Ride from Within: Use Tai Chi Principles to Awaken Your Natural Balance and Rhythm

by James Shaw

You and your horse can be one with the help of Tai Chi. Have you ever seen a talented dressage rider performing an exquisite test, her seat seemingly melding with her horse’s back, and his movements airy, animated, and effortless? Or, perhaps you have watched a great cutting horse at work, his direction and momentum changing on a dime as he reads his cow, his rider’s body flowing fluidly above him as if they were one. We all dream of experiencing this kind of connection with our horses, and in this groundbreaking new book, James Shaw shows us how the practice of Tai Chi—an ancient Chinese art that unifies the body, mind, and spirit in a series of flowing movements—can help us achieve it. His methods will enable you develop a sensitive seat; learn to use your breath as an aid; reduce tension unconsciously held in your hands; lower and expand your center of balance; create free movement in your lower back and spine; heal pain and stiffness in your body; and much more. James’ techniques have worked for hundreds or riders, and with practice, they will work for you. As you gain Tai Chi experience and apply it to you rider, you will find your horsemanship becoming not just more skilled, but more deeply satisfying.

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book several years ago - I don't know why it took me so long to read it. I've heard that when you are ready the teacher will find you. I am at that place where this book was extremely enlightening. I really liked how everything was explained, the exercises are broken out and explained for all the places a rider might be having issues or tension in their body. All of the pieces written about breath are super important and very true. I've been experimenting with my breath in transitions up and down on a few different horses. So interesting that I've heard the opposite of what is written here - that being, to inhale for an up transition and exhale into a down transition. The very opposite is far more effective and is changing my riding and relationship with the horses greatly.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an amazing book. teaches the use of tai chi principles, with regard to balance, breathing and rhythm to get a better connection with horses when riding them. it works!!