Findlay, Ohio, April 2, 2004 — Betsy Steiner, international dressage competitor and author, will speak at The University of Findlay Tuesday, April 6, at 9:30 p.m. in Ritz Auditorium, Old Main.

The title of her lecture is “Equilates: A Pilates-based Approach to Rider Fitness.” Equilates is a sport-specific workout developed by Steiner that combines the principals of Pilates with related equestrian exercise. She conducts clinics throughout the country on the topic and has written a book titled A Gymnastic Riding System Using Mind, Body & Spirit about the topic.

Equilates, like Pilates, promotes elongation of the spine, muscular flexibility and balance, resulting in the relaxed concentration and flow needed to create the partnership between horse and rider. In addition, Equilates focuses on the mind/body connection using Pilates principles and incorporating Yoga, elements of T’ai Chi and the practice of visualization.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Steiner began riding at the age of 13 on an unruly Palomino named Zsa Zsa. Three-day eventing first drew her into competition, but she soon switched to the dressage discipline. For more than 30 years, Steiner has enjoyed success at the highest levels, including being a United States Dressage Foundation medalist, winning her first grand prix at the age of 20 and training many championship horses. Steiner represented the United States at the World Equestrian Games in Sweden in 1990. She has also held numerous leadership positions with professional equestrian organizations.

Steiner’s lecture is free and open to the public.