Equine Yoga: The Interesting Connection Between Horses And Yoga
We know that being around horses is good for both our mental and physical health, but yoga with horses? That must be something new.
When you think about it, it kind of makes sense. Yoga is designed to be relaxing and for you to be connected with nature and control your breathing, which is why incorporating your equine friend kind of makes sense, right?
On top of that, yoga is also about balance, and I don’t know a better activity where you can practice balance apart from horse riding. So, it seems like these two are the perfect match, which explains why so many people are into this new trend.
So, let’s find out what all the fuss is about.
What Exactly is Equine Yoga?
Let’s address the elephant in the room. What’s equine yoga? I mean we can all understand the terminology, but some people are left with question marks about how it works.
Well, horses aren’t just for adrenaline-pumping horse racing. They are also calm and emotional animals that can establish a deep connection with us, humans.
To put it simply, equine yoga is all about being present, connected with nature, and balance and synchronizing movements. So, it is quite different than regular yoga.
After all, we are talking about an animal that moves, which can be more difficult. But at the same time, it helps you deepen stretches, improve your balance, and create a better harmony with your equine friend.
Yoga can be done on a horse or close by it. But doing yoga on a horse is where it gets tricky. No matter how good are your skills or how stretchy are you, you need to find a horse that is trained for that.
You cannot simply get some horse featured in the Breeders’ Cup results by TwinSpires.com which is trained for racing. You’ll need a calm horse and probably a more older one.
However, some people choose to avoid the adrenaline rush of doing yoga on a horse and choose to meditate next to their equine partner. This is quite relaxing too!
I don’t think this can be explained to non-horse riders. I’m talking about the emotional and spiritual connection you get from being around a horse. You have to try it to experience it.
Just remember, horses are quite sensitive animals, and they can also pick body language and emotions quite fast. However, this makes them perfect for calming yourself with some yoga.
Why Does Equine Yoga Work?
So, should you just go to the nearest stable and ask for a horse yoga class? What do you need to know and how does it work?
Well, there are several aspects of equine yoga, such as:
Physical Engagement
This is quite straightforward and involves only riding your horse. Okay, you may think, “Wait, this is not yoga”, well, not exactly, but you can always add a bit of yoga to your horse riding routine which will boost your core strength, and stability, and help you target certain muscle groups.
Mental Connection
The biggest benefit that comes from equine yoga is the mental relief that comes from connecting with a 1,000-pound animal. It is relaxing, and calming, and there is something about horses that makes each yoga session even more meditative.
So, what can we expect from equine yoga?
Well, equine yoga is being used in therapeutic settings, and adding horses to the mixture boosts both physical and mental health.
So, What’s the Connection Between Yoga and Horses?
It’s not as strange as it seems. The same mental clarity and body awareness that yogis aim for also make riders better at handling horses. Here’s where things really start to click:
Mind-body connection
Horses are non-verbal communicators, so when you’re tuned into your body and breathing through yoga, you’re more aware of how you’re communicating with your horse. That heightened awareness translates to smoother, more intuitive riding.
Healing properties
We all know that traditional yoga reduces stress and can improve mental health, but if we combine that with horses, the effect of yoga is much stronger. There are many studies that suggest that equine therapy is great for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Why Do People Do It?
So, why do people do it? Well it’s not just a trendy Instagram activity, it has much deeper benefits especially when we talk about mental health.
You might be wondering, “Okay, but why would someone even want to do yoga on a horse?” Well, besides it being Instagram gold, there’s a deeper draw:
Building Trust
Doing yoga is one thing, but at the same time earning the trust of a big animal gives you that unique feeling that you cannot get from anything else.
Rehab and Recovery
For people recovering from injuries, equine yoga offers gentle movement and a sense of freedom that standard yoga doesn’t always provide. Imagine the added benefits of getting a soft, gentle stretch while the horse supports your body and aids in your recovery.
Is Equine Yoga for Everyone?
Short answer? Pretty much, yes! You don’t need to be a professional rider or expert yogi to benefit from equine yoga. Classes and retreats are available for all levels, from beginners to advanced equestrians. What’s important is the mindset. Come with an open mind (and maybe some stretchy pants).
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.