Yoga with Horses- Yet another side to Natural Horsemanship…Part 3
A note from Faye:
Natural Horsemanship is not just about riding without a bit…it is far bigger than that…Natural Horsemanship is a mindset, it is a new way of being with horses. It is developing a more natural & closer relationship with your horse. It also means exploring alternative therapies that can improve your horse’s quality of life…
Here is Part 3 of ‘Yoga with Horses’ written by Linda Guanti
Developing yoga with horses was really hard for me at first. Like I said, yoga with horses was something I created from necessity, not something that was put together intentionally. I had many different opinions about what I wanted it to become. I finally decided that a set routine was the best idea. I had been doing Bikram yoga for years. Bikram yoga is a series of 27 poses done in a heated room. It’s the same 27 postures every time. It may seem surprising but it never ever felt like the same class. I bet anyone who does it will attest to this. Each time you do the class your body and mind are in a different place and thus your class always has different challenges and successes. I felt that this would be the same. Especially because in this case, it’s not just your body and mind but your horses as well.
My routine combines some of my favorite yoga postures with some of my favorite horse stretches. They are my favorites because I feel that, combined, they provide a fabulous whole body stretch and balance each other out. Each pose can be modified as needed. No need to strain you or the horse at any point. I am a very strong believer of taking your time and feeling your body as you move through each pose. It’s not about the end of the pose it’s about the journey through it. Body awareness is one of the best things you can do for you and your horse. The horses all seem to really enjoy the yoga time with their owners or even their human partners. Even the most fidgety ones calm right down and most start yawning. It’s an amazing feeling for all involved.
Once you start you won’t want to stop!
A little bit about Linda…
Hi! My name is Linda Guanti.
I believe that yoga is for everyone and that even a little can make a big difference.
In my early teens a serious injury left me with chronic health issues and most importantly affected my horse’s life. When I discovered yoga it was life changing. I immediately recognized how well it connected with riding and a horsey lifestyle. Yoga helps us stay physically healthy and able to be with and enjoy horses.
I soon began to understand the equal importance of having your horse be flexible and stretched. So I learned how to help my horse stretch too. Combining yoga and my life with horses seems natural and has proven successful in keeping both myself and my horse healthy and happy.
~NAMASTE~
To learn more about Linda, her horses and about ‘Yoga with Horses’ please visit her website: www.yogawithhorses.com