02/25/2023
Like in other sports or hobbies, you CAN improve what you do with the horse when you aren’t at the barn. When we are off balance and stiff in our own bodies, our horses mirror this thinking we are telling them what we want. What we do outside of the arena, when we are away from horses, is so important to every detail of what we do WITH horses. It’s all connected…
Let's talk about the importance of "awareness"❗️
Placement, orientation, spacing, attentiveness, being present, etc., etc., etc. are some of the many things that are honed on the yoga mat. Since true yoga is an "awareness practice," the more we practice awareness on the mat and on the meditation cushion, the more that translates to increased awareness off the mat as well as into your riding and with your time around equines 🧘♀️🐴
No judgment here, but have you ever ridden with someone who's completely unaware❓ I sure have! Many years of backcountry trail riding with different types of riders have given me opportunities to observe this. Not only does this make the ride stressful and less enjoyable, but it's also a safety issue. I've seen riders allow their horses to crowd others on the trail, or even kick out or bite other horses while the rider seemed oblivious. I've seen riders walk right over holes on the trail that they didn't notice or let their horse walk too close to the edge of a dangerous drop-off. Others have seen fellow riders having trouble with their horse and instead of being aware and supportive, they seemed to have paid no attention.
Being the most "technically trained" rider in the ring or on the trail is no guarantee of "awareness." Personally, I'd much rather ride with someone who has less training but brings greater awareness to the overall ride, which makes it safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
You can view your yoga and meditation practice as an opportunity to increase your awareness of everything, on and off the mat. 🧘♀️
Learn more in Yoga for Riders, published by, Horse and Rider Books
https://www.horseandriderbooks.com/store/yoga-for-riders.html
Happy Trails & Namaste, 🏇🙏
Cathy Woods
