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

This book is excellent. The text is straight-forward and easy to follow, as are the exercises -- amply illustrated. I found just doing a twenty minute routine from this book daily has already helped with suppleness, flexibility and relaxation. If you enjoyed Sally Swift's Centered Riding, then you'll find this a very complimentary read. If fact Swift garners a few mentions along the way. You can't go far in riding if you're tense or inflexible, and this book has lots of ways to counter both those problems. I highly recommend it.

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!

As an avid rider for many years, I found this book very helpful. I have a problem with riding "crooked" because of a rotated pelvis. My unevenness has become more noticeable in the years that I have been riding without an instructor. This book helps you become aware of your body and what you are doing with it. Highly recommended (even if you don't do much yoga -- I don't, but this was just my speed!)

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 Yoga & Riding Volume 1: Balance and Symmetry Techniques for Equestrians) helped.I recommend getting the book and the video. 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 video 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.

I have waited a long time to buy this book, and now that I finally have it I wish I'd bought it sooner. It has great explanations of how yoga connects with horseback riding. The exercises range from stretching techniques to easy muscle toning for primary riding areas, like the glutes. The stretching exercises are a great way to relax before going to bed. If you're a "weekend" rider and would like a way to work a little bit on your toning and balance between rides, this is the book. Don't let the yoga part turn you off. It's great!

Amazing book and a new way of thinking for me. I am learning to really relax by properly breathing and stretching out before getting on my horse. I am conscious of my horse's breathing as well. I feel a better balance while riding my horse which translates into a very good experience for me. A new awareness means I stay on my horse and ride with confidence now.

I am a therapeutic riding and horsemanship instructor. From this book I put together a short routine that most of my Participants can do on the ground as well as on horseback and THEY LOVE IT! We do it as a warm-up and cool-down every session.

Returning to the saddle 30+ years later, I just knew it would be a cake walk. Even my riding coach could not figure out why I was having so much difficulty just sitting the horse and communicating. After months of frustration, I bought the book and began the breathing and stretches from the book. The results were almost instant. The fluid movement at all paces is comfortable for both me and the horse. I had to realize that an over abundance of mental and emotional stress was causing physical tension and muscle memory in every part of my body. "Yoga for Equestrians" has become my physical therapist while my horse has become a true partner in the mental and emotional areas.

Pense encontrar algo mucho mas de unos simples estiramientosLo compre por que pense dar un poco ee yoga antes de empezar la clase.

Gives a great insight on yoga and how it can improve the rider.

Ich bin Yogalehrerin und dazu arbeite ich mit Pferden. Ich verstehe nicht so gut englisch, aber die Abbildungen sind so klar und gut beschrieben, dass es kein Problem ist. Für mich ist das Buch ein Muss.

Clear useful guidance to yoga positions to enhance your riding as well as benefit your health. Not at all 'health-freak-y'. Sensible and interesting advice for every level of fitness. Ideal for ANYONE who wishes to ride better and be more in tune with their own body (and their horse's).

Yup, awesome.