INTRODUCTION TO UNIFIED RIDING
A Study of Balance in Motion©
By, Kathi Berman-Gilmore

Attaining that moment in time when two discrete minds and bodies in motion become one is the ultimate goal of most true equestrians. Utilizing a classical approach to "horsepersonship", Unified Riding combines the theories and applications of Sally Swift's Centered Riding with those of other "Natural Horsemanship" leaders. Designed to augment your knowledge of equitation and to help you and your horse achieve greater harmony, Unified Riding applies to all disciplines of riding. No matter what your style, English, Western, Hunt or Dressage it can help you learn to ride in a more balanced fashion.

  True balance is the key to obtaining unity with your horse. Mental and physical balance is essential to harmonious riding for both your horse and yourself. One must achieve a physical balance with the horse's movements as well as a mental balance with the horse. If any are out of synch with the other, true unity will not occur.

  Unified Riding© teaches exercises, both mounted and unmounted, to improve riding skills and to help increase one's knowledge and understanding of the movements of the horse. Occasionally, via subtlely improper (and unintentional) cues we may confuse our horses. Basic theories of "Natural Horsemanship" are also employed to help riders become aware of their horse's mental state by learning to interpret their behaviors. Words like 'evasion' and 'resistance' become an obsolete part of our vocabulary as we learn that most horses seek to please us and therefore, what we have been taught to interpret as an 'evasion' or a 'resistance' is really just a sign of the horse's confusion. Learning to identify and then work with these behaviors is another piece of the puzzle that must be put in place in order to achieve true harmony with your horse.

  It is the goal of Unified Riding©, to help each student achieve a greater plane of awareness for both themselves and their horse. By always striving to gain greater knowledge, we will continue to further our rewarding and endlessly amazing relationship with our equine cohorts.

Kathi Berman-Gilmore
Unified Riding©
Centered Riding® Instructor
Kbermangil@aol.com


HOME
Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate
PENZANCE EQUINE SOLUTIONS (c) 1997-2000
All Rights Reserved.