Three Yoga Poses for Equestrians

by Melissa Krumholt

The popularity of yoga has spurred the growth of yoga geared toward specific sports activities, such as tennis and running.  Horseback riding is no exception.  Whether you ride to compete or simply for pleasure, your balance and comfort in the saddle can be improved by practicing a few yoga postures and simple breathing techniques

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Focus on Good Posture

Good posture is essential while horseback riding, and the regular practice of yoga promotes good posture.  In the saddle, the back should be straight but not stiff, and there should be a natural curvature in the lower spine.  Downward Facing Dog is central to many styles of yoga because it elongates the spine, which encourages good posture.  To begin, come to your hands and knees on a yoga mat.  Bring your hands forward about 3 to 4 inches, tuck your toes under and press your hips toward the ceiling, bringing the body into a V-shape.   As you press your hands firmly into the mat and work on moving your heels toward the floor (they may not reach in the beginning), you should feel your back muscles and hamstrings stretch and lengthen.  Hold the pose for 5 to 10 deep breaths and then return to hands and knees.  Repeat this exercise at least five times to increase suppleness in the spine.

 

Loosen the Hips

Riding horses puts a lot of strain on the hip flexors from the action of straddling a saddle and balancing there for long periods.  Regular stretching of the hip flexors will make riding more comfortable, and it will also allow a deeper, thus safer, seat.  Equestrians can practice Bound Angle Pose to open and stretch the hips.  To move into this posture, sit on your mat and bring the soles of your feet together allowing your bent knees to gently fall out to the sides.  Do not force the stretch, but rather, let gravity take over as your knees move toward the floor.  If you want a deeper stretch you can slowly fold your upper body forward over the soles of your feet.  Be sure to stop when you feel sensation in your hips.  Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, remembering to focus on your breath.

Stretch the Shoulders

There are many yoga postures for stretching the shoulders, but one that is particularly beneficial to equestrians is the pose called Wide-Legged Forward Bend with hands clasped behind the back, also known as Prasarita Padottanasana C.  This posture will not only provide an excellent stretch for the shoulders, it will also stretch the hamstrings, which tend to get short and tight from riding.  Begin by standing sideways on your mat with your legs extended into a wide stance, making sure that your feet are parallel to each other.  From here, clasp your hands behind your back and take a deep inhale.  Exhale as you fold forward bringing your head toward the floor.  If it is accessible, you can extend your hands further over your head for a more intense stretch in the shoulders.  Hold this posture for 5 to 10 breaths.

Focus on Your Breath

Breath is vital to the practice of yoga.  Focusing on the breath while practicing yoga helps to center and calm the mind – qualities that are also important when riding a horse.  Simply remind yourself to return to your breath when your mind begins to wander.  With practice, focusing on your breath will become second nature on the mat and on your horse.  

Natural Horsemanship with Carole Gallegos - Part 2

Continuing from Part 1 of the natural horsemanship series, Carole Gallegos demonstrates the Porcupine Game. This is the second of the Seven Games developed by Pat Parelli.

Watching Carole work with her bay colored Arabian, Durango, it is clear that the two have a solid connection. Durango's eyes are fixed on Carole, as if to say, “Ok. Now what?” He is genuinely eager to please. This is the desired result from doing this groundwork – to form a bond and create a space of mutual respect so that the horse wants to do what you ask.

The Porcupine Game, or the “finger game,” teaches the horse to give to pressure. Gallegos uses her index finger and thumb to press on Durango’s face. She starts by applying light pressure, gradually increasing that pressure until he takes a step back. As soon as he gives to the pressure by taking a step back, she releases the pressure and rewards him with a gentle pat on his neck.

When the pressure is applied to his poll he willingly drops his head into a relaxed position, with his muzzle nearly touching the ground. Again, Carole quickly releases the pressure on his poll as soon as Durango gives to the pressure by dropping his head.

It is important to apply pressure very lightly in the beginning, as that might be enough for some horses, and then increase pressure in increments until you get the desired result. The second the horse does what you ask, immediately release the pressure and follow with a friendly pat to let him know that he has performed well.

For a more in depth, hands on lesson in this groundwork, you can contact Carole Gallegos on (818) 434-1782 or email her at cowgirlcarole@gmail.com.

The next installment of Natural Horsemanship with Carole Gallegos will be Parelli’s third game called the Driving Game.

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Natural Horsemanship with Carole Gallegos - Part 1

Carole Gallegos of Glendale loves to practice and teach the natural horsemanship methods she has learned by watching Pat Parelli and Clinton Anderson. She demonstrated Parelli’s Seven Games this week with one of her horses, Durango.

These games are designed to build trust between you and your horse, and most importantly to get his attention on you while you’re on the ground, so that he will give you his attention when you're in the saddle.

The first game is called the Friendly Game. Gallegos demonstrated by touching her horse with her hands all over his body to find his “friendly” spots and to find the spots, if any, where he does not like to be touched.

“Clinton Anderson will call these spots ‘Oh No!’ spots,” says Gallegos. “That is the place you want to touch because if your horse is head shy he is always going to be head shy if you don’t work on touching his head.”

She recommends using rhythmic motion and consistent pressure, avoiding “sneaky” or predator-like movements. If you move too slowly towards your horse he might perceive that as predatory behavior and you’ll freak him out.

Most importantly, take your time. If you have a horse with an area in which he is particularly shy, don’t expect to fix the problem overnight. Consistency and patience are important here.

For a more in depth and hands on lesson in this groundwork, you can contact Carole Gallegos on (818) 434-1782 or email her at cowgirlcarole@gmail.com.

The next installment of Natural Horsemanship with Carole Gallegos will be Parelli’s second game called the Porcupine Game.

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Easter Service at Easter Field

Maybe you have heard of Easter Field, but do you know the story of its name?  The wide open space known as Easter Field is just over the foot bridge that crosses a narrow vein of the LA River, adjacent to the LA Equestrian Center.

On any given day you might find riders moving through their paces, hand walking, or lunging their steeds at Easter Field. At other times, it might be chockablock with horse trailers used  to haul equine competitors to events held at the LA Equestrian Center.  It is a common use space known simply as Easter Field.

Corral 38, the Griffith Park chapter of Equestrian Trails, Inc., has been organizing and sponsoring an Easter service at Easter Field since 1988, but it was Carmen Dirigo of Corral 17 that founded the event back in the 1960s.  At that time, there was a traditional Easter sunrise service, a bonnet contest for the horses, and an Easter egg hunt for the children. And so, "Easter Field" was born.

Corral 38 is keeping the tradition alive by offering a non-denominational service at Easter Field this Sunday, April 4, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children under 12, and an Easter bonnet contest for the horses.  That's right - you can put a bonnet on your horse.  He will hate you for it, but hey, it's only one day a year - make him earn those carrots and apples!  

There will also be plenty of fun and games on horseback for all ages.  All riders, carriages and even those on foot are welcomed and encouraged to join in the fun.  This is not your average Easter celebration, so forget the Easter frock and wear something comfortable.  

The bonnet contest will include funniest bonnet, most original bonnet, prettiest bonnet, among other categories.  The horseback games will include favorites like egg and spoon, the ring toss, musical cones, water glass, and more.

Prizes will be awarded.  Coffee and doughnuts will be served.  Come join the fun!

By car, Easter Field is located at the end of Western Avenue, one block south of Riverside Drive.  Click here for a map.

Wild Horses Just North of Los Angeles

It might seem unbelievable, but there are wild horses just a scenic drive north of LA. Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lompoc, California offers unique tours and educational experiences, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the movement to save the American Wild Horse.

This is a wonderful opportunity to view wild horses in their natural environment, learn about the plight of the American Wild Horse, and the work Return to Freedom is doing to help save the dwindling number of horses in the wild due to government round-ups and slaughter.

A life-long dream was realized in 1997 when Neda DeMayo founded Return to Freedom to create a refuge for displaced wild horses. Today it is home to roughly 200 horses and burros. The horses live in herds, or family bands, roaming free on wide open spaces just as they would in the wild. DeMayo's sanctuary places top priority on the relocation of entire family bands, respecting the tight familial bond within wild herds.

Sadly, round-ups and slaughter of wild horses has become a gruesome and heart-breaking reality in recent years.  According to Return to Freedom's website, "A continued and aggressive wild horse removal policy has resulted in more wild horses now living in captivity than that which remain in the wild." To learn more about these government round-ups and what you can do to help, visit the website of the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign.

Bristol MacDonald of Burbank has been a steadfast supporter of Return to Freedom and its cause for many years. Through artistic photography she has been able to capture the beauty, elegance and spirit of her equine subjects, and strives to inspire the public to extend the respect and protection these animals deserve.

“It is my greatest desire that my art touch the human spirit and encourage Americans to speak out on behalf of wild horses across the nation. We need to be their voice.”

She donates a portion of all sales of her work to help support the sanctuary and its goals to save the American Wild Horse.

"I work with Return to Freedom because I love what they represent - a safe haven for these majestic animals, allowing them to live in a natural habitat with their family bands, preserving rare genetic blood lines, as well as promoting conservation and education," says MacDonald.

To schedule a visit to the sanctuary simply email or call (805) 737-9246. They offer a number of educational tours and events. You can find more information about their calendar of events and suggested donations, as they are a non-profit organization, on their website.

Return to Freedom is a rare gem dedicated to protecting American Wild Horses, but they need support to continue their good work for these beautiful animals. Your visit and donation is a contribution you can really feel good about. This little break from the city is good for the soul.

Buy or Lease?

Many horse lovers opt to lease a horse rather than own. Once the cost of owning a horse in LA is considered and the time commitment required, busy Angelinos might find that a half-leased horse is a better choice.

The terms and price of a lease will vary, but in general the lessee pays the owner a set amount each month in exchange for use of their horse on certain days and times. For example, a horse owner makes his horse available to another rider 3-4 days a week in exchange for a portion of the cost of maintaining the horse each month.

The monthly rate of a half-lease will vary depending on the cost of the monthly board and the cost of maintaining the horse's hooves - shoeing or barefoot trimming. The lessee is typically not expected to cover medical expenses or supplements, but this is not always the case.

Rates for a half-lease generally fall somewhere between $200 - $400 per month for 3-4 days per week. It is usually understood that the horse is being shared with only one other person - the owner or another half-lessee. It would be unfair to pay for an overworked horse.

Occasionally, it is possible to find a lease for one or two days a week. When you consider that renting a horse is $25 per hour and rental horses are sent out on the trail as many times per day as business dictates, leasing is pretty attractive.

Finding a lease is the tricky part. A good place to start is at local feed stores like Damoor's and Stephen's. The sales clerks are very knowledgeable about the area and might be able to offer a lead or two. Check for ads on store bulletin boards or post a want ad detailing what you are looking for.

Another good place to look is on the public bulletin board at the end of Mariposa Street near the entrance to the foot bridge that crosses the LA River. Craigslist.org is another good resource.

If riding on a regular basis sounds good to you, but committing to ownership seems intimidating, taking on a half-lease is an excellent place to start. You will need to do a little foot work to find a horse, but it will be worth it to have a privately owned and well maintained horse to ride.

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Hunter/Jumper Show this weekend at the LAEC

This Friday, February 19th through Sunday, February 21, Langer Equestrian Group is presenting the Gold Coast 1 hunter/jumper show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.


Come watch talented equestrians and their equine athletes compete for prizes. Jumpers start in the Equidome on Friday at 8:00 a.m., followed by pony jumpers after 2:00. Hunters will be in the large outdoor oval ring and the east ring at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday's schedule includes more jumpers in the Equidome, and equitation on the flat in the large oval ring. The weather report says we are expecting rain on Saturday, so the Equidome might be a good place to spend the morning and/or afternoon.

The Equestrian Center also has a gift shop and tack store that are great for meandering in between events. Glenroy's gift shop also serves coffee.

Click here for the complete detailed schedule for the weekend. You can also call Langer Equestrian Group directly on (818) 567-7317.