Tips for Better Breathing While Riding Horses
Two weeks ago I posted an article titled “Less is More,” where I shared what I had taken away from several recent learning experiences.
What I heard over and over during the lectures and clinics I attended was the importance of breathing, and of breathing correctly.
Correct breathing is essential to good riding. It affects our balance in the saddle, our ability to move with the horse, and our mental state. In this video, I share a key strategy for breathing better and an easy exercise you can try the next time you ride.
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Thanks Callie! I practice this sort of breathing when I tense up or when my horse
gets worried. It helps a lot – especially if you ease up on the reins and stay loose in your body.
It amazes me how well my horse will respond – to so little!
So important to think about thank you. Breathing in for 4, breathe out 4 , pause 2, is a nice pattern for slowing. Breathing out for transitions seems to help, does this ring true for you Callie? Breathing in too deep seems to cause tension maybe. The breath out and pause may be the most important. Practising in everyday life regularly is important too. Now to master it on the horse.
Hi Suzanne,
Yes – I do breathe out for down transitions, and tend to breathe in for upward transitions too.
Hi Callie,
Breathing or the breathe is the focus in yoga (at least the traditional type of yoga that I practice). It takes a lot to really breath deeply with awareness, but it is always amazing the difference one feels. I am really working on breathing and relaxing when I ride, as neither seem to come easy to me while on the horse. Thanks for another great post.
Nancy
I do tend to hold my breath from anxiety so this year is very helpful.
Oops. Meant this suggestion is helpful. (Not “year”)
As always, thanks Callie for your video blogs. Every one offers helpful suggestions.
Something I never would have thought about! All makes perfect sense. Thanks Callie!