Offering Yoga instruction in Morrison Near Conifer and Evergreen Colorado
One might not think that yoga and horseback riding have a lot in common, yet both disciplines require strength, flexibility, good posture, balance, a sense of calm focus and the ultimate goal of oneness. In horseback riding you become one with the horse. In yoga you become one with your body, mind, and spirit.
Riding a large animal presents many challenges, take balance for instance. In order to sit properly in the saddle one must keep the torso upright and lifted with the pelvis level and the shoulders directly over the hips. If you lean one way or the other, you must use your legs to hold yourself on the horse, which means tightening your hip joints and leg muscles. This creates tension in your body and the horse’s.
In yoga there are a number of poses that deal squarely with balance in the seat. Swastikasana, or Simple Crossed Legs, teaches one to sit correctly with the spine erect, hips and pelvis balanced, sternum lifted, floating ribs in, and sacrum descending. This is the same posture required in the saddle to keep the lower back, hip joints, and legs, soft and relaxed while riding.
As a rider, you not only need balance, but freedom of joint movement, elasticity of muscles, centered control, and total awareness of the unity of the horse and rider. Yoga practice develops the physical qualities necessary to ride gracefully. It brings the body, mind, and spirit together so that you feel your connection with the universe around you.
Read what equestrian yoga students have to say about their experience.
Yoga has been quite beneficial in my relation to riding horses. Through yoga I have kept my body feeling young and healthy, strong and flexible, balanced and focused, all qualities that assist me when I ride my horse.
~ Gayle
Yoga teaches me how to focus and keep my attention centered on my body and its movements. It also keeps me calm. These things help me connect with my horse when I ride.
~ Sara
For more information about yoga for equestrians, including available days, times, and price, call 303-669-8106 or email Diane.
