Story & photo by Pam Gamble
Jane Crowley, Level 2 Centered Riding Instructor from Middle Tennessee, visited the Memphis area March 18- 20. On this visit, Jane split her time between South Wind Stables and Wynnewood Stables to give her Memphis students their first Centered Riding lessons since fall of 2010.
As with every lesson, Jane began her instructions with repetition of the Four Basics of Centered Riding:
1. Soft Eyes: Greater peripheral vision to encourage greater physical and mental awareness.
2. Breathing: Proper breathing from the diaphragm to promote better posture, relaxation, and energy.
3. Building Blocks: Proper body alignment
4. Centering: Finding the center of balance to promote movement and control.
Jane then individually tailored her lessons for each horse and rider. Green horses were given easier exercises. After an hour-long lesson, each student came away with the belief that they could reach their goals with their horses.
Centered Riding is a type of training that crosses many disciplines. It is equally effective with hunt-seat, dressage, western and even driving. The Centered Riding movement was started by Sally Swift, who is the author of the book of the same name.
Jane is planning a trip to the Memphis area once a month and the next clinic dates are April 15, 16 and 17. For more information please contact Jane by email at:
jandlcrowley@gmail.com.
