United States Eventing Association

IDCTA Presents: “Breathing as a Riding Aide” with Allison Baier, PT | December 12, 2022 | 7:00 p.m. PST

How we breathe is speaking volumes to our horses every step of the ride. Physical Therapy concepts about the breathing muscle of the diaphragm, the ribcage, and the nervous system open up awareness for proper breathing mechanics in and out of the saddle. Practical ideas for using breathing as your new riding aide are also provided!

Allie Baier is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who treats equestrians of all ages and abilities. Physical therapists are best described as movement specialists; trained to watch all types of movement, identify asymmetries or poor movement strategies, and coach individuals to move properly again. She believes that the therapy experience, much like that of a horse and rider pair, should be a partnership between the therapist and patient to reach the patient’s goals.

Allie Baier combines two passions into one experience for equestrians looking to gain a new perspective on their own athleticism. Long before becoming a Physical Therapist, Allie was developing partnerships with horses as a rider herself. She has worked as a horseback riding instructor, clinician, and United States Pony Club Examiner (a Graduate B herself).

Her EquiPT riding sessions blend unmounted assessment and hands-on care to the rider prior to further watching the movement of the rider and horse together. With photo and video riding analysis she further supports the partnership- aiding the rider to better move and experience the horse, just as much as she helps the rider provide fine-tuned and more clear aides for the horse. Her growing awareness of the somatic experience of our nervous system also brings a new perspective to why our bodies move freely with ease or hold long term pain or trauma that blocks enjoyable riding experiences. To Allie, education and clear communication are the foundation of both riding instruction and physical therapy. Her calm, positive, and open-minded approach helps horses and riders who struggle with fear, frustration, and lack of body-awareness. Allie is here to help you every step and stride of the way.

Cost: IDCTA Members - FREE | Non-IDCTA Members - $20