Yoga Breathing and Riding

When we practice yoga, our main focus is on our breath and breathing.  Being aware of each inhale and each exhale.  It is important to practice yoga in a way that allows for a steady rhythm and flow with the breath.  This means experiencing the postures / asanas in a way that allows that to happen.
Sometimes we may get distracted, either by outside thoughts or by our concentration on the poses, and that rhythm of the breath can be affected.  We notice that, refocus on the breath and continue.  That is the practice of yoga.

Focus On The Breath While Riding

That same loss of awareness to the rhythm of the breath can also occur in the saddle.  When we are concentrating on our riding, maybe trying to remember a jumper course or a dressage test, and suddenly realize we are out of breath.  Or our horse spooks or trips and we "catch our breath" and stop breathing.

When these things occur when we are riding, it affects our horses too.  They are very sensitive animals, and when they feel us hold our breath or stop our breath, it can kick their prey response into action.  And they may stop breathing too!

I was asked recently what we can do when we notice we are holding our breath or just don't have a steady rhythm to our breath when we ride.

The first step is to just notice and watch your breath.  Bring awareness to each inhale and exhale.  Notice the rhythm of your breath and feel the ribs and chest rise and fall (expand and contract) with each inhale and exhale.  You can do this any time and any where--in or out of the saddle.  

The second step, when mounted, is to do the same thing as you are walking.  Notice the natural rhythm of your breath and the rhythm of the horses' four beat walk.  See if you can find a natural rhythm with your breath and your horses' walk.

When you are ready for your trot work, do the same breath awareness, now with the two beat trot.  Notice again the natural rhythm of your breath and then link it with your horses' trot.  How many times do you post on each inhale and exhale?

Then the same with the three beat canter.  Find the rhythm of your breath and the rhythm of the canter.  How many canter strides for each inhale and exhale?

It may be helpful to count to yourself at first to "hear" and "feel" the rhythm.  After some time, this can become second nature. 

But it is also a good practice to pick certain places in your riding area to bring awareness to the breath to help you check in while you are riding.   For example, in a dressage arena, check in with your breath as you pass certain letters--A, E, C and B.  In the ring where you are schooling, pick a few areas where you check your breath, such as the in-gate, as you pass a certain jump, by the mounting block, etc.  You get the idea!

So, I hope this has given you some tips to bring awareness to your breath throughout your day and especially when you are in the saddle!

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