Yoga for Riders: Principles and Postures to Improve Your Horsemanship - Paperback

by Cathy Woods (Author)

Billions of people around the world embrace the practice of yoga. Its lessons in breath control, simple meditation, and specific bodily postures are widely regarded as a means to achieving health and relaxation. Yoga teacher and horsewoman Cathy Woods says that's not all: She believes the meditative, mindful breathwork and lifestyle aspects of the tradition, as well as the postures, can be profoundly helpful in our interactions with horses. Over the course of her 30-year career, Woods has created teachings that are accessible to everyone--new and experienced yogis, and riders of different levels and disciplines--giving them life-changing benefits, including empowerment, confidence, connection, and feel. Her unique program is presented here in the form of highly illustrated instruction, guiding you through the steps to achieving present moment awareness; finding body, breath, and energy awareness; breathing through challenges; listening to your inner voice; slowing down; and developing balance and symmetry in the saddle. All of these are key to better communication and improved partnership with our horses. In addition, Woods shares specific stretches for strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as postures that contribute to rider safety as we age. The result is a book that helps us become more aware and conscious riders while gently correcting our imbalances, resulting in a richer, more rewarding, more joyful horsemanship experience.

Author Biography

Cathy Woods is a longtime horsewoman, author, yoga teacher, international retreat leader/presenter, and creator of Body, Mind, Equine(R), who focuses on overall equestrian wellness and is the author of Yoga for Riders, published by Trafalgar Square Books. Cathy has been leading programs since 1991, where she imparts a practical approach to authentic yoga and mindful horsemanship, making it accessible to everyone.

Her programs have been offered at distinguished locations such as The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Yogaville Ashram, and Mount Madonna Center. On the equine front, Cathy has partnered with amazing venues such as Equitana, Liberty Festival, Equine Affaire, Warwick Schiller's Journey on Summit, Tryon International Equestrian Center, White Stallion Ranch, and C Lazy U Ranch, to name a few. In addition to Yoga for Riders, Cathy writes for Horse Illustrated Magazine and others. She's been featured in Forbes, Yoga Digest, Horse and Rider Magazine, and many other publications.