Our Horses, Ourselves: Discovering the Common Body (Meditations and Strategies for Deeper Understanding and Enhanced Communication)

For years horse trainers and equine experts have sought new ways to tap into that which for many remains elusive: the ability to use the human body, and our often neglected power of intent, to explain to the horse what we want, as well as receive in and understand his answer. From the Feldenkrais Method®, Alexander Technique, and yoga, to Tai Chi, Aikido, and other martial arts, we have used various areas of study seemingly unrelated to horses and riding to gain new insight as to how to achieve a soft, fluid connection with our equine partners. Now in this fascinating book, dancer and choreographer Paula Josa-Jones examines this age-old conundrum from a whole new angle, combining her two greatest passions: movement and horses. Through stories, strategies, and over 65 meditations and gentle exercises, Josa-Jones shows us how we can develop greater somatic awareness away from the horse, as well as how being with the horse can help this consciousness continue to evolve. The result is we not only have a closer, more intuitive connection with our horses, we are more trustworthy, more comfortable in our own skin, and better prepared to act with balance, sensitivity, and kindness in all our relationships.