Next time you’re on your horse, I’d like you to try something simple but powerful.
Spend one quiet minute at the walk, just focusing on your breathing. That’s it. No need to change it. Don’t try to fix it or make it deeper—just notice it.
• How does it feel?
• Is it smooth or shallow?
• Does it match your horse’s rhythm, or is it out of sync?
Breathe. Observe.
This small moment of awareness might surprise you. It might even reveal patterns or habits you didn’t know you had—like holding your breath during transitions or tightening your shoulders without realizing it.
Why Does Breathing Matter in Riding?
Breathing isn’t just about getting oxygen into your lungs. It’s about balance, stability, and movement. It’s the rhythm that connects you to your body—and to your horse.
At the center of this rhythm is a powerful, often-overlooked muscle: your diaphragm.
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. It’s the primary muscle responsible for breathing, but its role doesn’t stop there—it’s also central to core stability and postural support.
When Breathing Breaks Down, So Does Stability
When you breathe deeply, your diaphragm and core activate naturally to support your spine and pelvis. But when your breathing is shallow or tight, this system weakens.
• Your body starts to brace and stiffen.
• You lose the softness and elasticity that keep your ride smooth and connected.
How to Breathe Better and Move with Your Horse
The first step? Pay attention.
The next time you ride, check in with yourself:
• Are you holding your breath during transitions?
• Are your ribs and belly moving, or are you tight and still?
Sometimes, simply becoming aware of your breathing is enough to soften your body and help you feel more connected.
Breathing Exercises for Riders
1. Tapping for Breath Awareness (Standing or Seated)
Purpose: This exercise improves proprioception, stimulates sensory awareness, and releases tension around the diaphragm for better breathing mechanics.
How to do it:
1. Use your fist or Franklin balls (soft, textured balls) and begin tapping gently around your trunk—precisely where your diaphragm attaches at the:
• Lower ribs (front and sides).
• Xiphoid process (sternum).
• Lower back and lumbar region.
2. Continue tapping along your front, sides, and back, covering the entire area around your ribcage.
3. Spend about a minute tapping, paying attention to any areas that feel tight, tender, or disconnected.
4. After tapping, pause and breathe. Notice any differences:
• Does your breathing feel deeper or freer?
• Do you feel more connected to your ribs and trunk?
💡 Tip: Try this before riding or even in the saddle to help soften tension and improve breathing coordination.
2. How to practice Diaphragmatic Breathing
1: Find a Comfortable Position
• Sit, stand, or lie down with a straight spine and relaxed shoulders.
• Place your right hand palm down in a soft arch over your lower ribs, simulating the dome shape of your diaphragm.
2: Focus on the Inhale
• Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to expand as your diaphragm contracts and flattens, moving downward.
• Let your right hand flatten slightly, mirroring the diaphragm’s motion as it spreads out and presses downward.
• Become aware of how your organs shift and settle—gently moving downward and outward as your ribs expand to make room for the breath.
3: Control the Exhale
• Exhale slowly , letting your belly fall as the diaphragm relaxes and rises back up into its dome shape.
• Allow your right hand to lift gently into a soft arch, following the diaphragm’s return to its natural resting position.
4: Add Rhythm and Focus
• Continue this pattern for 5–10 breaths, keeping the movement smooth and controlled.
• Focus your awareness on the internal movements—how your breath interacts with your diaphragm, ribs, and organs, and how everything flows together.
Try It and Share Your Experience!
Next time you ride, spend one quiet minute focusing on your breath. Then try the exercises above and notice how your balance, posture, and connection feel.
I’d love to hear from you! Comment below with your experience or insights—did you notice any changes? Did your horse respond differently?
Let’s keep growing, learning, and riding better—one breath at a time.
Enjoy your ride!
Ale
Comments