MEET LISA
Lisa has developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the principles of Biomechanics, Neuromechanics, Advanced Equipilates, Strength & Conditioning Systems and Equitation Science. She is devoted to helping horses and riders become better at what they do.
EQUESTRIANISM
Lisa has a strong background in equestrianism. Having ridden from an early age with Killultagh Pony Club and then later as a veterinary student was fortunate to join the early morning gallops at Mark Johnsons’ Racing Stables in Middleham. She developed a very successful partnership with her horse, The Good Looker, whom she purchased as a 4yo on her return from university. Together they worked up through the levels of Eventing culminating in the completion of Bramham three day event and gaining a place on the long list for the Irish Event team prior to the European Championships. Today, Lisa still enjoys competing at local events and the camaraderie with the equestrian fraternity.
VETERINARY MEDICINE
In 1996 Lisa qualified with First Class Honours from Glasgow University Veterinary School, attaining the Aitken Smith award plus silver medal for anatomy, finished first in her finals as most distinguished student (McCall Award) and The Queen Mother Travel Scholarship. Winning this latter award facilitated further enhancement of her equine knowledge at Cornell University, New York State.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Diploma of Equitation Science
• Diploma in biomechanics through Biomechanics Education including “I Move Freely Systems”
• Ireland’s first certified Advanced Equipilates Biomechanics Trainer
• Testt® Certified Coach
• Level 3 Diploma in Matwork Pilates
• HSI Coaching Certificate
• Long history and strong background in equestrianism to new 4 star level eventing
• Over 20 years experience as a Veterinary Surgeon receiving numerous academic awards
BIOMECHANICS & FITNESS COACHING
Lisa’s interest in rider asymmetry started in 2005 when she realised that different horses she rode developed the same movement patterns. She began attending Pilates classes and the difference it made to her riding and awareness was extremely positive.
In her 20 years of veterinary practice, Lisa worked with small animals and horses but ultimately her passion for Equipilates took precedence.
In 2015 she gave up veterinary surgery to commence her training in Equipilates and shortly afterwards, set up her business, PilatesNI. In
2018 Lisa became the first certified Advanced Equipilates Trainer in Ireland and in 2020 became a certified Biomechanics Coach. In 2021,
Lisa obtained further accreditation with becoming a Testt® Certified Coach. The Testt® process is a unique system designed to quickly and effectively identify rider asymmetries, for coaches it has practical solution based outcomes. It has been developed over the past 15 years and has been used on over 14,000 riders from novice to Olympic and World Champions in all disciplines.
To expand her skillset further, Lisa has achieved qualifications in Gym Instructing & Personal Training plus a rider specific and neuromechanics trainer accreditation. The latter is a brain-based approach to coaching health, fitness & wellbeing. This is in addition to her Diploma in Equitation Science, an emerging field that explains why horses behave as they do, their biomechanical patterns and limitations and on this template, how we can modify horse behaviour and communicate more effectively with horses.
Today Lisa is continuing with her learning with research into the interdisciplinary field of Neuromechanics, combining biomechanics and neuroscience to understand how the nervous system interacts with the skeletal and muscular systems to enable animals and humans to move. She is also exploring AI powered motion analysis that uses AI to track anatomical keypoints on the moving horse, quantifying gait asymmetry and detecting even the smallest irregularities.
“I have had assessments both on and off the horse as well as attending Pilates classes. Lisa’s assessments are thorough and with her brilliant eye for detail, she has improved my position so much. Her Pilates classes are fun while also making you conscious of strengths and weaknesses, how that affects your riding and how to improve it. Highly recommended to anyone!
“What can I say.. first ever Biomechanics session today and what a difference I felt. Not only in my riding, but also in my horse. Started Lisa’s online Pilates class last week, really enjoying the classes and the benefits of Pilates. Highly recommend.”
“Back riding after many years away, joined Lisa’s online Pilates classes 3 x times a week since Christmas. Love the classes, good variety of different types, yet all still Pilates. Who knew you could love Coreball. Great to have exercises really specific to helping your position. Already I have seen a huge improvement in my riding position…been told by 3 different people I am sitting straighter! Result! thanks Lisa…can’t wait to see what is achieved in the next 2 months!”
“8 weeks ago I rode the FEI 2* dressage test in front of Lisa Allen and Vanda Stewart (FEI Judge). I then had a body screening with some tests done for Balance, flexibility and core strength. I had screenings weekly and exercises to do daily at home along with my weekly Equi pilates class with Lisa. 8 weeks later Dora and I went back to ride the same FEI test in front of Lisa and Vanda. We managed to increase our score by nearly 8% and our lateral work by 17%. So excited to be continuing to work with Lisa to help us progress further I couldn’t recommend going to Lisa enough for a rider biomechanics assessment. It has hugely improved my position and riding. Dora is a much happier pony now having a less wonky rider. Professional or hobby rider your horse will thank you for training with Lisa”
“What a fabulous morning we had with Lisa Allen from Equimech. We learnt that good riders have many skills including balance, coordination, symmetry and awareness. We certainly put all of these things to the test this morning! A massive thank you Lisa for your time and patience with us all.”
“As an older rider the benefit of regular Pilates with Lisa has meant I can still ride competitively in my 60s. My balance, suppleness and core strength hold me securely and effectively in the saddle and I plan to be enjoying my riding for many more years”
Watch the video below. Honestly if it wasn’t for the Pilates a shift at all to either side and I’d have been off”
CREATING HAPPY HORSES & RIDERS
Contact Us
Opening H0urs
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 8pm
Saturday – By Appointment
Sunday – By Appointment