In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Mary Wanless, a pioneer in the field of rider biomechanics. For decades, Mary has been at the forefront of reshaping how we understand equestrian training by focusing on the physics and physiology of riding. With a background in physics and a deep curiosity about what truly makes a great rider, Mary has worked to demystify the biomechanics of effective riding. Her methods help riders of all levels develop a clearer understanding of their own bodies and how they interact with their horses.
Mary was a pony-mad kid who began riding in a British riding school. While studying for her degree in Physics at Bristol University, she was an active competitor in student competitions, including internationals. Physics and riding provided intellectual and emotional ‘safe havens’ for her during a challenging time.
After graduating, she obtained the British Horse Society instructing qualifications and competed in Eventing. Frustrated with her lack of progress, she eventually quit the horse world entirely and moved to London, immersing herself in psychotherapy, biofeedback, theatre improvisation, dance, Tai Chi, and healing arts.
After six months, she found herself drawn back to riding but with a fresh perspective. Instead of striving to be a good rider, she began observing what was happening in her body and the horse. This shift led to remarkable discoveries that evolved into her empirical research on rider biomechanics. Over 40 years, she has decoded the hidden laws of the rider/horse interaction and developed a structured approach that supplies the ‘how-to’ information missing in traditional riding instruction.
Mary has authored seven books, produced 12 DVDs, and created an online membership site to share her work. She continues to work with riders across all levels, from Grand Prix competitors to dedicated amateurs.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The Science of Rider Biomechanics (Starts at 02:20)
- How Mary’s background in physics shaped her approach to riding.
- Why traditional riding instruction often fails to communicate the “how.”
- Understanding postural restoration and its impact on riding: https://www.posturalrestoration.com/
Understanding the Neurology of Riding (Starts at 16:10)
- The significant neurological connection between the hands and the brain—and why this leads riders to overuse their hands.
- The lack of neurological connection between the pelvis and the brain and how that affects balance and control.
- How the body’s fascial system (as explored in Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers) influences rider biomechanics: https://amzn.to/4ibrGgN
Bridging the Gap Between Language and Experience (Starts at 36:27)
- How to verbalize the unspoken “feel” of great riding.
- The importance of the student-teacher feedback loop.
- The challenges of translating elite rider intuition into teachable concepts.
The Core Foundations of Effective Riding (Starts at 56:10)
- How to align your body for maximum effectiveness.
- Why bearing down and breathing correctly is fundamental.
- The importance of allowing the foot to rest rather than pressing.
The Role of Flow in Riding (Starts at 1:14:22)
- Flow state as the key to riding success.
- The connection between flow and joy.
- Why elite riders unconsciously access flow—and how you can, too.
Training Tools and Resources for Riders (Starts at 1:36:27)
- The Balloon Breathing Exercise and how it creates quietness in the mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDbm8LxfzaI
- Developing feel through systematic, science-based methods.
- How groundwork supports better biomechanics under saddle.
Memorable Moments from the Episode:
- The revelation that “feel” can be taught (12:03).
- Why cutting out the student-teacher feedback loop is detrimental to learning (45:36).
- The connection between breathing, bearing down, and core stability (1:04:00).
- A deep dive into why postural restoration matters for every rider (1:42:38).
- The surprising realization that joy is a subset of flow, and flow is the key to great riding (1:44:17).
Connect with Mary Wanless: 📌 Learn More & Courses: https://mary-wanless.com
📘 Online Training: https://dressagetraining.tv
📕 Books:
- Ride With Your Mind Essentials https://amzn.to/439QEcc
- Ride With Your Mind Clinic https://amzn.to/43hgqvn
- Rider Biomechanics https://amzn.to/3D8j5wu
See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: 🌐 Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com
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Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Mary Wanless to revolutionize your approach to riding and training!
