Zen And The Horse

"This is a very interesting and intelligent little book; the author takes a unique approach to teaching centered, balanced riding, using Eastern philosophy as a context for mastering the art of equitation. The author writes with credible authority and conveys ideas and concepts clearly and vividly. Most important, the book delivers what it promises. It does provide specific advice for equestrians hoping to achieve this zen state in their riding." As reviewed by Writers Digest, 2004 "I think this is the first writing that actually describes what I feel when I ride my horses. I have never wanted to compete, just reach that place of unity which will be an ongoing practice with the horse for the rest of my life. No hurry to get somewhere, only connect while there! Maybe someday you will put this great book into visual movement in a video? You have really taken the mechanics out and replaced with emotion, awareness, with motivation to feel!!! With great respect to our patient teacher, the horse. " Sincerely, Chris in OR. "A must for the serious rider. This book stayed on target and was easy to keep up with. Most Zen horse books make me want to gag after 5 minutes, but this author has both of her feet on the ground and a lot to say. Buy it! you and your horse will both benefit." Chuck Click Here to go the authors website and more on Zen and the Horse.

Eastern philosophy enters the stables in this unique guide to horsemanship. Allan Hamilton describes how horses understand and respond to the flow of vital energy around them. They use this energy, called chi, to communicate with their herd, express dominance, and sense predators. Hamilton shares safe, simple techniques to make you more receptive to your animal’s chi, so you can develop a calm and effective training style that will not only help your horse follow commands, but strengthen the spiritual bond between horse and rider.

Zen has its roots in a Japanese Buddhist sect which holds that the truth is not in scriptures but in man's own heart if he will strive to find it by meditation and self-mastery. According to Zen philosophy one of the great paradoxes is that if you are trying to attain something, you are wasting your time. Never short on humour, Zen masters describe riding the donkey in search of the donkey you are riding. With this wisdom in mind Ingrid Soren sets out to learn the art of horseriding, and gets more than she bargained for. We follow her tortuous and often humiliating path through fear, doubt, joy and insight as it dawns on her that her experiences are but expressions and reflections of herself. The horses that she encounters are inimitable Zen masters, each with their distinctive personalities and qualities. They instruct without instructing, without artifice. Grounded in their own unselfconsciousness, these fine animals offer Ingrid Soren new images for everyday living. They show her how things are interconnected and how Zen is the experience of life in all its aspects.

Zen and the Successful Horseplayer will provide the beginner, the advanced, and even the professional horse gambler with specific resources to become a winning player. This book will also demonstrate the applicability of Zen and Eastern philosophy to handicapping, betting, and winning. Learn the basic handicapping skills Learn to be centered in your wagering Learn when you must trust your instincts Learn how to break out of a losing cycle Learn that losing is okay, losses can lead to winning on future days Learn how Zen philosophy can make you a WINNER

Addressing the spiritual side of horsemanship, this book combines the universal appeal of horses with the increasingly popular Zen Buddhist philosophy.

"This is an instruction manual to finding winners at the races, including worksheets!"--Back cover

Zen & Horseback Riding explains the location, importance and use of the psoas muscles. The psoas are the deep core muscles that link the upper and lower girdles of the body. They are the basis of all efficient body movement and can be used by everyone in any athletic activity. This book explains how to use your body to achieve tone, find self-carriage and to move correctly both on and off the horse. Zen & Horseback Riding is about using horseback riding as a means of self-development and training. It is about improving both your riding and your life. "I liked this book so well after being given a copy that I couldn't wait to purchase six more copies for my friends." Sally Swift, author of Centered Riding The Kindle edition contains color graphics and photographs for color devices.