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

by Linda Benedik (Author), Veronica Wirth (Author) "Our unique approach merges two very ancient disciplines-horsemanship and yoga-and presents Yoga for Equestrians as a practical, beneficial, and enjoyable program to enhance your riding..." (more)
Key Phrases: rhythmic stillness, riding repertoire, intercostal breaths, Power Center, Centering Breath, Spinal Flex (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A unique program of yoga for riders that cultivates both mental and physical flexibility and balance ‹ vital keys to achieving harmony between horse and human. Profusely illustrated with color photos and drawings.

From the Publisher
Whether one rides Western reining patterns, dressage, or the trails, this new program of yoga for equestrians will help every rider build a stronger mind-body connection for improved performance. Yoga integrated with horsemanship produces desirable rider qualities, such as enhanced awareness, flexibility, balance, and correct breathing in rhythm with movement. The book begins with an introduction to the practice of yoga and the roles of meditation and visualization. The authors then move on to basic yoga positions (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama), followed by exercise routines that focus on body areas that are key to improving the rider¹s seat and communication with the horse. All exercises are demonstrated with detailed photos, and there are warm-up and cool-down routines that can easily be performed at home, at the barn, or at shows. The book concludes with some specially designed routines for mounted yoga. Linda Benedik is the director of Harmony with Horses Balanced Riding Program and a long-time yoga student. Veronica Wirth is founder of Integrated Yoga* and rides for pleasure. Both authors live and teach in Southern California.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761361
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761362
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #134,911 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #76 in	Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Horses > Riding
  #95 in	Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Horses > Equestrian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful book!, February 25, 2001

By	"clayhorses" (Blacksburg, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

Yoga for Equestrians has transformed my riding. I highly recommend it. I'm getting back into riding after two bad falls, a broken nose and cracked ribs. One instructor told me I should take a Valium before my lesson, I was so tense. Instead, I found Linda Benedik (who teaches balanced riding and the classical seat) and her book Yoga for Equestrians. The exercises have helped deepen and balance my seat, release my hip joints, relax tense muscles and deepen my breathing. My sweet Quarter Horse, who used to stumble while I trotted, and whose circles were of an indefinable shape, took a sigh of relief, and moved out in the largest walk and trot I had ever experienced, and trotted a surprisingly good circle. The book teaches the art of breathing; visualization techniques that professional riders use; lower body, upper body, symmetry, self-carriage, and mounted exercises. It takes you step by step through floor exercises, stable-side exercises, and in-saddle exercises. Mounted exercises describe the recommended gait, rider benefits, a thorough and easy explanation of how-to's, and tips for trainers or assistants. The photographs are beautiful --clear and vivid and with real life models. My 10 year old niece enjoyed the book so much that she did the exercises with me.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, October 1, 2001

By	Korrigan "korrigan" (Australia) - See all my reviews

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.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Weekend riders need this book, March 11, 2004

By	Pupeluv (Glendale, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

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!