PERSHORE horsewoman and pilates teacher Liza Randall has combined her two loves by writing her first book, Pilates for Equestrians.

The former editor of British Eventing Magazine has seen how core stability exercises can help professional riders, as well as experiencing the benefits first hand when a showjumping fall resulted in a broken back.

Pinvin international event rider Deborah Fielding, a pilates devotee, is the main model in the book, demonstrating the various movements, along with Strensham and Upton dressage riders, Janet Youd and Janet Wescombe.

The book is packed full with colourful photographs and explanations showing just how pilates can help riders achieve further success in the saddle. All movements are colour coded as to challenge level, so readers can work their way through the book. It also relates each exercise to a schooling movement, and has a section on common rider problem areas such as crookedness.

“Pilates has huge benefits and is a practical form of strength and condition training as well as muscle maintenance for all riders, whether you want to achieve international success or are recovering from and injury and want to enjoy a pain-free return to the saddle,” Liza explained.

She is a teacher in the local area and will be starting some new equestrian pilates workshops focusing on balance and control in the new year. For further information contact Liza at panacea.pilates@btinternet.com.

Pilates for Equestrians is published by kenilworth Press at £19.95 and is available at large saddlers, ordered from bookshops or available on line at Amazon or Waterstones.