In the ever-evolving world of equestrian sports, the need for innovation has never been more pressing. Traditional practices in training and fitness have served the community for years, but as the demands of the sport grow, so too does the need for new approaches that cater to the modern rider.
This is where Laura, the founder of Equestrain, comes into the picture. With a background that intertwines personal experience as a rider and a passion for human physiology, Laura has pioneered a revolutionary approach to rider fitness—one that is making waves in the equestrian world.
The Genesis of Equestrain
Laura’s journey with horses began at an early age. Her love for riding was ignited as a young child, and despite the challenges she faced—including a significant knee injury at 14—her passion never wavered.
This injury, however, led Laura down an unexpected path. Her recovery introduced her to physiotherapy, sparking a deep interest in how the human body works, particularly in the context of sports.
After years of riding, Laura found herself at a crossroads. She had to choose between continuing her education in physiotherapy or fully committing to her equestrian pursuits. Ultimately, she decided to explore the intricacies of the human body, leading to a hiatus from riding.
During this time, Laura realized something crucial: traditional equestrian training often neglected the physical conditioning of the rider, focusing solely on the horse. This realization planted the seed for what would become Equestrain. Three years ago, Equestrain was born out of Laura’s desire to fill this gap. She recognized a significant opportunity—not just from a business perspective, but as a means to fundamentally improve the sport.
Starting with an Instagram page offering free workouts tailored specifically for riders, Laura began building a community. The response was overwhelmingly positive, confirming her belief that there was a real need for her innovative approach.
Overcoming Challenges in a Traditional Sport
The journey to building Equestrain wasn’t without its challenges. As Laura points out, equestrian sports are steeped in tradition, and new ideas are often met with skepticism. She feared that her modern approach to rider fitness might be rejected by the community. However, these fears were largely unfounded. The equestrian world welcomed Equestrain with open arms, proving that there was a thirst for innovation.
One of the most daunting challenges Laura faced was the transition from a well-established brand in Finland to launching her app globally in English. This move meant starting from scratch in many ways—losing some of her existing clientele and rebuilding brand awareness in a new market. Yet, Laura’s perseverance paid off.
Equestrain quickly gained traction internationally, attracting riders who were eager to improve their performance through scientifically backed training methods.
The Power of Community and Consistency
A key element in Laura’s success has been the community she built around Equestrain. From the very beginning, she emphasised the importance of surrounding herself with like-minded individuals—people who shared her vision and passion for innovation. This community has been instrumental in Equestrain’s growth, providing support and motivation during challenging times.
Laura also highlights the importance of consistency. Success, she argues, isn’t about one-off efforts or sporadic bursts of inspiration. It’s about showing up every day, putting in the work, and making small, incremental improvements. This philosophy is mirrored in the workouts she designs for riders—focused, short sessions that can easily fit into a rider’s busy schedule but offer significant long-term benefits.
Tailored Training for Riders
What sets Equestrain apart from other fitness platforms is its focus on the specific needs of riders. Unlike generic workout routines, Equestrain’s programs are designed to address the unique physical demands of equestrian sports. Laura’s deep understanding of biomechanics and her personal experience as a rider allow her to create workouts that not only enhance riding performance but also help in recovery and injury prevention.
For instance, many riders suffer from tight hips due to the static nature of riding. Equestrain offers targeted exercises to improve flexibility and balance, leading to better posture, control, and overall performance in the saddle. The program also addresses common issues like lower back pain, ensuring that riders can train and compete without discomfort.
The Future of Equest Train
As 2024 unfolds, Laura’s focus is on expanding Equestrain’s brand awareness and reaching more riders around the world. She envisions Equestrain becoming the global leader in rider fitness, setting the standard for how equestrians train outside the saddle. Laura is passionate about making fitness an integral part of every rider’s routine, much like it is in other sports.
Looking ahead, Laura plans to continue innovating, with new features and enhancements for the Equest Train app already in development. Her goal is to create a platform that not only supports riders in their physical training but also fosters a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to excellence in the sport.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Laura’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to improving the sport she loves. Through Equestrain, she has not only carved out a niche in the equestrian world but has also inspired countless riders to take their fitness seriously.
As she and her team continue to grow the platform, Laura remains focused on her ultimate goal: to change the way riders train, making fitness a cornerstone of equestrian success. For riders looking to improve their performance and take their training to the next level, Equestrain offers a unique, tailored solution. As Laura and her team push forward, the future looks bright for this innovative platform, and we can’t wait to see where they go next.
Ready to take your riding to the next level? Join the Equest Train community today and discover how tailored workouts can transform your performance in the saddle. Download the app now and start your journey towards becoming a stronger, more balanced rider!