Joker training

The Correct Seat S(t)imulator: Joker

At the beginning of 2016, Roos was the very first instructor to use Joker professionally.

In 2015, a great collaboration with WOW saddle fitter Kerry Sharp was born. As a rider biomechanics specialist, Roos often has to deal with the balance of the saddle in her lessons. Conversely, as a saddle fitter, Kerry has a lot to do with crooked horses and ... crooked riders. So Roos and Kerry were often discussing their work with each other. Eventually, Kerry's idea for this particular simulator was born. He developed this idea and further created it into what eventually became the current – and now well-known – 'Joker' simulator.

Joker is quite different from the 'robot' simulators. To start with, there is no on or off button. The advantage is also that it does not need power. It is driven by... rider movement! 
Through a construction of springs that you have to engage yourself, you can walk, trot and canter. To be able to do this, you have to have enough balance and be very aware of your own movements. Therefore it brings a lot of eye-openers. Also, when you have an obstruction in movement somewhere in your body, you will find it very hard - or even impossible - to get Joker moving in the desired gait. If Joker is not doing it right, this means you are blocking the movement somewhere. And this is how he speaks for your horse! Due to the construction of the springs, crookedness and asymmetry of the rider is also clearly expressed. 

Joker teaches you to follow your horse optimally and give him the maximum of freedom of movement with you on his back. This is an important basic of riding, but not so easy! Together with Roos, Joker will let you experience how (small) changes in your posture make huge differences in your movement. And off course, changes in your movement are clearly distributed to the movement of your horse. Remember... the way you sit is the way your horse moves! 

What can Joker teach you?

• The correct use of muscles (core stability and the right balance between mobility and stability)
• Alignment and position
• Balance
• The right movements (a rider cannot sit still by sitting still!)
• Sense of vertical balance / left-right equality in movement
• The right rein contact, from bit to shoulders
• Leg position and leg aids
• Timing and coordination
• Breathing patterns