Put a horse in front of me and you will quickly learn a lot about me. They amplify what lies beneath. A wonderful feeling on a good day, not so great on a rough day. However, the beauty is in the journey and willingness to let someone bring those things out of us. 

 

My horse integrated yoga practice started with a rescue horse named Bella. She panicked under saddle and resorted to bucking. After many falls, frustration, and tears. I gave up and decided to get a different horse for riding. The new horse was named Gaviota and she helped me rebuild my confidence from my experiences with Bella. While riding Gaviota one day, I was feeling great about our partnership and decided to stand on the top of the saddle. It was an exhilarating experience to trust an animal so much and to know it was reciprocated. I loved the energetic connection, the physical control of my deliberate movements, and reading her body. The seed had been planted.

 

The concept didn't root and take off until later when I decided to approach Bella in a different way. Approaching her as a yogi instead of a rider. I wanted nothing from her, there was no goal or expectation. I wanted to give her warmth, connection, and peace. In return, she has become one of my most trusted yoga partners.

 

To anyone considering the practice of yoga with horses, I'd recommend showing up with no expectations. Let the horse tell you about your truth. Get lost in the sweet connection, whether you are on the ground or balancing in the air. It's not about the poses or eye-catching photos. This practice is about the potential between horse and human through a conversation of yoga.