As an equestrian, physical fitness is a key part in becoming a great rider. Chiropractic care is undoubtedly one of the most important self-care practices an equestrian can invest in. While riding, horsemen and women must be conscious of posture, pressure release and functional movement. Today we decided to chat with Dr. Ar'neka Montford about how equestrians can best care for themselves through chiropractic care.

Dr. Ar'neka was born and raised in North Carolina in a small town called Bogue. She was a multi-athlete playing softball, track and field, basketball, volleyball, and marching band. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina State University where she discovered her path towards Chiropractic. This journey led her to Marietta, GA where she attended Life University enrolling in the Doctorate and Masters Program. 3 months into the program she met her other half Ashley, and introduced her to chiropractic. At the completion, she worked with Life U as a Sports Chiropractor for their athletic department. At the end of that contract she was looking to move out of Georgia and believed that California was calling her name so, Ashley and her packed up their house, two dogs and drove across the country to live in California. Dr. Ar'neka is excited to bring mobile chiropractic to Northern California.

Dr. Ar'neka opened Resilient Spine Family and Sports Chiropractic in early 2020 after working under several successful chiropractors. She uses her experience with sports chiro and athletes to educate us on how horseback riding affects the body. During this episode, Dr. Ar'neka shares her journey to owning her own practice, how chiropractic care helps with riding and tips for equestrians to improve their riding.

Chiropractic tips to improve riding:

1. Since the inner thighs are a major muscle group used for riding, train the outer thighs off the horse to prevent muscle imbalance or strain on the knee.
   
2. Practice pelvic tilt: lay on floor and tuck pelvis in (upward) to practice neutral spine and improve muscle memory
   
3. Increase core strength: lay on back and put a folded towel underneath your back, engage your core forcing your back to the floor (you shouldn’t be able to remove towel)
   
4. Practice breathing exercises: deep breathing will help with core strength and tension release, take 5 deep breaths and hold for 3 seconds at each inhale/exhale
   

You can learn more about Dr. Ar'neka on her website and reach out to her on her social media pages where she posts educational videos and tutorials on how to improve your life through chiropractic care.

Website: www.resilientspine.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/resilientspine

Instagram: www.instagram.com/resilientspine

Red light, green light! It's squid games for the horse industry. When you are seeking opportunities in the horse industry where do you go? What do you need to keep in mind? Let's talk about it in this episode.

**IMPORTANT** Check out this guide to working on farms from Not Our Farm, which details questions, considerations, and things to note when working on a farm. It's not equestrian specific, but has some incredible points! https://notourfarm.org/worker-zine/

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We had the opportunity to speak with Cowgirl Chanel in Orange County, California! We discussed her role in the local horse community and her future endeavors (which we are really excited about). Keep an eye on this cowgirl, she is destined for great things!