|
5374 Niagara-Carthage Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28327 (910)692-5593 Map, e-mail |
|
HORSES AND YOGA What's the connection between yoga & horses? "Breathing" We breath, the horse breathes. Now you are preparing to ride, placing your body on this magnificent animal four to five times your size and your want him to do your will. Are you going to be able to accomplish this by force? I don't think so. Will he know if you are afraid? Will you hurt or harden his mouth with your pulling? He will respond to the relaxation, focus and confidence that will join you together in fast partnership breathing. Deep abdominal breathing is taught in yoga for natural ease of the body. It connects our body & mind, it creates harmony. It extends into one energy field and now the horse is involved in your energy field. He will feel the calmness. You will be able to give clear signals as you mind is focused, you will sit with an ease and you will respond to his body movement. OK. What do I suggest you do? Check out the basic underlying philosophy of Yoga - relaxation and movement through the breath. If you take the time to learn the breathing techniques that will relax your body while you are standing, sitting, or lying down and really incorporate them into your life, you will then advance to the state in Yoga where your focus is clear and you work from your core strength. Now lets move this scenario to riding... You mount me with ease. Your posture is centered.. You are balanced. No matter what the changes are in our riding requirements (circles or open fields) you are able to connect by virtue of breathing into your limbs, into our movement. We are not at odds anymore. We move as one. Your legs are no longer telling me to go by digging into my sides while your hands are pulling mercilessly on the bit! You are now able to stay in the moment, no longer worrying about the mistake a few moments ago, but being present with whatever we are doing. This you have also learned from Yoga - enjoying the present moment , feeling what your body is experiencing, and coming from your very center. Perhaps you are not a beginner. It may be even harder to change. You've established a pattern that you feel is the best you can do, but your master teacher is working very hard to help you refine a few things. Your work will begin out of the riding arena. All riders need total concentration. Clear your mind of all the chatter. You've learned the techniques, the fine points. They are imbedded in your subconscious. Now apply Yoga. Develop the skills Pranayama (breathe), Asana (steady pose), Dharma (being in the moment), then come from your core being - as sportsmen say, "being in the zone". Now enjoy the results. You will think I've change, that I respond much better. The reality is we can only change ourselves. Namaste (I salute the wisdom within you)
|
