Virtual Pre Conference with Gillian Higgins

The Pre Conference will consist of three 1-hour presentations with a Q&A following each presentation.

1. The Horse’s Back: Understanding and Applying Back Movement in Therapy Sessions

This session takes a deep dive into how the horse’s back actually moves, examining where movement occurs along the spine, how much movement is available, and what limits or enhances it. Through clear anatomical explanations and dynamic visuals, participants will learn how posture, balance, and core engagement shape back movement, and how to encourage healthy, therapeutic back motion in the horses they work with.

2. From Walk to Canter: Movement, Mobility, and Meaning in the Gaits

This session focuses on the walk, the primary gait used in equine-assisted therapy, while also covering trot and canter for context. Gillian will explore how the horse’s back and limbs move in each gait, highlighting subtle variations in stride, rhythm, and mobility that directly influence the therapeutic experience.

Understanding these gait mechanics helps therapists improve movement quality, ensuring sessions are safe, effective, and tailored to each horse and client. By seeing how back movement changes in different gaits, participants can select the most appropriate gait for specific exercises, enhance harmony, and achieve better functional outcomes, even when working mainly at walk.

3. The Power of Poles and Pilates: Practical Ideas for Therapy Sessions

This session presents simple, practical polework and equine Pilates exercises designed to improve posture, core stability, flexibility, and strength. Gillian Higgins will demonstrate how these exercises can be directly incorporated into EAS sessions, supporting the horse’s wellbeing while enhancing the therapeutic experience for clients.

Participants will leave with actionable ideas for building exercises into daily therapy routines, helping horses move more comfortably and responsively, while providing varied, engaging, and safe activities that support client goals.