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[RC] Improving rider balance & equitation - Naomi PrestonWhat a great topic, Garrett!
Here are my two recommendations, which have helped me throughout
my endurance riding career spanning the last 23+ years.
1. Centered Riding & Connected Riding:
As Beverley mentioned, Centered Riding lessons are a super way to
improve your balance and equitation. Donna Snyder-Smith (SF
Bay Area) is an awesome instructor, specializing in her work with
endurance riders.
http://www.donnasnydersmith.com/
And an evolution of Centered Riding is Connected
Riding,
by Peggy Cummings.
http://peggycummings.com/ Peggy was the first Master
Instructor under Sally Swift, who developed Centered Riding.
She lives near Seattle, but travels the world teaching. (Peggy
Cummings will be a speaker at the next PNER convention in Portland.)
Without Donna and Peggy, I would not be half the rider I am
today. My horses are better athletes and are much happier as
a result of working with both of them.
2. Feldenkrais: The Feldenkrais
Method is a wonderful technique that is used to improve
athletic performance (high level runners, top ski racers, dancers);
improve body function after injury, and to just make using your
body easier. You could be achieve "perfect balance" on
a horse by being in the center of gravity, but if your body
is rigid and tight, it won't feel very good to the horse (or to
you either). A better "balance" is one that is
synergistic with the horse, and with a body that is supple and
moving. Check out Feldenkrais classes or Practitioners in your
area.
http://www.feldenkrais.com/practitioners/find/ If you happen to be
in the Boise area, Practitioner Robert Spencer is doing a series of classes
on Better Balance this fall.
http://robertlspencer.com/classes.aspx He is an awesome
instructor.
I take my Feldenkrais CD's with me to every endurance ride I attend,
and always do at least one of the exercises before a competition. I am
always amazed at how much more freedom of movement and balance my body
has. Feldenkrais trivia -- Linda Tellington-Jones was a
Feldenkrais Practitioner before she developed the TTEAM method for
horses. The Feldenkrais work is apparent in her work with horses.
Naomi
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