In this episode of Equestrian Physio on Air, we dive into the complex relationship between gym training asymmetries and their potential impact on riding performance. We discuss the importance of critical thinking in evaluating claims about asymmetry (and in general), the benefits of both bilateral and unilateral training, and the necessity of movement variability.

We see this all the time online: concerns that squatting, deadlifting, or pressing with a small hip shift or rotational bias will reinforce asymmetries and make you more crooked in the saddle. But let’s not just parrot that – let’s break it down:

We’re asking:

• Does lifting with mild asymmetry actually cause one-sided development?

• Does that matter for our riding?

• Do the benefits of bilateral training outweigh the risks?

• What even is “perfect” movement, and should we be chasing it?

• Can movement variability actually help, not hurt?

• How do we manage or prevent the risks?

Takeaways

• Asymmetry in the gym may affect riding performance.
• Critical thinking is essential when evaluating training claims.
• Bilateral lifts can provide greater strength/hypertrophy/neuromuscular gains than unilateral lifts.
• But unilateral training can help reduce asymmetry in athletes.
• Movement variability is beneficial for injury prevention, too.
• Riders often develop asymmetries over time due to various factors.

• Perfect movement is a myth; variability is normal and healthy.
• Strength training builds confidence and resilience in riders.
• Monitoring and addressing asymmetries can enhance performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Physio and Topic Overview

05:37 Exploring Asymmetry in Gym Training and Riding

20:13 The Impact of Asymmetry on Riding Performance

32:17 Balancing Bilateral and Unilateral Training

37:51 Strategies for Managing Asymmetry in Training

Keywords

equestrian, physiotherapy, strength training, asymmetry, gym performance, riding performance, unilateral training, bilateral training, injury prevention, equestrian athletes

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• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

SUMMARY

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most hotly debated topics in equestrian circles:

Is mounting from the ground harmful to your horse’s back—or are we oversimplifying the issue?

We start with where this tradition came from (yes, swords are involved), and then take a deep dive into what the research actually says about the forces placed on your horse’s spine during mounting, especially from the ground.

We talk about what’s backed by science, what’s mostly anecdotal, and where we might be making assumptions based on fear rather than evidence.

As always, we’re bringing a critical lens. Questioning not just the status quo but also our own biases.

KEY POINTS

• ​Tradition isn’t always best practice: Mounting from the left is a centuries-old habit rooted in sword-wearing military culture—not in biomechanics or welfare. While it’s deeply ingrained, it’s worth asking: is our tradition creating unnecessary asymmetrical stress over time?
• ​The force data is clear. Ground mounting hits harder: Pressure-mat studies show that ground mounting creates significantly higher and more asymmetric force on the horse’s back, especially over the right withers. In some cases, the load is comparable to landing from a 1.30m jump. A tall mounting block or a leg-up significantly reduces these forces.
• ​BUT... Horses (and humans) adapt to load—when it’s progressive and intentional: Biological tissues adapt when loaded appropriately. Just like runners build healthier spinal discs or lifters increase bone density, horses may build resilience with smart exposure. Avoiding all ground mounts may actually leave both horse and rider underprepared when they need to do it.
• ​Rider fitness and technique matter more than we think: A quick, coordinated, athletic mount from the ground can be less stressful on the horse than a clumsy, uncontrolled mount from a block. Rider height, strength, and agility all influence how much torque is transferred. Good mounting technique should be a trained skill, not an afterthought.
• ​Repeated one-sided mounting can warp your saddle: Saddle makers tend to confirm that repeated torque from one-sided ground mounting can twist the saddle tree over time, creating uneven fit and pressure points. Horses may also develop postural asymmetries or muscle imbalances from always being mounted from the left.
• ​This isn’t black or white, and we need to be critical in our evaluation: Mounting is a biomechanical event, not just a moment. Yes, ground mounting imposes more stress. But that doesn’t make it inherently bad. Horses, riders, and tack all respond to how and how often the forces are applied. The goal isn’t to eliminate load—it’s to apply it wisely.

KEYWORDS

ground mounting, mounting block, saddle fit, rider fitness, equine biomechanics, horse back pain, one-sided mounting, spinal health, rider technique, equestrian tradition

Come say hi!

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.

SUMMARY

In this solo episode, we walk through the real-life framework I use every time I’m asked, “Should I try this?” Whether it’s red light therapy, PEMF, taping, spinal mobilization, or even just a new stretch or gadget, we break down how to move past the hype and make a sound clinical decision.

We’re talking about critical thinking and clinical reasoning—two terms that get thrown around a lot but rarely broken down in a way that feels practical. This episode is about making informed choices that actually align with the why behind your treatment goals, instead of grabbing at whatever tool is trending. If you’re a clinician, coach, or rider trying to filter through the noise, this one will sharpen your process.

KEY DEFINITIONS

• ​Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information logically and independently, question assumptions, and evaluate claims with curiosity and skepticism. It’s not about being cynical—it’s about asking, “Does this actually make sense, here, for this patient?”
• ​Clinical Reasoning: A dynamic, evidence-informed process we use to make treatment decisions. It pulls from research, clinical experience, client input, and context to determine the most appropriate intervention.

EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

1. ​Understand the WHY• Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. We need to understand the underlying contributors—load, sensitivity, recovery, movement habits—before recommending any treatment.
2. ​Set Specific Treatment Goals• Is the goal to improve tissue capacity? Reduce sensitivity? Promote movement? Build confidence? Without a goal, we’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall.
3. ​Ask: Does This Modality Actually Address That Goal? • If you’re recommending something like laser, massage, or spinal mobilization, it better align with the system or structure you’re trying to affect.
4. ​Look at the Evidence • Is the support for this intervention coming from high-quality, independent research? Or is it mostly testimonials and brand marketing?
5. ​Compare Other Options • Even if a modality might work, is there something just as effective, more accessible, and less expensive? Is there something with lower risk? Active treatments like resistance training often outperform passive ones long-term.
6. ​Plan to Test and Measure • Don’t assume it works. Build in ways to assess before and after. If it doesn’t make an impact, it’s okay to change course.
7. ​Watch for Red Flags in Marketing • If it’s making big promises without much substance, pause. Words like “regenerates,” “balances,” or “detoxes” often signal more marketing than mechanism.

Keywords

equestrian, critical thinking, physiotherapy, horse care, treatment modalities, evidence-based practice, equestrian industry, clinical reasoning, horse health, rider health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Life Updates

06:06 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Equestrian Care

Come say hi!

• ​⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @theequestrianpt⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @theequestrianphysio⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠Website: theequestrianphysio.ca⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠Get the Training App!⁠⁠⁠

Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.