Centered Riding
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Book 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.Customer Reviews
Rated 5 starsAn amazing book for ANYONE who rides!
Sally Swift does such an amazing job giving you images that will actually get you to change your body and how you use it. If the images she provides don’t help, they can easily be changed in a few simple ways to help it stick. Anyone, English or Western, Pro of Beginner, can benefit from reading and owning this book. She dives into the mechanics of the body and how to utilize it just enough that she isn’t overwhelming the...
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Rated 5 starsWonderful- a great addition to one's riding program
I've read many of the reviews of "Centered Riding" and I would argue that it is a useful addition to any person's personal riding program if they want to achieve a better seat and better movement from their horses. I do not think that it is an adequate guide for learning how to ride or formulating a complete program, but it is not meant to be. Rather, it is a great addition to other resources including more detailed "how-to"...
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Rated 5 starsThe Book I've Been Needing!
I have read book after book hoping to improve my riding. Some were too basic (Riding Essentials and Riding (by Decker) are great for beginners), others too obscure. Since my first time studying this book, my riding has improved immensely and the horses have been grateful! Visualization is so much easier than running thru a laundry list of cues. When I find my calves flailing at the canter, I just think of rooting like a tree...
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Rated 5 starsThis is a terrific book!
I'm getting back into riding after 30 years of an occasional trail ride, overweight and out of shape. My first few sessions were not so great, so the stable owner who is a centered riding certified instructor, gave me a few lessons on a longe line and bareback pad. What a difference! By studying the basics in Chapter 2, and focusing on how my body moves with the horse, I've become balanced and confident after just 3 hours...
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Rated 5 starsVery, Very helpfull
I am 17 and training my own unbalanenced horse. By reading this book and learning to center my OWN riding, I was able to help him to become more balanced. I now have a better position and something to visualize when I am riding if I feel myself becoming uncentered. This book was extremely helpfull with my entire way of sitting. Many of her ideas can be transfered into other aspects of life too, dancing is one such example...
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