From the Hoof

 As some of you readers may remember I took up Tang Soo Doo (Karate) at the end of last year. I am amazed at how much I enjoy it and how fit and balanced I have become as well as focused and more assertive. In our lessons we work on specific skills to improve our punches, kicks, loosen our hips and improve our balance to name a few. We also learn forms which improve our balance, power, focus, concentration, timing and speed. The Korean word "Pyung Ahn" means "Balance and Control". What has this got to do with horses you might ask . . . well, quite a bit.

 In riding we need to have very good balance, be fit and we need to be in control of our horse. If we can't balance on the horse then we would be sitting on the ground more often than riding! Our balance has to be so good that when we move our legs to ask the horse to do a movement our arms, body and or head should not move. Of course when jumping we need to move our body and arms.

 The horse too has to be trained to be balanced. If the horse is not balanced but the rider is then by schooling and exercise he can become balanced. If the rider is not balanced but the horse is then by correct lessons and exercises the rider can become balanced too. Although when a horse has been ridden by a beginner or novice rider it's a good idea to have him schooled by an established rider so that he doesn't obtain bad habits. If both horse and rider are unbalanced when getting into faster gaits makes it more uncomfortable and not such a pretty picture. When both horse and rider are fit and balanced it's a wonderful feeling. You feel in harmony together and "as one". It takes a lot of hard work and effort to get and keep that harmonious feeling when riding. 

 Since doing karate, my riding has really improved, mainly because I am fitter, stronger, my hips are looser and my concentration and focus are much greater also. My poor horses have to work harder now and can't get away with not going properly! But in the long term they thank for me as I am not bouncing around on there backs or snatching the reins to balance myself as I see many riders do. Of course I ride English which is close contact riding whereas when riding western you have more saddle to keep you in place and give you more leverage.   With both styles of riding we need to remember that the horse's engine is in his hindquarters and he needs to work from behind not dragging along with his forehand. 

 I thoroughly recommend taking up karate, dancing, or some type of fitness activity which gets you fit and gives you timing and focus. Why not treat yourself to a Christmas present and enroll yourself, which will definitely improve your riding and well being. The Karate Academy I attend is Rexer's Tang Soo Doo Karate Academy and Fitness Center located on Washington Avenue in  Endicott.

  Happy riding and have a Happy Christmas.