Understanding of human and horse anatomy, balance, movement, and the mind body connection are foundations of Sally Swift’s method. Centered Riding uses centering and grounding techniques from the oriental martial arts, along with body awareness, mental imagery and sports psychology.
Through increasing body awareness, inhibiting old patterns, and replacing them with a more balanced, free, and coordinated use of self, both horse and rider can move more freely and comfortably, and develop their best performance.
The Four Basics of Centered Riding
- Soft Eyes – Encourage visual and physical awareness, better peripheral vision, and improved “feel.”
- Breathing – Using the diaphragm and breathing correctly for better posture, relaxation, and energy.
- Balance or Building Blocks – Aligns the riders body for improved balance, straightness, and ease of movement.
- Centering – Using the center of balance, movement and control, located deep in the body, gives quiet strength, harmony and power, as in the oriental martial arts.
Sally Swift developed “Centered Riding”.
http://www.centeredriding.org
Available limited preview of book “Centered Riding 2: Further Exploration” on Google Books: