Julie Goodnight Talks with Equestrian Fitness & Wellness Coach, Ifa Simmonds SALIDA, Colorado, February 13, 2024—Julie Goodnight invites equestrian fitness and wellness coach, Ifa Simmonds, to talk about fitness specific to riders, and the importance of the rider’s overall well-being and confidence—regardless of level, discipline, or whether or not they …
Fitness that Fits a Horse-Crazy Lifestyle By Laura Crump Anderson Riders often neglect their own needs to ensure their horses’ are met. Countless dollars go toward massages, chiropractic work, and other therapies that keep our equines performing their best. We carefully schedule their training programs to achieve peak fitness at …
(Photo Caption: “Our merry band of mule enthusiasts enjoyed time spent around the campfire as we worked towards solving the world’s problems and instructing young Hunter in the unwritten rules of ranch and camp life.”) Memorable Sayings Get Defined in the Bob Marshall Wilderness I recently had the opportunity to …
Pair these tools with common sense for a great ride. Back in the early 1930s, a group of mountaineers in the Pacific Northwest created the 10 Essentials; a list of items intended to help you respond positively in an accident or emergency and help you safely spend an unplanned night …
By Cathy Woods, creator of Body, Mind, Equine Billions of people around the world embrace the practice of yoga. Its lessons in breath control, simple meditation, and specific bodily postures are widely regarded as a means to achieving health and relaxation. Yoga teacher and horsewoman Cathy Woods says that’s not …
Do You Have Grit? Answer These Questions and Find Out By Laura Schonberg The gritty mindset combines the power of passion with perseverance. We know we can be distracted by talent, but if we remember that our effort counts twice, we (and our horses) can accomplish great things. I’ve …
Two Exercises to Build Strength and Balance by Theresa Rice We’re now entering the cold, grey stretch of winter. No more holidays, just dreary weather and vitamin D deficiency. These are the months I find the hardest. I’ve gained weight from overindulging during the holiday parties and have no …
Centered Riding Basic Valuable in Emergency by Alys Culhane Centered Riding founder Sally Swift calls “soft eyes” one of four basics, along with breathing, alignment, and centering. To create soft eyes, the muscles around and behind the eyes are relaxed. Additionally, the cheeks, chin, jaw and tongue muscles are …
Centering by Alys Culhane In June I organized and participated in Centered Riding clinics that spanned two weekends. Centered Riding Level Four clinicians Peggy Brown and Susan Harris and five out-of-state riders were in attendance. My Icelandic mare Raudhetta prefers arenas with obstacles so I opted to attend Brown’s …
Finding Alignment by Albs Culhane April was a significant month for me in terms of my Centered Riding training, both as an instructor and as a rider. I traveled to the East Coast and did a four-day Centered Riding clinic in Brattleboro, New York followed by a three-week Centered …
