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DISMOUNTED WORKSHOPS
Our first dismounted workshop was held on 22nd May 2010 and
15 riders came along for a fun morning of demonstration and participation.
I demonstrated rider position, balance and problems on my horse
and Alex Swainson explained the principles of Tai Chi and how
they relate to riding. ( see Tai Chi for riders further down this ' News page ' )
Alex instructed the group in several exercises which they could
relate to riding skills. I was asked to demonstrate how these
exercises would help both the horse and rider, after the group
worked on them on the ground with Alex.
Tai Chi has many benefits and I hope these workshops inspire some
of you to give it a try. Pilates, Yoga and the gym are popular
with riders and I still have Alexander Technique sessions myself.
I had an opportunity to attend a Tai Chi class last summer and
found I could relate much of the work to qualities needed by riders.
I now do a regular class and enjoy the challenge of learning this skill.
The feedback was very positive and we will be doing more workshops
throughout the year.
We have another one planned at my place on 10th July (subject to weather)
and one at Bridgehouse EC in the indoor school on 7th August.
Places are limited. Please book in advance. £20 Per person ( approx 2hrs, tea & coffee ).
Debbie
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TAI CHI FOR RIDERS
Tai Chi is a system of body and mind training for health,
personal development and self-defence. Authentic Tai Chi
training creates a body that is highly efficient; relaxed and
fluid, yet firm and stable. It conditions the tendons and
ligaments of ankles, knees and hips, increasing the range of
motion and enabling the body to become more resilient and less
injury prone. The constant weight shifts and subtle changes in
body position heighten physical awareness and the meditative
movements promote a calm and composed approach to life.
Alex Swainson is a full-time Tai Chi teacher serving the
Guildford and Cranleigh area. He is authorised to teach by
renowned master John Ding, who is one of the few teachers in
the West able to demonstrate the higher aspects of the art. An
experienced teacher, Alex has spent well over 1000 hours
instructing over 300 students aged 18 - 80. His main aim as a
teacher is to create the right environment for students to
progressively gain an understanding of Tai Chi principles
through actual experience of feeling and applying Tai Chi
forces. Because true Tai Chi principles are in harmony with
nature and physical laws, horses, due to their pure instincts,
are already Tai Chi masters and have much to teach us. In the
words of Egon von Neindorff, ‘the horse already knows how to be
a horse, and therefore the problems of equitation are entirely
those of the rider'. Masterful riders in artistic disciplines
will have had to apply Tai Chi principles to get there, but
they will doubtless describe what they do in a different way
because they have followed a different path. The destination,
however, is the same.
For more information visit
www.guildfordtaichi.co.uk/about/equestrians
or contact Alex ...
Tel:
07812 469133
Email: alex@guildfordtaichi.co.uk
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DIY LIVERY available for one horse with Debbie at
her private yard. Lovely facilities to share with just
one other horse and pony. Daily turnout, direct access
on to bridleway, 20 x 40 rubber topped school, horses
checked late evening, help, training and owner on site.
Cheerful, tidy person welcome. Call Debbie for a chat.
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HORSES FOR SALE
Alex Gaché has some lovely Andalusian geldings for sale. I have known
Alex for several years, and know that it is very important to her to
find the right homes for these kind, talented horses.
www.lomondstallions.co.uk
www.spanishhorsesforsale.co.uk
THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Lessons in the Alexander Technique are very beneficial for riders as it
teaches them to develop body awareness and balance in movement. This awareness
helps the rider to understand the effect they are having on the horse by the
way they are using their own body. Riders are then able to maintain their
balance much better and this then helps the horse to work comfortably.
Vartoug Gulbenkian is a very experienced teacher and can do lessons at her home,
or will come to you if you can get a small group of people together. Lessons are
on a one to one basis. She will be available for lessons at
Lomond Classical Training Centre on Mondays and
Wednesdays. Contact her direct on ...
Tel:
0208 810 5302
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Debbie riding Alex's Albero
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