In retrospect, these are some superficial thoughts that came together after a little video I didn't intend to share - I just wanted to remember the moment. But the sound really highlighted a practice I do when riding (also when walking with or without a horse). I'd like to re-do this one with footage made with the intention of conveying information rather than just saving a few moments of a really lovely ride.
Feel is a combination of timing, mechanics, and use of repertoire. It’s sensing your environment and being response-able. First you have to be able to sense what is happening in the interaction between your body and the horse, which is part of your environment.
“Feel” starts with sensing your body in its environment. Here’s a simple, easy way to use breathing to check in with your body and the horse’s body. This is good for warmup, trails, and rehab, as well as anxiety.
Turn the sound on! Her feet through the clover add another element of sound to the already audible walk rhythm. It’s a way to use the environment to your advantage. Another cue for breath coordination.
In each section of this video, there are 16 beats total in the front feet. In the next section, inhale for the first four beats, then exhale for the next four. You should have two complete breaths.
Take this to your next ride and see how it feels. I have found this forward, self-motivated walk the best to start with. The horse can move your body and with it your breath. Try changing the number of strides per inhale vs exhale to see what your body likes. You can breathe with the hindlegs also. Your inhale and exhale might be different lengths, and may change frequently. That’s fine.
Experiment!
