Practice: April 2014 My first dressage instructor, Gerry Ogilvie, was giving a seminar in his home about a dozen years ago. One of the first things he said to the eager group was "So, you say you want a fit, supple, balanced, focused, strong athlete to ride? Take a look in the mirror!" As I remember it, most of us laughed, maybe in that slightly embarrassed way. I hadn't thought much about the concept until that moment.
My first experience with yoga was a little earlier. I saw a class on TV and tried following along. I didn't expect much out of it since I was never very flexible and didn't know anything about it. The instructor's calming, reassuring words moved me through the routine and I was overwhelmed with emotion during the relaxation poses. After counting time, reps, weights and calories for so long, this was something very different. Yoga didn't find me again until my roommate in university picked it up and she'd lead me through some poses after her class. When I moved back home, I signed up at the local Y for more.
Now, after all the classes, videos, reading and home practice, both in dressage and yoga, there is no doubt in my mind that the two are complementary in a major way. There are yoga poses to relieve any tightness or weakness that a rider needs to address in their position. Mental exercises and philosophy are there to guide the ardent equestrian along life's journey.
The knowledge that I am in the process of building something bigger in practice, the transformation of bodies and minds over time, the strength it takes to meet challenge with calm resolve, and the experience of being present in the moment with no distractions are, for me, common to both the saddle and the mat. During this long winter I didn't get as much time in the saddle, so I spent it on the mat. I worked on gently pulling apart my tense places, noticed when my thoughts headed in a negative direction, and made myself stronger. I am sure I'm investing in something that will make me better. Plus, it takes much less effort to get on the mat than to tack up!
My first experience with yoga was a little earlier. I saw a class on TV and tried following along. I didn't expect much out of it since I was never very flexible and didn't know anything about it. The instructor's calming, reassuring words moved me through the routine and I was overwhelmed with emotion during the relaxation poses. After counting time, reps, weights and calories for so long, this was something very different. Yoga didn't find me again until my roommate in university picked it up and she'd lead me through some poses after her class. When I moved back home, I signed up at the local Y for more.
Now, after all the classes, videos, reading and home practice, both in dressage and yoga, there is no doubt in my mind that the two are complementary in a major way. There are yoga poses to relieve any tightness or weakness that a rider needs to address in their position. Mental exercises and philosophy are there to guide the ardent equestrian along life's journey.
The knowledge that I am in the process of building something bigger in practice, the transformation of bodies and minds over time, the strength it takes to meet challenge with calm resolve, and the experience of being present in the moment with no distractions are, for me, common to both the saddle and the mat. During this long winter I didn't get as much time in the saddle, so I spent it on the mat. I worked on gently pulling apart my tense places, noticed when my thoughts headed in a negative direction, and made myself stronger. I am sure I'm investing in something that will make me better. Plus, it takes much less effort to get on the mat than to tack up!
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