Heather...

[Marlena]

In your reply to my questions about terminology you mentioned you also teach in Holland. Where exactly? Do you also teach beginners? Do you know if they have these riding simulators here in Holland?
(Funnily enough, I was thinking about it the other week, wondering why they hadn't come up with a riding simulator for beginners...)
I tend to have problems with my balance because I find it hard to relax (my neck and shoulders have always been a problem for me) and I don't want to end up hurting the poor horse's mouth. I guess working on a simulator like that might be the answer for me.

[Heather]

Hi Marlena,

I teach the European Space Agency Riding Club at Nordvijk, at the Manege Langeveldt. No, as yet they do not have the Equisimulators in Holland, but we have not yet fully released them onto the market.

I do two day workshops here in England in South Devon where I live, but the simulator is too big to parcel up and take over on the plane to the Netherlands with me!

If everyone learnt the basics on this machine, it would solve most of the problems associated with riding. I wanted one of these machines twenty years ago, but no one would make it for me. A student of mine who is an engineer finally designed this one in conjunction with me, four years ago. I do not know how I ever managed without it.

Heather

[KarlR]

Sounds good Heather. Now...if you can just develop the home model, I'll be able to stop sitting on the back of the sofa to practice!<g>

Seriously though...it does sound a good idea.

[Heather]

Sounds good Heather. Now...if you can just develop the home model,
I'll be able to stop sitting on the back of the sofa to practice!<g>

Seriously though...it does sound a good idea.


Funny you should mention this Karl, but we are developing a model for home use! It will not be electrically powered like the other,but will be rider powered. The machine will be based on a spring mechanism- we already have a larger prototype in use here- and it really does get you using the right muscles for riding. It will be the first home exercise machine made specifically for horse riders. Stick an equestrian vidoe on at the same time, and you'll have virtual reality!

Heather

[~alison~*]

Heather...that sounds really neat!! If only we could get things done as fast as we'd like :] Well, keep us posted on how things are going!!!! ~alison~*

[KarlR]

I like that idea. What better form of exercise for riding than one which mimics riding itself?

Presumably the "manual" model will be more exercise than training oriented due to the inevitable limitations imposed compared to the electric one?

I look forward to seeing them in circulation. Good luck.