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Overview

Centered Riding is for those with little experience all the way up to world class. Precise illustrations and photographs never before used in riding books explain anatomy and image work to give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding.

Widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of "soft eyes," proper breathing, centering, and balance, Sally Swift has been a pioneering riding instructor for half a century. In book form for the first time, her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally, without pain.

Unlike traditional teachers, Sally Swift does not believe in forced training techniques that cause stiff bodies and tense riding. Instead, through the use of vivid, unusual, and highly creative images that transcend mechanics ("Pretend you're a spruce tree; the roots grow down from your center as the trunk grows up"), plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this wise and inspiring teacher enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses, in order to ride in natural positions, break through frustrating plateaus, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780312127343
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date: 01/15/1985
Pages: 208
Sales rank: 216,158
Product dimensions: 8.25(w) x 9.55(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Sally Swift lived in Brattleboro, Vermont. Born in 1913, she started riding when she was eight years old. She was the creator of the Centered Riding technique and author of the book Centered Riding. Swift died in 2009.

Table of Contents

Forewordix
1.Introducing Centered Riding1
2.Pretend You Are a Horse5
3.The Four Basics10
4.Learning and the Brain24
5.Anatomy32
6.Balance and Body Freedom51
7.Walk and the Following Seat58
8.Rising (Posting) Trot66
9.Hands76
10.Transitions86
11.Sitting Trot96
12.Circles and Turns104
13.Half Halts and Self-Carriage116
14.The Canter125
15.Forces of Energy132
16.Lengthening Stride143
17.Lateral Work150
18.Jumping164
19.Suppling the Horse178
20.Summary181
Appendix I.Riding a Dressage Test184
Appendix II.Instructors' Guide to Leg-Lengthening187
Appendix III.Quick Review of Useful Images190
Index195
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