Saturday, June 27, 2015

Physical & Emotional "Flexible Stability" Reinforced by Horseback Riding

It is relevant to examine horseback riding as not only a right brain/ left brain synchronizing activity, but also as a holistic activity for body, mind and spirit. This is especially true when the rider (or instructor) has therapeutic goals in mind and an awareness of the therapeutic potential intrinsic in interacting with horses. Riding requires consciousness about alignment and position, as well as “flexible stability” from one’s physical core.

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)?

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Guest Bloggers Wanted! Share Your Story!

This summer, I am hoping to expand this blog to include the writing of others whose lives have been influenced by work with horses. Carole Fletcher, author of the beautiful memoir Healed by Horses, writes:

"The horse did not heal me. It's working with horses that heals, by developing discipline, courage, patience and perseverance. You may come to horses - as I did - unable to walk, unable to cope, disfigured and in disrepair, but what I learned is that horses do not judge by looks or class or reputation. Still, you must earn their respect and cooperation, and out of that comes self-esteem."

Do you identify with what Fletcher has written? Either because you have experienced personal, physical or emotional transformation through working with horses or because you've witnessed such a transformation in others? If so, and you are willing and able to share your story in photos or writing, or through an interview, I would love to hear from you and to feature your story on this page! Please email me!

I also like to review books relevant to the field of Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies on this page. Have you read something great recently? Something that touched your heart the way that Fletcher's memoir touched mine? If so and you'd like to review that book for What Horses Teach, please let me know!

Thanks! Hoping to build some momentum on this blog over these hot summer days and would love to share some diverse voices here!
Karen

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Review of Yoga for Equestrians, A New Path for Achieving Union with the Horse

I benefited from reading Yoga for Equestrians, A New Path for Achieving Union with the Horse. As a lifelong rider, and a relatively new but totally convinced "yogi," I was already familiar with many concepts introduced in this book. Having said that, authors Linda Benedik & Veronica Wirth weave concepts from the discipline of balanced seat riding and the practice of hatha yoga together in a way that is clear yet sophisticated, inviting yet technical. Reading this book reinforced for me that yoga is the perfect cross-training for horseback riding (and for life!).

Features of this book that I liked most especially included the accurate and sharp illustrations featuring "real" riders with diverse body types as well as the organization of the book by area of the body. The authors provide accurate anatomical descriptions of each body section, followed by yoga asanas to benefit this body section and the relevance/ benefits for riders of practicing these asanas. That's motivating for me!

Finally, I love the overarching theme of the book that horseback riding, like yoga, should be about union. In this case, union between horse and rider. The authors emphasize the importance of a balanced state of mind and body while riding, which the reader would expect, but go further by devoting whole chapters, with practical advice, to breath and the power of the mind. The authors emphasize, "To attain Union with the horse involves two bodies, two species moving together in balance, in concert as One. Your horse-rider partnership encompasses spiritual unity as you ride unaware of your own body, your attention attuned to complete, fluid integration with the horse. During these special moments, time ceases to exist and your activities flow effortlessly."

So glad to have finally read this book, which I have been meaning to study for years now!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/33211748-karen-brittle">View

Horses like yoga, too!