Yoga for Equestrians: A New Path for Achieving Union with the Horse

by Linda Benedik

This programme of yoga for equestrians should help build a stronger mind-body connection for improved performance. All the exercises are demonstrated with detailed photographs. The easy-to-follow instructions and photographs guide you through asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), plus a variety of unmounted and mounted awareness exercises, visualizations, and meditations aim to enhance your riding skills. Versatile yoga routines, that can be performed by riders at the stable, at home, or at a show, are designed for warming up and cooling down and the book offers biomechanical descriptions and detailed illustrations that describe the three areas of a rider's body - centre, upper body and lower body - which are followed by specific postures to help prepare your body for riding and achieve a balanced seat.

Genres: Horses

Paperback

First published September 25, 2000

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good jumping-off point for ideas, but I don't feel that I learned a great deal from it that I didn't already know. I had hoped that the "in the saddle" asanas would be the focus of the book and I think that there is so much more that could be done in that realm.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource for riders who are new to yoga. For those who actively practice or have some yoga experience the book provides good instruction for connecting your practice to your relationship with your horse.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source of information. I integrate yoga into my riding lessons and this book has been a valuable tool!!!❤️❤️

[Karen Brittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I benefited from reading this book. 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!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is wisdom in stretching and relaxing before working with your horse. If you are upset or tense, your horse can sense it and can make for a difficult or really bad work session. My instructor always says "To end on a good note". My mare is particularly sensitive to my moods and would react based on my body language. I had a problem relieving the tension in my lower back due to an injury and my mare could feel it in my seat and legs.

I had picked up a few tips from other riders, but when I purchased the Linda's book, things seemed to click, from breathing to helping me ease the tension in my back. I would try a few exercises before I mounted and while I was mounted. My mare was more relaxed. I think that this book (and DVD) helped.

I recommend getting the book AND the DVD. The book is great with photos and more in-depth instruction of technique and postures. It is recommended that if you are new to yoga, like myself, that you read the first few chapters before attempting the postures. The DVD is helpful for those who wish to work with voice instruction and movement instead of flipping through pages and trying to execute what they've just read.

[MaryEllen Elizabeth Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Link between Yoga in a studio to Yoga on horseback.

Linda modifies basic studio Yoga so the benefits of balance, stretching, strengthening, breathing, coordination are achieved on horseback without fear. Basic centering and stretching.

I am planning on re-reading this book regularly.