Scan barcode
darkbaysfordays's review against another edition
5.0
This book is obviously older but it should be required reading for every rider. Imagery is so powerful and centered riding should be everyone’s ultimate goal.
marinasendkast's review against another edition
4.0
At first glance, when reading about all the imagery Sally Swift uses, my first thought was: ‘How much pot must this woman have smoked to come up with this?’
Imagine your legs are roots of a tree, a rider’s arms should be so long that they can hold the bit with the hands instead of reins…
But by making her explanations so visual, it actually helped going beyond each explanation and creating the perfect mental image for each exercise.
Her teachings are of the most basic nature when you come to think of it, but it’s the basics that most equestrians (at whatever level) struggle with.
I’ve learned how to fix my problem with leaning back with the building blocks, or that my mare gets even more tense when she spooks because she feels my holding my breath and so much more.
Centered Riding is a must-read for all riders at any level.
Imagine your legs are roots of a tree, a rider’s arms should be so long that they can hold the bit with the hands instead of reins…
But by making her explanations so visual, it actually helped going beyond each explanation and creating the perfect mental image for each exercise.
Her teachings are of the most basic nature when you come to think of it, but it’s the basics that most equestrians (at whatever level) struggle with.
I’ve learned how to fix my problem with leaning back with the building blocks, or that my mare gets even more tense when she spooks because she feels my holding my breath and so much more.
Centered Riding is a must-read for all riders at any level.
abchu's review against another edition
5.0
This book should be a staple in every equestrian's library. I adored this book as it got me thinking about all of my uncentered riding habits I tend to do in the saddle. Through Sally Swift's writing and the combined illustrations, this book has helped correct (or at least made me aware of) some of my unbalanced, uncentered riding habits.
While reading this book, I also realized how I don't breathe deeply or relax my body enough while riding. To be fair, there are so many things to think about while riding that it's easy to focus on what you're doing with your body and your horse that you forget to breathe deeply. Or sometimes as a rider you focus so much on your position that you forget to breathe because you're trying so hard to get everything correct. Swift's book has helped me realize how breathing is essential while riding. Even the simple tip of exhaling your breath between upward and downward transitions has helped my riding so much. I cannot recommend this book enough!
While reading this book, I also realized how I don't breathe deeply or relax my body enough while riding. To be fair, there are so many things to think about while riding that it's easy to focus on what you're doing with your body and your horse that you forget to breathe deeply. Or sometimes as a rider you focus so much on your position that you forget to breathe because you're trying so hard to get everything correct. Swift's book has helped me realize how breathing is essential while riding. Even the simple tip of exhaling your breath between upward and downward transitions has helped my riding so much. I cannot recommend this book enough!
erinngillespie's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
https://youtu.be/O4ygfayUbVg my YouTube review if interested.
fruitbatwoman's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book with great tips for a more balanced and centered approach to horse riding! I found the images she used for describing every teaching very useful, and remember them every time I try the exercises with my horses, for example the "stumps" instead of legs, or the string pulling my head up like a marionette. Highly recommended for every equestrian who wants more than just an obedient horse, and actively wants to work on themselves and their own body balance.
legsbian's review
Interesting metaphors, good read for beginners or people trained in American H/J.
umflintlibrary's review
4.0
Vera says, "Best self-help riding instruction book for beginners through experienced riders. A modern classic."