Annette Willson
Physiotherapist, Competitor, Pilate’s trainer
www.applied-posture-riding.com

I have worked as a Physiotherapist for 25 years; I have a Masters degree in Physiotherapy and am a Pilates Trainer. I am also a competitor and Instructor.

I have been a rider all my life developing my talent through pony club and open competition. I won the individual state championships in eventing in South Australia 5 times in a row on 5 different horses all trained from racing to competition level by me. I competed at the national championships as a junior and as senior for the state of South Australia. I received my “A” certificate in Pony Club at the age of 21. This certificate has only been awarded to 4 riders in South Australia.
I won the state dressage championships 3 times in a row.

Moving into senior open competition required more money and more support. I managed to attend university for 4 years, pass, get a job and continue to compete at a moderate level and gained a spot on the Olympic training squad. I remained on this squad for 3 years until my top horse dropped dead from colic. I struggled with severe back pain having ruptured 2 discs in my lower back and a lack of time and funds.

This was a devastating time for me. I bought trained and sold a few horses but didn’t get back to high level competition again. I still ride and compete at a lower level, this because it is my passion.

My life has settled into work, family and horses. I have my own Physiotherapy practice, I teach Pilates in my work and I teach it to horse riders. I have 3 three children the youngest disabled. I buy young thoroughbreds off the track and re train them into competition horses. I also train race horses.

The writing of the book my book “Applied Posture Riding” developed over a few years due to my own experience and due to the demand by riders asking the questions, “How do you stay so still in the saddle especially at the sit trot?” I was asked this almost at every outing. I knew I could teach riders to ride well. I hope you are one of them.

Annette Willson
Physiotherapist
Competitor
Pilates Trainer