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Yoga, Meditation And Western Horseback Riding

Meditation and Relaxation Add to Western Horseback Riding

New riders are often drawn to western horseback riding for the reason that it appears less rigorous than other riding disciplines. The fact is nothing could be further from the truth. Although western styled riding is more laid back in general it requires every bit as much attention and skill even when compared to the skill of dressage. Controlling a 1200 pound animal is no uncomplicated feat regardless of how competently taught and the unique communication between animal and man based on mutual respect is as essential in western horseback riding as it is in any other style.

As rigorous as western horseback riding is there is some reason for the belief it is relaxed. Though it takes knack there is a mental and physical relaxation involved in western horseback riding that is as much a part of the skill as it is part of the satisfaction. Using relaxation to broaden western riding abilities has become a key to excelling in the competitive world of western style riding events.

Locating Your Core

Just as in meditation and relaxation techniques finding your center is crucial in western horseback riding. Employing many of the same methods used by yoga and meditation experts can help you relax Into Your seat. In western horseback riding the seat even more than in all other riding disciplines is a major communication center. Sitting deep and comfortably will ensure a direct line of communication. Relaxed reins offer less continuous contact with the mouth and being able to use legs and seat to transform desires helps develop a pivotal relationship between horse and rider.

Getting a Leg Up

With all of the benefits of western horseback riding it is very well suited to helping disabled children and adults alike enjoy the inherent communication between horse and man. The benefits extend even further in that the muscles used to sit a horse are naturally engaged and steadiness is improved along with mental stillness. There have been numerous cases where therapeutic horseback riding has helped bring autistic children out of their shells even for short moments, given physically disabled children and adults more dexterity and confidence, and made important strides in the mental well-being of psychologically distressed individuals.

Past Connecting the Yet to come

While it is less historically known in Europe western horseback riding has a root deep into the western past of America. Those roots connect to the current era of competition, trail riding, open country, combination training, and even most recently Olympic riding endeavors. The future of western horseback riding is ensured by its value in stock control, exciting rodeo events, challenging gaming events, as much as in the relaxing mental setting it provides.

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Preparing myself for a future Cross Country trip on horseback?

Hi there,

Well, obviously, you will want to have at least one change of clothes, a rain coat, a sweater or two… and you need to think about what you’ll be doing at night.
If You Are camping, you’ll need a tent and a blanket, You Can use clothes or a saddle pad as a pillow. You will also want to make sure you have the stuff you need to start a fire.
You want to be sure you have a cell phone, because you never know, and some money for food/drinks/ laundry along the way, though the horse should be able to get its own grass, you might want to pack some grain too, but not a lot.
Also, once again, you never know what you are going to come across, and no matter how much you might dislike the idea, you should also take a gun and ammunition. I don’t say to use it for sport, but think of all the dangerous wild animals in every area you will be passing through. Mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, wolves, and maybe a bear or two. While of course you would want to avoid them as much as possible, you never know if any of them will be hungry enough to try.

In that aspect, study up on what the signs of those animals are. Claw marks on trees, what their stool (poo) looks like, animal carcasses, tracks. Also watch for tracks when you are near a water source for the horse, and of course keep tuned in to the horse itself, because it will likely sense danger before you do.

If you have anyone willing to go along with you, that would be wonderful as well.

You could also travel with two horses, switching who you ride every day, while the other serves as a pack horse that you pony to the horse being ridden.