<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[FitScience EQ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Rider fitness and athletic development for equestrian performance.]]></description><link>https://www.drfionahargraves.com/newsletter</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:33:47 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.drfionahargraves.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Mastering Rider Position: The Foundation of Effective Riding and balance]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the horse–rider team, everything starts with you. Your position is the zero point that shapes balance, clarity, and connection before the horse even moves... then it only gets compounded from there! So rider position could not be more important for effective riding.]]></description><link>https://www.drfionahargraves.com/post/rider-position-and-balance</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67ca4fcc75fc64e2e36f231b</guid><pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 23:11:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f975a9_506aa43161794db99e42f5e0df368a38~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_981,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dr Fiona Hargraves</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Core Training for Equestrians: Why It Matters More Than Ever]]></title><description><![CDATA[Whether you're a competitive dressage rider or a weekend trail partner, one thing is certain: your core is the foundation of everything you do in the saddle. But just how strong—and functional—is it?

Recent research shows that developing your core does more than improve rider posture. It directly affects how your horse responds to you, both physically and emotionally. Let’s dive into the science—and a quick self-check that could reveal exactly what your next training focus should be.]]></description><link>https://www.drfionahargraves.com/post/core-training-for-equestrians-why-it-matters-more-than-ever</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68a81fce6c4f5bcba97de1e2</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:50:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f975a9_8ed42d4dab484988a6379cca2a087f4c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_626,h_417,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dr Fiona Hargraves</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Skill vs Talent: What Really Makes a Great Rider?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have you ever wondered how top riders are so good? Is it talent, is it skill? Have you got what it takes? Can you get it?
This edition examines skill acquisition and the elements that can help any riders progress… AND what inhibits acquiring skill to top levels. 
I discuss traits of skilled performers, how they develop by being skilled learners, what promotes and diminishes learning and I also consider skill versus talent and what it really takes to excel as an athlete. ]]></description><link>https://www.drfionahargraves.com/post/skill-vs-talent-what-really-makes-a-great-rider</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68a81db6008d5589483d40a0</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:42:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f975a9_cb790737036a4e1cac3cafccab9cae1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_781,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dr Fiona Hargraves</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mastering Rider Position: The Foundation of Effective Riding]]></title><description><![CDATA[Rider position is about alignment, balance, how your body moves  with the horse and affects ability to give clear aids and harmony.]]></description><link>https://www.drfionahargraves.com/post/position-0325</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67d0de43427ecc2a6cf7d0c0</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 01:08:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f975a9_c2fe3e8f333641c88cd18c453056544b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_590,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dr Fiona Hargraves</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stretching not helping your mobility? Find out what's missing.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have you ever felt like you're constantly stretching but still not feeling as flexible or mobile as you'd like? Let's look at why!]]></description><link>https://www.drfionahargraves.com/post/mobility-20225</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67c7c3ac39157f104fc7cd6e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:24:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f975a9_66c472c7d81745499cee9179d84bf747~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dr Fiona Hargraves</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Move With Your Horse: Unlock Your Rider Mobility]]></title><description><![CDATA[What is mobility? Is is the same as flexibility? Why it's so important for riders and how to improve it. ]]></description><link>https://www.drfionahargraves.com/post/move-with-your-horse-unlock-your-rider-mobility</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67c0e1eda0ce07045280493e</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 22:11:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f975a9_c602cf61f11a4306b7176086f1c9097a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_831,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dr Fiona Hargraves</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>