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