Horses and Yoga?
Published by LeadMare • Jun 25th, 2008 • Category: LeadMare TalesGIRLS ARE CONNECTED TO HORSES AND HORSES CONNECT GIRLS. Not long ago I was fortunate to meet and begin working with Margaret Burns Vap, founder of Big Sky Yoga Retreats. Margaret’s retreats combine yoga with popular seasonal activities like skiing, hiking, and (you guessed it) horse riding — all under the big sky of beautiful Montana.
Like many adult riders, Margaret dreamed of horses as a young girl, but didn’t have the opportunity to ride. It wasn’t until later in life that she started taking lessons. Now Margaret, in collaboration with Annie Bolognino of Equineimity Stables, is combining yoga and horse riding for Cowgirl Yoga retreats.
As a horse girl and someone who has been a practicing yogini for several years, I understand how the principals of yoga benefit horse riding. But I still have a lot to learn (about yoga *and* horse riding) so naturally I’ve dreamed of attending Margaret’s retreat (and writing about the experience, of course).
Until the dream is realized, I’d like to share Om on the Range, a wonderful article by Margaret. It’s written primarily for not-so-young horse girls, but all ages might be interested in Cowgirl Yoga: Poses for Riders, the second part of the article with Margaret’s favorite strengthening and stretching poses for before or after you ride (complete with photos and instructions). Along the lines of Syd’s blog How to Get in Shape for Riding, this is another way to get and stay in good health for riding.
As Margaret would say — Yeehaw! and Namaste
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Cool, I’ve always been into yoga, but I’ve never had a chance to try it, as I do horse riding, dancing, I’m a girl guide and I do tennis. This sounds brilliant, looks like another trip to America is in order…
That won’t happen, though, my brother would be bored and my mum is allergic to horses. And my Dad? Well, I don’t think I’d be liked at a ranch if my Dad sings songs about shooting horses (he’s joking, he does it to annoy me!).
That’s really cool! I want to try it!
This is really a nice blog. I was just thinking about doing some kind of exercise or stretch before I read this. 2 thumbs up and 2 big toes up!
Ha ha!
~mustangmane
Sweetie, sounds like you have a great family, even if they don’t share your manyinterests.
SB and mustangmane, if you try it let us know what you think. It’s very fun to do with friends. I think animals like it when humans do yoga — my dog and cat climb all over me when I’m practicing at home. That might be a problem with horses though… ;)