Breathe Life into Your Riding by Jenny Rolfe

Breathe Life into Your Riding

Transform your riding with inspirational

and innovative breathing techniques

by Jenny Rolfe

J.A. Allen Books

Hard Cover, 2012, $34.00

ISBN: 978-0-85131-984-1

Available on Amazon

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

Once we begin to master our own state of mind, tension and balance, we will be in a place where we can more easily be taught, by both a trainer and the horse. We will be able to respond more effectively with fluidity within our body and greater focus of our mind. ~ Jenny Rolfe

In this follow-up to Ride From the Heart, Jenny Rolfe expands upon her training techniques using the power of breathing and energy exchange between horses and people. We already know that Yoga and Tai Chi practices, for example, help us to move through life more easily. Rolfe combines her extensive experience as an international dressage trainer with testimonials from other riders to demonstrate how a similar approach can profoundly impact horse and rider performance.

The first part of the book provides the reader with exercises to build awareness and core breathing with the horse from the ground. Each page is graced with stunning photographs that illustrate this path to greater connection. Rolfe discusses loose work and the foundation it provides for trust and harmony to grow between horse and handler.  The more the horse learns relaxation in loose work, the more this will be carried into work under saddle.

Later chapters cover the subtle energy of core breathing and illustrate how these techniques support balanced, collected riding. The most empowering stories are those of Rolfe’s relationships with her Iberian stallions and the lessons learned from her intuitive work with them. She writes of sometimes delving into the unknown, yet always using breath with calm energy and creating space to allow the horse to become the teacher.

“Much of our present-day teaching relates to technical knowledge,” Rolfe says, “but my experience, working daily with my stallions, has taught me the significance of a further dimension.”

Attitudes are shifting and there are many ways in which we can learn together. Riders and trainers of all disciplines will definitely be inspired by Rolfe’s approach in this book and the transformation it can bring to both human and horse.  

Jenny Rolfe’s clients come from all over the world and include those professionally involved with horses, among them BHS trainers, physiotherapists and natural horsemanship instructors. She is also author/producer of the book/dvd Ride from the Heart and writes for a multitude of international equestrian magazines. Visit Jenny and her Iberian stallions at: www.naturallyclassical.com