Train Your Seat Trainers Forum

This summer, I had the most incredible opportunity to travel to the Netherlands for the Train Your Seat Trainers Forum. I have to say, it was nothing short of magical. But this trip was even more special because I got to share it with my wonderful friend and colleague, Trish Tweddell. We had a fantastic time together, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Before we dove into the forum, Trish and I decided to spend a day in Amsterdam. And wow, what a day it was! We visited the Bodyworks exhibition, and I admit, I didn't expect it to leave such an impression on me. Walking through the displays, I found myself fascinated by the intricacies of the human body, and it got me thinking about how all of this connects to what we do as riders.

There's something about seeing the body in such a detailed way that makes you appreciate how everything is connected—how our internal organs, muscles, and bones all work together in harmony. It felt like the perfect prelude to the forum, where we'd dive deep into these concepts. Plus, exploring the canals and quirky streets of Amsterdam with Trish was the best. We laughed, took way too many photos, and soaked in the city's energy. It was the perfect start to our adventure.

When we arrived at the forum, I was ready to learn, and it didn't disappoint. One of the sessions that resonated with me was about the embodiment of our internal organs—how the heart, liver, lungs, and intestines all play a role in how we move as riders. This wasn't just about sitting correctly on a horse; it was about understanding how our insides affect our outsides, if that makes sense.

I've always been passionate about embodiment, but this lecture took it to a whole new level. It made me realize that we can't just focus on what's happening externally—our posture, our alignment—but also when we understand how our organs move, connect, and interact; it's a great tool to improve our balance. It's like the missing piece of the puzzle in rider biomechanics, and I'm excited to bring this new perspective into my teaching.

One of the forum's highlights was meeting so many incredible people from all over the world. There's something so comforting about being surrounded by people who share your passion and understand the challenges and the joys of what we do. We spent hours chatting with other trainers, exchanging ideas, and learning from each other's experiences. It was like finding a second family, and it reminded me of why I love this work so much.

As I think back on this trip, I can't help but feel incredibly grateful. The Train, Your Seat Trainers Forum

wasn't just an educational experience but a journey that deepened my connection to my work and the community of trainers I'm so lucky to be a part of. I'm excited to bring these new insights about embodiment and rider biomechanics into my teaching, helping my students become more aware of their bodies and how they move.

And, of course, I'll always cherish the memories of this trip—the laughter, the learning, and the feeling of being inspired in every sense of the word. It was a magical journey that I'm so glad I got to share with Trish and all of you.

Ale.