How Franklin Method Equestrian will transform your riding and perfect your position
How can imagery and a load of different-sized balls improve your riding? Allisonison Lowther finds out more about the Franklin Method and how it can help
I’VE SPENT YEARS working on trying to perfect the way I sit in the saddle, and it will come as no surprise to you that I’m still on the quest for perfection. Being aware of our weak areas and trying to correct them takes constant effort, but constantly analysing yourself can seriously affect your self-belief and confidence. Keen to kick these thoughts of self-doubt into touch, I was on the search for something new to help me. Having heard from other riders about using Franklin balls I was keen to know more — could this be what I’ve been looking for? As I embark on my first Franklin Method Equestrian session, I’m about to discover that there’s a lot more to this method than just balls.
Origins in dance
Under the expert eyes of Sarah Davenport at EquiMotion and Alysen Starko-Bowes from Franklin Method Equestrian, we begin with a brief introduction to the Franklin Method and how it can help riders.
The Franklin Method has been around for almost 30 years and was created by
Eric Franklin. Initially the method helped dancers to reduce injury and improve performance. Now it’s used worldwide to help all types of athletes, including
horse riders, to improve their movement and competitive performance.
“As a rider you need good coordination and balance in your own body to be able to adapt to the constant movement of your horse beneath you,” explains Alysen. “You also need to be mentally focused to connect and communicate clearly with him.
“The Franklin Method combines anatomical embodiment and imagery to improve your awareness, train the mind-body connection and produce efficient movement.”
Alysen goes on to explain that by practising the Franklin Method you’ll quickly become more aware of not only your own movement in the saddle, but also the movement of your horse. With this increased awareness the connection between you and your horse will become clearer and more harmonious.
The power of the mind
“Your mind is the greatest tool that you have at your disposal,” says Alysen. “At any moment it’s available to you. The Franklin Method teaches you how to gain control of your thinking and, in particular, how to use imagery to create a clear focus. You can use your mind to change your movement and this is made much easier by using imagery. This is what makes the Franklin Method different.”
We begin with some dismounted exercises to help me start to understand the Franklin Method Equestrian principles.
This includes standing quietly, closing my eyes and taking a few minutes to notice how my body is feeling. Switching my mind over to this takes a bit of effort, but I find it extremely relaxing.
We also focus attention and awareness on the pelvic area and the movement of my seat bones as I squat down.