Equicizer: Training and Riding with a Mechanical Horse

March 14, 2010 - PRLog -- Every equestrian would like to have a horse in the comfort of their own home. Imagine having that ability to actually be able to train for any discipline in the living room? It is finally possible thanks to Frank Lovato Jr. He is the inventor of the Equicizer, #1 mechanical horse worldwide, developed in 1982. He is an Eclipse Award winning Jockey who developed this idea to increase strength, flexibility, and fitness when he fractured his leg from a racing accident.

The Equicizer and Equipony, are hand made by Frankie and are composed by wood and springs to simulate riding a horse. It is used in private homes, rehab centers, therapeutic riding, hippo therapy, jockey schools, riding instructors, and youth outreach programs.  It has also been displayed in museums for interactive exhibits.

It has been a great tool for changing the lives of those with mental, physical and emotional challenges. The Equicizer weighs between 110 to 165 lbs depending on the model and the Equipony weighs about 70 pounds. It was used in the movie Seabiscuit, the Equicizer was used with Tobey Maguire in the close up scenes and it offered him skills, fitness and weight loss needed for his role as a jockey.

"Equicizer is designed specifically for riding a horse, it is not simulator, it enables riders to use their balance, rhythm, riding muscles, it also offer a great core exercise," said Frankie. The rider gets what they put it in. Frankie emphasized that, “the Equicizer is not motorized so the motion is created completely by the rider with the intensity of their movement and effort including their strength and ability. The riders by engaging their riding muscles are able to recreate the motion of an actual horse at a walk and with increased intensity it could develop the stride of a galloping horse”. Most importantly, it could adapt to "the fitness level or ability of the rider." Meaning it is what makes it safe for any type of rider and use for rehab or disability.

The great thing about the Equicizer is that it is like a stationary bike when it comes to a work out, except it's a horse and it is exercising with the same muscles as riding a horse. A stationary bike is great for developing fitness such as riding a bike, but unlike the bike, the Equicizer specifically addresses riding a horse and improves your condition, flexibility, position and equilibrium.

The Equicizer is a great tool to beginner or advanced riders, it is designed and built with each rider's discipline in mind. At Equicizer.com, the viewer will see that it endorsed by riding professionals such as Craig Cameron, Jane Savoie, Tommy Garland, Stacy Westfall, Ruth Hogan Poulsen and Steve Lantvit to name a few. Ideally it helps riders since the Equicizer doesn't buck or spook, it focuses on correct position, flexibility, and form.
Each Equicizer is handcrafted in a variety of colors along with a hand-carved and painted faces done personally by Frankie himself. In addition, the Equicizer is equipped with a bridle and reins; the saddle is not included but can be used with any kind of a standard size saddle and girth or even ride bareback. The Equicizer is designed to sustain a maximum weight of 500 pounds and the Equipony can hold a maximum weight of 250 pounds. The Equicizers are packed and shipped fully assembled.

Frank says that the Equicizer has reached 27 countries world-wide and ends the interview saying, "it will make you smile and you will feel the workout." To view his website, please visit http://www.Equicizer.com. To view Exclusive demo of Ruth Hogan Poulsen with the Equicizer in Wellington, visit the blog at http://www.ValentinasEquineNews.com

Mr. Frankie Lovato Jr.
Wooden Horse Corporation
819 Dublin Road
Norwalk, Ohio 44857
Tel/Fax: 419-663-1472
http://www.equicizer.com
Equicizer@aol.com

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As an Equine Specialist, Valentina keeps up to date with the latest events in the Equestrian Community. Her understanding of the issues, stems from years of experience in the industry in diverse areas such as Reproduction, Nutrition, Management, Health and Marketing.