How yoga can help deepen your bond and connection with your horse

It starts with us. I have always had a passion for horses and would like to help people recognise how their unconscious holding patterns are affecting their horses. For instance, you could be holding around one seat bone, which creates an imbalance within the horse. Also, just the daily care of horses can be tough on the body, poo picking, mucking out, trudging through mud, etc can have a huge impact on your body.

 

Mindfulness for horse owners
Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, which is key when working with horses. Horses are highly sensitive to energy and body language. Practising Mindfulness connects you to your breath, and your body and away from the thoughts in your head, helping you to stay calm and grounded and improving your communication with your horse. It can help to regulate your nervous system and have more mental clarity whether you are training, handling or just enjoying time with your horse.

Gentle somatic yoga
Unlike traditional yoga our intention is not to hold postures or stretch the body although you may feel a stretch at times. These sessions help riders to cultivate greater awareness of our breath and body both in the saddle and in daily life. 

With self care practices to help reduce aches and pains, you can continue to enjoy your horses more fully without reaching for painkillers.

Through stillness and deep rest, we begin to notice where we habitually hold tension unconsciously in our body. Through gentle somatic movements and yoga we find more ease and space in the body and breathe more deeply. By releasing tension in the body we improve flexibility, strength, balance, posture and awareness bringing equilibrium to the body and nervous system. 

Somatic practices improve your ability to sense subtle shifts in your body, helping you become more intuitive and present while riding. You'll develop a heightened sense of awareness in your body, reducing tension and preventing injury, while fostering trust and harmony with your horse.

Yoga nidra 
Yoga nidra (yogic sleep) also known as NSDR, is a deep relaxation practice. It helps with deep relaxation and recovery after a long day of riding or taking care of our horses. This powerful nurturing practice helps to release tension, reduces mental chatter and allows the mind to rest deeply. This practice fosters emotional healing and stability, supporting a calm and centred mindset when working with horses, especially in challenging or emotionally charged situations.

These practices encourage you to slow down and listen and to become more present both on and off the saddle.

I hold regular Retreats and I'm also available for private or group bookings, clinics, etc.