Improving performance and partnerships
between humans and their horses
through yoga and bodywork
photo by Caralee Gould
It is often said that the key to any goodrelationship is communication. In the partnership between horse and rider, our bodies and minds are our means of communication. Unfortunately, we often unknowingly send mixed signals or communicate ineffectively to our equine partners, causing misunderstanding and frustration for us both.
Many "training problems" and "performance problems" are actually the result of tension, imbalance or misalignment in the body of the horse or rider…usually both. Aside from his own body issues, a horse will also mirror the rider's body and will adapt his movement to counterbalance that; in fact, within just 2 years of working together, a horse will mirror his rider's misalignments right down to the same cervical vertebra. Through yoga and bodywork, we can experience greater ease and alignment in our own bodies that our horses will reflect in their movements as well. Bodywork for our equine friends helps them feel and perform their best, and together we will be a better team.
"Only when we ourselves are balanced and peaceful can we have relationships that are harmonious." -B.A.
Yoga for Equestrians
"Make your horse happy by knowing and controlling your own body better."
-Sally Swift
Yoga practice improves our riding by developing our body-awareness, self-carriage, strength, and balance, and improving body symmetry and alignment. Yoga gives us flexibility, especially in the spine and pelvis, to better follow the movements of the horse. By holding the postures and breathing, the practitioner can actually reset the muscles' resting length and reprogram habitual patterns of movement. Perhaps the most important way that yoga benefits us as riders is that it cultivates a calm, centered mind so that we can interact with our horses in an effective, non-reactive way. It brings us into the present moment-- where our horses are, and where we must be if we wish to have truly meaningful connections with them.
Private or small group instruction
at my office or at your home or equestrian facility, by appointment. Sessions are conducted on the ground, and may continue on horseback during your regular ride or a lesson with your trainer.
photos by Caralee Gould
Audio CDs available for your home practice:
View my recent articles on Yoga for Equestrians in
More information on yoga in general:
Bodywork/Energy work for Horse and Rider
Ortho-Bionomy® is a gentle, non-invasive, and extremely effective method of bodywork. It involves gentle positioning and passive movement, working with the proprioceptors of the nervous system to facilitate the body's capacity for self-healing. The body is always working towards homeostasis; if given the correct circumstances, it will self-correct and heal from within.
Ortho-Bionomy® improves skeletal alignment, range of motion, circulation, and coordination, and reduces pain and tension. It can help with conditions such as back pain, restricted movement, joint problems, acute and chronic pain, sprains/strains, injury, and neuromuscular dysfunction.
For more information on Ortho-Bionomy:
Reiki, a healing energy therapy, is gaining recognition in recent years and is even being used at the Cleveland Clinic for its deeply calming effects and its ability to reduce pain and speed healing. It can help resolve problems on the physical, mental, and emotional levels. Reiki can be incorporated in a bodywork treatment, or done as a treatment in itself, and is especially useful in cases of trauma where a person or animal may not feel comfortable with the more direct approach of bodywork.
For more information:
Massage and other healing arts may also be incorportated in your bodywork session, as each session is customized for your (or your horse's) individual needs. Shiatsu (acupressure), Reflexology, Polarity Therapy, Connective Tissue Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Touch for Health are some of the modalities that may be used.
