What I do
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my last ten years of bodywork and equestrian rehabilitation work it’s this- Most riding problems…aren't riding problems…
They're patterns- in your nervous system, your movements, your mindset under pressure- that show up in the saddle because that's where everything gets exposed. Your horse just makes it impossible to hide them.
I'm an Integrative Performance Coach for equestrians. I work at the intersection of sports psychology, somatic movement, and equine biomechanics. What that means in practice is this: when you're stuck, my goal is to help uncover where the outdated pattern is living; whether that's in your thoughts, your body, or the dynamic between you and your horse. And then we do something about it.
This isn't mindset coaching nor is it a riding lesson. It's targeted work specifically for the rider, for the moments when the pattern in your body or your mind isn't lining up with what you know how to do. When your trainer can see exactly what needs to happen and you can't make it happen- that's where this work begins.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety that shuts you down at the in-gate, a habit you've been trying to fix for years with no luck, grief over a horse you've lost, or a partnership that just isn't clicking- there's a reason it hasn't resolved, and there's a way through it.
A little bit about me
With over three decades in the saddle and a uniquely comprehensive background, I bring a dynamic combination of expertise to equestrian rider training:
Academic Foundation: BA in Psychology with focus on sports and performance psychology. Certified Sports Psychology Coach.
Functional Movement Training: Certified Pilates instructor with advanced training in Neurokinetic Therapy and myofascial release techniques for both riders and horses.
Author: Published two Pilates for Equestrian manuals with contributions to regional equestrian publications along with an upcoming children's book and novel.
Equestrian Background: Lifelong rider trained by international-level coaches across multiple disciplines
Holistic Practitioner: My work is rooted in the belief that riding challenges are rarely just about riding. When something isn’t working in the saddle, I look at the whole picture - the body, the mind, the history, and the horse - because that’s usually where the answers live.
Every rider I work with gets something different, because every rider is different. What stays the same is the intention: to help you find your way back to yourself, so you can show up as the partner your horse needs you to be.
Myofascial Release
Specializing in the equestrian and the equine athlete, Abby utilizes multiple methods to work with each unique human or horse, helping them achieve optimal health and performance. Central to her approach is myofascial release—a therapeutic technique that addresses restrictions in the connective tissue surrounding muscles, restoring mobility, reducing pain, and allowing horses to move with greater freedom and comfort.
Abby's journey into bodywork began from a place of deep love and respect for her horse, Stella. When Stella was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, causing an array of discomfort and physical issues, Abby's desire to help her feel her absolute best became the catalyst for comprehensive study. She immersed herself in learning equine bodywork, neurokinetic therapy, comprehensive Pilates certification and endless biomechanics studies—programs that would not only help Stella but would also shape Abby's life's work. Combined with her background as a rider and her understanding of horse-and-rider biomechanics, this foundation allows her to create effective, tailored sessions that address each horse's unique needs.
Currently working toward her Equine and Small Animal Osteopathy certification, Abby continues to deepen her ability to support horses at the most fundamental levels of their physical structure.
Sessions available Sonoma County, CA. $140/Session
To read more about Stella, the intersex horse who is changing the world one book at a time, please visit www.StellasBooks.com Her story will open your perspective and your heart.
Equine Bodywork
Why Pilates as a base for functional movement?
Pilates teaches you to be strong, to be flexible, to push your limits, to stay in alignment, to twist, to bend, to arch, to swing and to undulate. There is no other exercise I trust more to compliment each activity, each day in each state of my diverse physical being.
What the clients think
"For an equestrian, the efficacy of doing this work with someone who understands the workings of the human body as well as the movements of the horse, is invaluable. Abby excels at this combination! My work with Abby has transformed my riding position creating balance and comfort for my horse and me." - David
" I came to Pilates around 20 years ago after suffering for years with chronic back pain caused by being hit by a car while running. Pilates has helped me to realign my body from a lot of the imbalances created by my injuries and hence protect my back. That being said, though I am reasonably fit, ride 5 days a week, and have a daily stretching practice, i felt much of that was not being translated into my rider position in the saddle. Through working with Abby, she has highlighted some of my areas of weakness that directly impact my riding and I find myself feeling much more at ease in the saddle and able to both physically and mentally connect my exercise off the horse with my riding."- Avril
"Abby is a truly gifted bodyworker ~ gentle but precise and effective. Her work is subtle, attuned and well-considered. I treasure our sessions and truly notice a difference in my body and mind, both after each treatment and cumulatively over time". - LJK
"Abby is my go-to bodywork specialist for myofascial release work. Her gentle, intuitive and heart centered approach has led to profound changes in my body. I came to Abby for neck pain. After one session the pain was almost completely gone and I left our session feeling relief through my whole body! I even noticed after our session that my bloating went away. My pants literally fit differently after our session. I have continued to see Abby for routine myofascial release work and each time she seems to know exactly where my tension is without me even telling her. Her touch is magic and my body is so much happier since I started sessions with her!" - VLD
" I cannot recommend Abby enough! She came highly recommended to me by several barn mates whom Abby has worked with, and her work on my mare (who is rehabbing from a significant injury) has been immensely helpful! I’ve seen a difference in her movement and attitude after just one session with Abby! We are excited to continue working with Abby and having her work support our training work moving forward." -E.O
"I have been working with Abby for the past three years and can confidently say her work on my performance horses has been the support they need to take it to the next level. The change and progress they have made since adding her sessions into their routine is undeniable."
Clinics
In clinics, trainers and I work side by side to optimize the horse-rider partnership through complementary expertise.
While trainers address equine development and optimal rider position, I focus on repatterning riders' neuromuscular connections through Pilates-based functional movement and myofascial release.
This collaborative approach allows us to simultaneously enhance both sides of the equation—trainers identify riding challenges, and I provide targeted body solutions that help riders develop the specific muscular control and balanced movement patterns needed for effective communication with their horse.
Together, we create a comprehensive training experience that accelerates progress and deepens your connection to your horse.
If this is something you’d be interested in setting up or discussing more please reach out to me directly at abbymhanc@gmail.com
