In this way, balanced riding is a powerful physical metaphor for effective living: maintain the integrity of your position, find balance, even as you are fluid enough to follow a horse’s inevitable (and in fact, desirable) forward momentum and dynamic movement. Sally Swift, founder of Centered Riding, writes “…a balanced body permits a balanced state of mind,” highlighting the way that conscious, balanced riding can lead to a more whole psychological state. (Centered Riding. NY: St. Martin's, 1985.)
Because a horse is an enormously powerful being with a mind of his own, the rider must remain mentally in balance in order to effectively influence the horse’s mind as well as his body. To ride a green or spirited horse with success, Linda Kohanov, founder of EPONAQUEST Worldwide, suggests a rider adapt “a state of mind in which past and future could easily trade places, and suggest[s] the possibility of seeing what was about to happen as vividly as what had just occurred." Kohanov shares the following advice, given to her many years ago by an experienced horse trainer: “Keep your body fully in the present and mind in the recent future. Don’t let the past get in your way." (The Tao of Equus. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2001. 19.)
This sounds perhaps a bit obscure, so here’s a concrete example: If you are riding a nervous horse as a rattling dump truck comes up the driveway, it would be easy to anticipate that the horse will spook at the truck or take off, and you will fall or be thrown. However, you know (using your intellect) that the dump truck is not likely to actually harm the horse; there is no real danger to him or you. Therefore, in this situation, it is your responsibility as the rider to transmit to the horse a complete lack of anxiety or anticipation about the truck. You might utilize deep breathing, singing, or ask him to concentrate on work (i.e. a controlled leg yield away from the approaching truck) to keep him from being overwhelmed by the truck and having his powerful flight instinct ignite. Your whole being reassures: “We got this, Horse. Nothing to be scared of here!” However, at the same time, you must be ready, mentally and physically, to respond appropriately and keep your balance should a spook occur. The evolved rider gives the horse every opportunity and support to act desirably (by not spooking) but is also prepared to keep both herself and her horse safe if the spook happens anyway.
This concept – acknowledging what could happen but not allowing oneself to anticipate (and thus inadvertently support) a negative outcome – is such an important emotional skill, and not only when riding or working with horses. It is a level of emotional acknowledgement and control that would allow one to go through the world with maximum awareness but minimal anxiety. Imagine how powerful that emotional skill can be when put to work with horses, but also with other people and even in situations beyond one's control (that terrible traffic jam!). It is, essentially, the pinnacle of staying present - being open and aware to all the possibilities of a situation but still manifesting with intention the most desired outcome.
As humans, we can learn and practice - what strategies allow us to “ride the horse” (our own psyche) “past the dump truck” (our own emotional triggers)?
