Core Conditioning for Horses: Yoga-Inspired Warm-Up Techniques: Increase Suppleness, Improve Bend, and Unlock Optimal Movement

by Simon Cocozza

Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that “dances” when you are on him, and the one that doesn’t? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, Trainer and Examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse’s posture. The horse’s ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal “core” muscles control the horse’s posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance.

Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Visconte Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse’s body and gently “unlock” areas that may be a little “rusty,” improve core fitness, and even relieve pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. In this book, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse’s posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you’ve always imagined.

Genres: Horses

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2019

Reviews

[Hollie Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, laying a wonderful foundation for our equine athletes

Fundamental reading for caring and aspiring riders. Helps to lay the correct foundation for training our equine partners, building a strong core, to prevent injury, trauma and create a harmonious and enjoyable partnership. For both pleasure or the more competitive combinations, it's a must-read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, I love how the exercises are laid out and comparable to human yoga, which I've been practicing since I was a teenager. As a horse trainer this has been a great reference for exercises and reasoning behind the exercises for balancing, conditioning, and toning any horses body!! Such a useful tool for more horse training business. Great book I will go back to over and over again! Highly recommend for horse trainers, riders and all those wanting to learn more about proper movement for a horse!

[Emily Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a thoughtful and well laid out book with exercises to create a good warm-up routine.

You will need a prior basic understanding of dressage and its terminology

Photos and diagrams are well laid out and easy to comprehend.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb! A really beautifully written book with clear explanations and great photos as further guidance. My new mare loves the exercises.

[Paula Hiltunen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that I keep going back for reference.
I have used the excersises and they work.
Should be in every horse owner's library