Centred Riding 2

Sally Swift's "Centered Riding" is a classic equestrian text and has sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. Its publication 21 years ago caused a revolution in riding by demonstrating how good use of the body can make a world of difference to both rider and horse. The author is widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of 'soft eyes', proper breathing, centring and balance, and her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally and without pain. Through the use of vivid, unusual and highly creative images, and a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, Sally Swift enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses in order to ride in natural positions, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality and precision.

When Centered Riding was first published in 1985, it became one of the best-selling horse books of all time. Since then, the centered riding method has continued to evolve and the author has developed many new concepts, all of which are presented here with the aim of achieving a successful partnership in which horse and rider work efficiently together in joyful harmony.

Centered Riding is not a style of riding as are dressage, hunter seat, or Western. Rather, it is a way of reeducating a rider’s mind and body to achieve greater balance in order to better communicate with the horse. Founder Sally Swift revolutionized riding by showing that good use of the human body makes a world of difference on horseback. Early in her work, she established what she calls the “Four Basics” — centering, breathing, soft eyes, and building blocks—which, together with grounding, are the main tenets of her method. When a rider learns and maintains these basics, then harmony between horse and human is possible. Sally Swift’s first book, Centered Riding, made its revolutionary appearance in 1985 and continues as one of the best-selling horse books of all time. This second book doesn't replace the first one, it complements it. In the intervening years, Centered Riding continued to evolve, and Sally inevitably developed many new concepts and fresh imagery, all of which are presented here.

5 minutes a day is all the time you need to achieve: • Better balance in the saddle • Improved body control from head to toe • Increased influence with your seat • Flawless leg position and subtle aiding • Quieter, softer hands and contact your horse can trust • Less physical stiffness, tension, and riding-related pain • Confidence in your ability to communicate with your horse! PLUS, in just 5 minutes you can improve a horse that's: • Unwilling to go forward or "dead" to the leg • Hollow-backed, high-headed, or above the bit • Heavy on the forehand and unbalanced • A chronic "puller," "leaner," or "head-tosser"! Start or end your riding sessions with Wendy Murdoch's 5-Minute Fixes, and you'll be amazed how quickly you can replace old habits with new ones, get out of your "riding rut," and transform what you can't do into what you can do…naturally, capably, comfortably, and consistently alongside a happy riding partner—your horse.

A completely revised version of one of the bestselling motorcycle riding skills books of all time.

Step-by-step lessons teach riders of all ages basics, including developing a good relationship with the horse, mounting and riding, and progresses to more advanced skills, including jumps.

"90-minute DVD, all 40 fundamentals fully demonstrated with narration by the author"--Sticker on dust jacket.