Wanted: More Horses to Teach Humans

Wow! It is almost the end of February! Since Christmas came and went, the new year has been filled with wonderful experiences with the horses and my schedule has consistently been filled with equine activities. I've added many new students and I am really enjoying sharing the concepts of Centered Riding with everyone. In addition, I've been incorporating more of the teachings of Tom Nagel's "Zen and Horseback Riding". And there's a wonderful DVD, "Riding with Chi" that incorporates the amazing concepts of Tai Chi with centered, balanced posture and breathing. My students are taking in the information like sponges and it is so rewarding to see them pick up on the idea so quickly of riding with their breath.

With so many students coming out to ride, Chanty is getting a real work out. She is such a good teacher. She mirrors the students exactly and I can see when there is brace in their body or they are holding their breath. When she heads trotting into the center towards me and a chance to stop altogether, I know there is some serious tension going on in the rider. What's even better, is when the student finds their balance and posture, engages their center and is able to breathe out and relieve the tension in their body, I'll see Chanty walk off with relaxed head, staying out on the wall, enjoying the change in her rider.



I'm slowly working towards enlisting more "teachers" into my lessons. After six months with Image, I have noticed a real change in her movement and the way she carries herself. It's as if she has finally been reintroduced to her body. She knows where her feet are and her muscles carry her around efficiently. She has control over her movement and is comfortable going forward. In the past she seemed to move hesitantly, scurrying off without any organization in her movement. When she would lose her balance or step incorrectly, she would become upset and run in all directions to escape the discomfort. She would avoid areas of the arena that she knew were uneven and would make her feel even more imbalanced. Her physical inabilities effected her emotions and the cycle would repeat itself when I would ask her to change direction or step over an obstacle.

The change is amazing. Her confidence has grown as her body has developed more strength, balance and flexibility. She canters around the arena without hesitancy, she is less worried when I ask her to back or move away. She is not swishing her tail constantly and her eye has softened more and more. She is a wonderful animal and it warms my heart to see her blossom into a happy horse, full of energy. We are still working on letting her hoof wall grow out so that the separation and the cracks will turn into solid, sturdy walls that will carry her further and further. I plan to begin riding her this spring and take her so many places. AND...give Chanty a break.