When it comes to improving your riding off the horse, riding simulators are an incredible tool. But not all simulators are created equal. Some are fully electrical machines designed to replicate the horse’s movement for you. Others, like Mechanical Millie, are mechanically powered, responding directly to your body’s input.
Both have huge benefits — they just serve different purposes.
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and pros of each (because let’s be honest, they both have something awesome to offer), so you can decide which type of simulator is best suited to where you are in your riding journey.
Electrical Riding Simulators: Let the Machine Show You the Way
An electrical riding simulator is powered by motors and pre-programmed movement patterns. Once switched on, it moves through walk, trot, canter, and more — with or without your input.
Pros of Electrical Simulators:
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Experience the Full Range of Movement Instantly
You can feel all the paces — even advanced ones — without needing to produce them yourself. This is especially helpful if you’ve never felt that level of movement on a real horse before. It lets you calibrate your brain and body to what’s possible. -
Learn Without Pressure
In the correct mode, the simulator will ignore your aids, which means you’re not influencing anything. You’re free to explore what each gait feels like, how your seat moves, and what your body is doing without the worry of “doing it wrong.” -
Visual Feedback
Many electrical simulators come with screens that show your posture, symmetry, and balance in real time. This visual element can be a powerful aid in developing body awareness and refining your position. -
Consistency, Every Time
The horse never has a bad day. You get exactly the same movement every time, making it easy to track changes in your own body.
Mechanical Riding Simulators: Move It to Feel It
A mechanical simulator like Millie is completely rider-powered. She will only move if you do — which means you’re actively creating the movement, just like on a real horse.
Pros of Mechanical Simulators:
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Total Body Awareness
Because Millie only moves when you move, she instantly shows you what your body is — and isn’t — doing. There’s no hiding. You’ll learn very quickly which parts of you are helping and which are getting in the way. -
True Biofeedback
When something’s off, she doesn’t just ignore it. She responds. This kind of direct, honest feedback is exactly what helps you learn — not because you’re being told what’s “wrong,” but because you can feel it for yourself. -
Unnatural but Helpful Breakdown of Paces
Millie allows you to break the paces down into small, learnable chunks. Want to work on trot without being flung into sitting or rising? You can. Want to figure out what really creates canter? You can focus in on just that part of the pattern. It’s not how a real horse moves — but that’s what makes it easier to learn. -
Built-in Safety and Injury Prevention
Millie will only move as much as your body can. She matches your effort and ability, not the other way around. Leading to a hugely reduced risk of injury, because you’re never forced into a range of movement you’re not ready for. -
Develop Influence from the Start
With an electrical simulator, you can experience the movement — but with Millie, you learn how to create it. That kind of influence starts from your seat and builds your feel from day one.
So, Which One’s Better?
Honestly? Neither. They’re just tools for different stages.
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If you’re looking to experience movement, build confidence, or analyse your position visually, an electrical simulator is a brilliant place to start.
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If you’re ready to develop real influence, fine-tune your body awareness, and learn to ride with the horse (instead of just sitting on one), a mechanical simulator like Millie offers something unique and deeply powerful.
There’s no “correct” path. Just the one that fits where you are, and where you want to go.
Want to try Mechanical Millie for yourself?
Book a session and feel what it’s like to move with the horse — no electricity required.
Check it out here – More information
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