“Imagine your shoulder blades in the shape of a big heart on your back. Move your shoulders slightly up, widen them and then bring them down and together. As you connect your shoulders, push your hands forward.” —Susanne von Dietze

Susanne von Dietze is a leader in equestrian biomechanics. A physiotherapist, licensed instructor and judge for dressage and show jumping, she gives lectures and seminars throughout the world. She is a native of Germany and now lives in Israel, where she competes at the international level. She is the author of two books on the biomechanics of riding: Balance in Movement and Horse and Rider, Back to Back. Find her books at www.EquineNetworkStore.com.

This article first appeared in the June 2017 issue of Dressage Today.