The Facets of Equuality - Yoga

In which I describe the way in which the philosophy and practices of Yoga inform and improve my horsemanship.

I think it is a shame that many instructors speak very little to the process of transformation that takes place in each of us as we transform from a regular human into a horseman.

So many students only learn the mechanics of horsemanship - when to pull on the rope, how to add pressure with stick, the position of the reins for a certain movement - without being educated to the fact that those mechanics really only work when they are backed up by the intention that we set, the manor with which modulate our energy, and the way in which we observe the situation.

More than a Workout Routine

The form of exercise that most people know as Yoga is in fact only one faced of an ancient practice - part art and part science - of understanding ourselves and, by extension, the world we live in.

With the tools of Yoga, we learn to unravel our many layers and to see ourselves clearly. As we come to know ourselves, we gain insight into others. Yoga teaches us to pay close attention to both the details and the big picture.

As Yogis we learn to separate our emotions from the stimuli that cause them. This leads to greater clarity in communication as we learn to act thoughtfully in response rather than reacting thoughtlessly from instinct. We gain conscious control over our energy and the way we use it to interact with the energies of the world around us, including those of our horses.

The Depth and Flow of Yoga

As it has developed over the centuries, Yoga has gained and maintained great depth as practice.

Starting with the physical postures, the Asana, Yoga is a way to tone the body and clarify the mind. The movements of Yoga work to heal injuries, build strength, cultivate suppleness, and disperse toxins. Healing and cleansing the body creates a strong foundation for effective horsemanship.

As the physical postures become a routine, the Yogi discovers the function of breath, or Prana, in bringing life into the body. Breath is linked with movement, creating an understanding of the flow of energy in the body. Understanding the flow of energy enables clearer communication between human and horse.

As the mind is cleared by the postures and the breath, the Yogi learns to pay attention to their thoughts, words, and actions. Coming to understand the self, they naturally begin to make healthier, more joyful choices in thought, speech, and deed. These choices leader to closer relationships and stronger learning.

The wonderful thing about this progression is that one piece naturally builds to the next, making the process extremely natural. Also, as with horsemanship, there is a continual aspiration for improvement - as long as we draw breath, the practice can always deepen.

My Practice

I incorporate Yoga into my horsemanship practice because it helps me to better understand myself, to better understand my students and my horses, and thus to create more joy for all of us. I have personally experienced all the of benefits I mentioned above and I continue to reap greater and greater rewards from combining the philosophies, wisdom, and tools of Yoga with my horsemanship.

Your Practice

If you do not yet have a Yoga practice, perhaps now is a good time to start. There are many teachers and studios, even in places where you might not expect to find them. Perhaps you even have a neighbor or colleague who would introduce you to the practice.

I must stress that it is important to find a teacher who is a good fit for you. My suggestion is to look for someone who works with a wide range of bodies and is not trying to force everyone into a single mold. Usually these teachers will also bring a bit of the philosophical dimension into every class. Different teachers have very different styles, so don't be afraid to try a few in the search for a match.

If you already practice Yoga, perhaps now is a good time to expand or deepen that practice by doing some reading or consciously integrating some of the things you have learned into your horsemanship. I think you will find great rewards, and a little extra strength and flexibility never hurts either.

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