Authors: Sally Swift, Jean MacFarland (Illustrator), Mike Noble (Photographer), Edward E. Emerson
ISBN-13: 9780312127343, ISBN-10: 0312127340
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date Published: January 1985
Edition: (Non-applicable)
Sally Swift lives in Brattleboro, Vermont. Born in 1913, she has been riding since she was eight years old.
Widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of "soft eyes," proper breathing, centering, and balance, Sally Swift has been a pioneering riding instructor for half a century. In book form for the first time, her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally, without pain.
Unlike traditional teachers, Sally Swift does not believe in forced training techniques that cause stiff bodies and tense riding. Instead, through the use of vivid, unusual, and highly creative images that transcend mechanics ("Pretend you're a spruce tree; the roots grow down from your center as the trunk grows up"), plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this wise and inspiring teacher enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses, in order to ride in natural positions, break through frustrating plateaus, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision.
Precise illustrations and photographs never before used in riding books explain anatomy and image work to give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding.
Centered Riding is for those with little experience all the way up to world class.
These DVDs are a must see.
Foreword | ix | |
1. | Introducing Centered Riding | 1 |
2. | Pretend You Are a Horse | 5 |
3. | The Four Basics | 10 |
4. | Learning and the Brain | 24 |
5. | Anatomy | 32 |
6. | Balance and Body Freedom | 51 |
7. | Walk and the Following Seat | 58 |
8. | Rising (Posting) Trot | 66 |
9. | Hands | 76 |
10. | Transitions | 86 |
11. | Sitting Trot | 96 |
12. | Circles and Turns | 104 |
13. | Half Halts and Self-Carriage | 116 |
14. | The Canter | 125 |
15. | Forces of Energy | 132 |
16. | Lengthening Stride | 143 |
17. | Lateral Work | 150 |
18. | Jumping | 164 |
19. | Suppling the Horse | 178 |
20. | Summary | 181 |
Appendix I. | Riding a Dressage Test | 184 |
Appendix II. | Instructors' Guide to Leg-Lengthening | 187 |
Appendix III. | Quick Review of Useful Images | 190 |
Index | 195 |