By Cathy Woods, creator of Body, Mind, Equine Billions of people around the world embrace the practice of yoga. Its lessons in breath control, simple meditation, and specific bodily postures are widely regarded as a means to achieving health and relaxation. Yoga teacher and horsewoman Cathy Woods says that’s not …
Read MoreYoga for Riders – Principles and Postures to Improve Your Horsemanship
Do You Have Grit? Answer These Questions and Find Out By Laura Schonberg The gritty mindset combines the power of passion with perseverance. We know we can be distracted by talent, but if we remember that our effort counts twice, we (and our horses) can accomplish great things. I’ve …
Two Exercises to Build Strength and Balance by Theresa Rice We’re now entering the cold, grey stretch of winter. No more holidays, just dreary weather and vitamin D deficiency. These are the months I find the hardest. I’ve gained weight from overindulging during the holiday parties and have no …
Centered Riding Basic Valuable in Emergency by Alys Culhane Centered Riding founder Sally Swift calls “soft eyes” one of four basics, along with breathing, alignment, and centering. To create soft eyes, the muscles around and behind the eyes are relaxed. Additionally, the cheeks, chin, jaw and tongue muscles are …
Centering by Alys Culhane In June I organized and participated in Centered Riding clinics that spanned two weekends. Centered Riding Level Four clinicians Peggy Brown and Susan Harris and five out-of-state riders were in attendance. My Icelandic mare Raudhetta prefers arenas with obstacles so I opted to attend Brown’s …
Finding Alignment by Albs Culhane April was a significant month for me in terms of my Centered Riding training, both as an instructor and as a rider. I traveled to the East Coast and did a four-day Centered Riding clinic in Brattleboro, New York followed by a three-week Centered …
Controlled Breathing First Step in Centered Riding by Alys Culhane I’m a returning rider who acquired more than my share of fear-based baggage during my thirty-year riding hiatus. This metaphorical suitcase sprung open and spewed its contents ten years ago when I started riding my 4-year-old mare, Raudi. In …
An Introduction to Centered Riding By Alys Culhane One day as I was instructing a student I noted that her jaw was clenched, she had a death grip on the reins, and her legs were wrapped tightly around her horse’s middle. The young gelding appeared ready to explode. I …
Read MoreRider Wellness: Anatomy, Awareness, and Sally Swift’s Six Basics
Steps to Accomplish Your Goals in 2017 by Emily Beasley The hectic holiday season is here. It’s the time of year when we overcommit ourselves, skimp on sleep, spend too much money, overeat, and drink more than we should. Indulgence is the spirit of the season, but we get …
Send us your question and we’ll select the best expert for you. NW Horse SourceThe Northwest Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in the Pacific Northwest. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts …