The Story Behind SymmFit: How a Rider Physio Created Clothing to Improve Biomechanics, Posture & Alignment
- Jennifer Symms
- May 12
- 5 min read
As a rider physio, I’ve spent years helping equestrians improve their riding posture, pelvic alignment, and biomechanics in the saddle. Whether it’s on the horse, during simulator sessions, or working through rider-specific exercises off the horse, I consistently noticed one major challenge: riders couldn’t always see or feel the imbalances and asymmetries that were limiting their performance.
The Problem: Riders Can’t Correct What They Can’t See
Time and time again, I would spot the tell-tale signs- one shoulder dropped, a rotated pelvis, a leg that crept forward or gripped too tightly- but riders would struggle to visualise what I was trying to explain. It wasn’t their fault. Body awareness in riding is hard, and without the right visual feedback, it’s easy to ride unknowingly out of alignment. Drawing lines on videos or photos became the norm but was time consuming and using a broom handle helped show alignment but only from the side.
But riders started to turn up wearing training tops or jodhpurs with bold lines or seams. By accident, those clothes gave us instant visual feedback about their riding alignment- suddenly it was so much easier to show them how their pelvis position, shoulder symmetry, or leg length was affecting their seat and stability.
That moment sparked the idea for SymmFit: equestrian clothing designed to visibly support
rider biomechanics.
More Than Just a “Clinic Top”
There are other biomechanics tops out there, and they’re brilliant for spotting things like whether a rider is central in the saddle or if their shoulders are level. But I wanted more. I wanted a top that gave more feedback, not just to me as a physio, but to riders themselves and to coaches.
I also didn’t want it to be a top that lived in the drawer or was pulled out of the boot of the car just for a special clinic. SymmFit needed to be everyday riding wear- smart, functional, durable, comfortable and something riders could feel proud and comfortable wearing at the yard, at a show, or even just walking the dog. So we started playing around with tape and looking at the best way to see the common asymmetries in the saddle.
Thanks to a patient friend who let me stick tape on them and move the around!
In fact, one rider recently said that wearing the top made them more aware of their posture even when they were just walking around- because they’d catch glimpses of their reflection and notice their body alignment. That’s the kind of functional impact I was aiming for: body awareness that lasts beyond the saddle.
From Physio Idea to Riding Apparel
While walking through the stands at Badminton Horse Trials last year, inspired by all the incredible products and energy around me, I decided to make it happen. I’m not an artist, but after years of working with riders of all levels, I had a clear vision of what was needed- training clothes that help improve posture in the saddle, highlight misalignments, and support correct rider position. Now time to start playing a bit more seriously with what design I wanted and what was needed.
Interestingly, the idea first took shape around VE Day- and as someone proud to be British and passionate about the UK’s equestrian community, I added a subtle Union Jack design on the back of the top as a nod to that inspiration.
When the first samples arrived, it felt like a dream come true!
Designed for Function: Training Tops Built on 20 Years of Physio Experience
One of my biggest design priorities (apart from a fab design!) was the material. So many riders wear tops that cling in all the wrong places, ride up the back, or leave you dripping after a tough session. I wanted something breathable, moisture-wicking, and performance-focused- just like the clothing used in elite sports environments where I’ve worked as a physio.
The result? A training top that doesn’t cling but still fits neatly- and if you prefer a tighter feel, you can easily size down.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve also learned how varied women’s bodies are, especially in bust size. Yet most equestrian brands assume a size 10 means small chest and a size 16 means large chest- which simply isn’t true. Same goes for top length. So we did multiple sample runs to get the fit right for a wide range of body types.
The tops fit me at 5’4” (average female height in the UK), but they also fit riders up to 5’9” without riding up the back during movement.
Shorter riders benefit too, as the blue base alignment line naturally ends up at a lower pelvic level, making it a brilliant visual for pelvic posture in the saddle.
Whether you have a larger or smaller bust, the tops are shaped to support you—no gaping, no bagginess.
We designed with real rider movement in mind- not just how it looks standing still.
The Jodhpurs: Where Form Meets Function
The SymmFit jodhpurs were built from rider feedback and tested in the saddle. Every feature was designed to meet a need:
A deep smartphone pocket that keeps your phone secure and easy to access (yes, it actually works).
Thicker, non-see-through material to give confidence when schooling, hacking, or working around the yard.
The comfort and stretch of riding tights, with the durability and structure of traditional breeches.
Support around the pelvis and thighs, helping riders feel secure without restriction.
These are jodhpurs designed for equestrian biomechanics- to move with the rider, not against them.
Tried, Tested & Loved: Real Feedback from Real Riders
Earlier this year at the National Equine Show, I showcased the collection- and the feedback from riders, coaches, and biomechanics specialists was amazing. Watching people connect with the concept and see the logic behind the design made the long design process completely worth it.
One of the highlights? Seeing the kit on Peggy the mannequin in full display- finally bringing the rider alignment concept to life!
Since then, I’ve loved receiving videos and photos from riders wearing their SymmFit gear- from riding clinics and simulator sessions to schooling hacks and practice dressage tests. Seeing the clothes in action, helping riders see and feel their own alignment, has been the most rewarding part of all.
SymmFit: Where Equestrian Clothing Meets Rider Physio Insight
SymmFit isn’t about style for the sake of it. It’s training wear with a purpose—designed to improve:
Rider alignment
Pelvic control
Postural awareness in the saddle
Symmetry and body balance
Body awareness on and off the horse
Confidence through better biomechanics
Clothing designed by a rider physio
Rider performance and position
It started as a physio’s sketch on an ipad notepad and has grown into a brand dedicated to helping real riders move better, ride better, and feel more connected with their horses.
You can’t please all of the people all of the time- but you can listen, adapt, and design clothing that genuinely supports better riding. That’s what SymmFit will always stand for.
Check out the Training Top and Jodhpurs to see in more detail about the design and how they help you be a better rider for you and your horse.
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