieve better posture in the saddle by assessing our riding, prioritizing problem areas, and giving us constructive feedback toward our own self carriage. When we are straighter and have better balance, our horses benefit.“
Karen Christensen commented “Beth worked through my complex spinal issues and made four subtle changes to my position that dramatically improved my balance, connection and ability to sit a big trot. I believe her suggestions for exercises and riding will strengthen my back and give me a longer future in the saddle.”
Lisa White notes “My riding is improved from Beth’s pointers on the correct use of my core. I like to think I’m riding not a seat trained horse but a corset trained horse!”
Anne Cole participated in the clinic as well and thought the clinic was wonderful. "I really enjoyed the holistic, full body approach to alignment. I particularly loved her leg yield and half pass exercises." Carolyn Adams, who organized this 3-day event as the chapters Event Chair, also was able to benefit from Beth's skilled eye and pointed suggestions.
Visiting from Paso Robles, Kirsten Wright sums up the whole weekend: “These are the days my friends! What beautiful weather, beautiful people, beautiful venues, beautiful horses and a beautiful teacher with beautiful wisdom and matching enthusiasm to share!”
The clinic left riders inspired and with a whole new set of tools to improve their posture, and ultimately, their horses balance and movements underneath a more stable rider. Beth Glosten brought copies of her book "The Riding Doctor: A Prescription for Healthy, Balanced, and Beautiful Riding, Now and for Years to Come" to the clinic, and it is filled with detailed exercises and step-by-step instructions. The exercises are broad enough to be applied to riders of any discipline or level. They are perfect for a committed rider who wants to improve their health and longevity in the saddle, and who understands that the more the rider is capable of balancing appropriately on the moving horse, the better the horses balance and health and longevity will be. You can purchase the book HERE.
About the clinician:
Dr. Glosten has successfully competed in dressage from Training Level through Grand Prix, and has earned her USDF bronze, silver, and gold medals. She is a graduate of the USDF “L” judge training program, with distinction. Dr. Glosten received her Pilates training through the Physical Mind Institute and is certified through the Pilates Method Alliance. She operates her RiderPilates program in Redmond, Washington, where she teaches private and small-group, off horse, exercise and movement classes. You can learn more about Beth on her RiderPilates website: https://www.riderpilates.com/
Comments