Ride True Performance Physio

09/20/2026

What if the problem isn’t just the horse?

Rider asymmetry, weakness, and mobility limitations can affect how a horse moves and compensates.

The horse and rider are a system and we need to assess both.

Such an important conversation around rider biomechanics and horse welfare.

The Rider’s Body: An Overlooked Welfare Issue

08/23/2026

Such a great selection of exercises for riders. These are great not only as a warm-up, but also for maintaining general mobility, stability, and body awareness—key components of effective riding. Grateful to continue learning from such an incredible mentor!

08/23/2026

Why Rider Biomechanics Matters

Your horse can only respond to the body that is sitting in the saddle.

Rider biomechanics isn’t simply about looking “straight” or achieving a picture-perfect position. It’s about understanding how the rider moves, stabilizes, absorbs motion, and distributes force—and how those factors influence the horse.

A rider who consistently collapses to one side, carries more weight through one seat bone, struggles to stabilize their pelvis, or has a mobility, strength, or motor-control limitation may unknowingly be asking their horse to compensate.

That’s why effective rider biomechanics starts by asking why.

Working with a licensed physical therapist adds an important clinical perspective. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate the body as a whole and identify limitations in mobility, strength, stability, motor control, coordination, and movement—not just what appears visually different in the saddle.

Instead of simply telling a rider to “sit straighter” or “keep your leg here,” we can identify what may be preventing the rider from being able to do that in the first place, address those limitations with targeted treatment and exercise, and then bring that new movement back into the saddle.

And then we reassess.

Because the goal isn’t just to make the rider look different.

The goal is to help the rider move better, feel better, communicate more effectively, and give the horse the freedom to move more efficiently.

When we improve the rider’s physical capacity, we can improve the horse-rider connection.

Small changes in the rider can create meaningful changes in the horse.

08/01/2026

Small changes can make a big difference in the saddle.

This rider is shown immediately after a performance-based physical therapy biomechanics session. Using a resistance band to activate her right lateral hip stabilizers and kinesiology tape to improve hip position, glute activation, and posterior chain engagement, we created a more stable, balanced position.

When riders move more efficiently, they communicate more clearly with their horse, improving performance while reducing compensation for both horse and rider.

Every rider is different, which is why each assessment and treatment plan is tailored to your unique movement patterns and goals.

Ready to optimize your biomechanics? Message me to schedule a rider assessment or host a biomechanics clinic at your barn!

07/15/2026

I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support the Maine dressage community through the SMDA Annual Gala. Thank you to SMDA for the kind words and for all you do for our sport!

Every rider has the potential to improve—not just through their horse's training, but by optimizing how they move, balance, and communicate in the saddle. It's rewarding to see those changes translate into greater confidence and partnership with their horse.

Congratulations again to Kia, and thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey!

05/31/2026

What a difference a few biomechanical adjustments can make!

Kia was the winner of a personalized Rider Biomechanics Clinic donated to the State of Maine Dressage Association Annual Gala & Silent Auction in January 2026.

Rider biomechanics can have a profound impact on balance, communication, effectiveness, and overall performance. By helping riders better understand how they move and function in the saddle, we can create positive changes that support both horse and rider.

When the rider moves more efficiently and communicates more clearly, the horse is better able to move freely, respond consistently, and perform at its best.

Thank you to Kia and her beautiful horse for a great session. It was a pleasure to work together, and I look forward to watching their continued growth and success in the years ahead.

02/21/2026

Do you feel like you or your horse drift left or right over fences?

Jumping magnifies asymmetry. Even a small weight shift, a tighter hip, a collapsing shoulder, uneven stirrup pressure, can change your horse’s center of mass at takeoff.

Your horse organizes their body around yours. If you’re slightly off, they compensate. Over time, that becomes a pattern.

When rider symmetry improves, horses don’t have to adjust mid-air. Straighter takeoffs. Straighter landings. Less fight to the fence.

Swipe to see the difference:�📸 Before — at a clinic�📸 After — following just one rider biomechanics session

Straightness isn’t just training. It starts with the rider.

If your horse drifts consistently, comment LEFT or RIGHT below.

01/31/2026

Meet The Founder 🤍

Madison Cronin, DPT, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and lifelong equestrian specializing in performance-based physical therapy for riders. With competitive experience across dressage, hunter/jumpers, saddle seat, and harness racing, Madison brings a deep understanding of rider biomechanics and equestrian sport demands.

Madison has been working with and training under Jennifer Mitchell, U.S. Equestrian Lead Physical Therapist for the last three years and blends elite-level rehabilitation with a deep understanding of both the athlete and the horse to help riders move better, ride more effectively, and perform at their highest potential.

01/10/2026

Now booking clinics for 2026! Message us or email us at [email protected] to schedule a clinic at your farm x

01/10/2026

Welcome to Ride True Performance Phyiso!

Our goal is to bring evidence-based clinical expertise together with a deep understanding of equestrian sport to help riders move better, ride more effectively, and perform at their highest potential!