Yoga (not just) for Equestrians!

Today most folks know or at least have heard that yoga increases flexibility, improves balance, enhances strength, promotes endurance, and calms the mind.  Certainly something of this nature could be beneficial to everyone!  Let’s explore a few ways this may be a virtue for equestrians.

Flexibility:

Yoga poses stretch all muscles and will specifically open up the shoulders, hips and spinal column.  More flexibility magnifies fluidity and grace while riding.  Less pain from compression and tightness make long rides and full days of training much more pleasurable. 

Balance:

Most every yoga class will consist of a series of balancing poses.  This requires concentration and focus combined with postural alignment.  Aside from keeping you in the saddle (instead of on the ground), core balance provides more control of your horse and allows you to “hold” yourself in position.  This makes it possible for the horse to stay  balanced and connected with you, the rider.

Strength/Endurance:

Some yoga classes focus on precise physical alignment and may require that poses be held for relatively long periods of time, while other classes center their attention on the repetition of a multitude of poses.  Interestingly enough, both of these styles build incredible strength and promote endurance while enhancing overall posture.  This too, will increase comfort while riding.

Mind:

Everyone feels the pressure of stressors at one time or another.  The notion of climbing atop a 1200 pound animal might be enough to spark panic in some.  Our thoughts, whether positive or negative, are energetically transmitted to your horse.  Yoga teaches us to become aware of, deepen, and control the breath; which in turn calms the mind.  Even pre-competition nervousness can morph into serenity when attention is drawn toward breath control.

With more strength, flexibility and confidence your rides will become more delightful for you and your horse.  Your horse will thank you, I promise.

My suggestion is to choose a yoga style and a teacher that resonate with your inner self.  Whether you ride or not, yoga WILL transform your life!


published: 
Natural Awakenings/Palm Beach County Edition - January 2011
The Jupiter Farmer - January 2011

Laaazy Days

I know, I'm lame.  Or, the fact that I haven't posted in two months is inexcusable. What can I say?  I was in France.  And Spain.  Surely, that must give me a break, some type of reprieve; a reason, perhaps?  Or just an excuse?

I promise, blog, not to ignore you ... to keep in touch.

Still editing photographs from my trip as well as looking at 4 rolls of undeveloped film.  There are some stories to go along with the photos so I'll get to them in time.  I promise.  Do you believe me?  ;)

Out of the Mouth of Billy ...

Of course I don't personally know Billy ... but this is so sweet I couldn't hold back ...

 "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. 

You know that your name is safe in their mouth." 

Billy, age 4

Waning Moon

Saturday evening I happened upon a Pagan Waning Moon Fire Ritual.  No, I wasn't wandering aimlessly through the woods, I was at an event teaching a "seva" (volunteer) yoga class.  During a group tarot reading, the leader mentioned there would be a fire ceremony later that evening.  We gathered around a huge bonfire, held hands and invoked deities and spirits and angels and anything meaningful into our group to assist.  We welcomed the four elements; fire, water, air, and earth.  We danced nude and sang together.  As we gazed into the fire we were to think of a belief, pattern, or thought that was no longer serving us.  Once we did that, we chose a candle from a basket.  Clockwise around the circle we lit one another's candle.  Another prayer was cast.  Once we were clearly ready to let go, we tossed our lit candle into the fire and watched it burn away.  After the closing remarks I left ... with a glimmer of hope ... 

As True As It Gets ...

"There's what's happening and there's our version of what's happening. It's our version that causes us suffering." 


Krishna Das, Palm Beach Gardens, February 2010

First Entry

This is my first entry ... well, duh. And all because of encouragement I received recently during a "reading". I know, a "reading", sounds funny. Now, I'm not one to seek answers from others, much less advice. But I felt compelled to have this "reading", and afterward I did experience a sense of calm. Actually I think I'll refer to it as a "consultation". That sounds better. She suggested I write more and then offered that I begin with a blog. I told her I had already set up a blog, but hadn't yet written anything. So, here it is. My first entry.