Centered Riding

Rating:
Summary: The Book I've Been Needing!
Review: I have read book after book hoping to improve my riding. Some were too basic (Riding Essentials and Riding (by Decker) are great for beginners), others too obscure. Since my first time studying this book, my riding has improved immensely and the horses have been grateful! Visualization is so much easier than running thru a laundry list of cues. When I find my calves flailing at the canter, I just think of rooting like a tree and they become still. Examples like this abound, and my instructor has been very impressed as well. A great buy, and possibly the only book you need if your goal is just great daily riding, not to compete.

Rating:
Summary: Worth looking at for all riders, and really works for some.
Review: I know its not just me, as I have met other riders who just didn't find this book the "miracle" that many have. If visualization techniques work for you, then by all means buy this as it is chock-full of them. Ms. Swift has had a lot of influence among riders and trainers, so she does know horses and riders. However, don't feel stupid if Sally doesn't do it for you! Just as any given riding instructor is great for some riders and the worst for others, the same is true with riding books. The suggested exercises are helpful and the positive attitude is appreciated, especially for those of us who have taken up riding as an adult. However, if you find yourself struggling to understand one of Ms. Swift's metaphors for riding, this may not be the book for you. Best advice : if you have a regular trainer, discuss the book with her (or him) first.

Rating:
Summary: applies to any form of riding
Review: i was recently involved in a centered riding clinic in idaho, after having read Sally's book. I ride saddle seat and rode western for the clinic. Sally's use of visualization is very helpful in putting it all together. I highly recommend both the book and the clinics.

Rating:
Summary: This is a terrific book!
Review: I'm getting back into riding after 30 years of an occasional trail ride, overweight and out of shape. My first few sessions were not so great, so the stable owner who is a centered riding certified instructor, gave me a few lessons on a longe line and bareback pad. What a difference! By studying the basics in Chapter 2, and focusing on how my body moves with the horse, I've become balanced and confident after just 3 hours of lessons. I'm not normally a fan of programs that use imaging to achieve results, but Ms. Swift appears to have hit on a method that puts me back in the saddle so both the horse and I are comfortable.

Rating:
Summary: WONDERFUL!!!
Review: I'm only halfway through this book and it has already helped me a BUNCH!!! Every rider should read it.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful- a great addition to one's riding program
Review: I've read many of the reviews of "Centered Riding" and I would argue that it is a useful addition to any person's personal riding program if they want to achieve a better seat and better movement from their horses. I do not think that it is an adequate guide for learning how to ride or formulating a complete program, but it is not meant to be. Rather, it is a great addition to other resources including more detailed "how-to" books such as Jane Savoie's "Cross Training" series and one's own trainer. "Centered Riding" bridges the gap between the left-brain learning process, focused on a list of cues and movements, and the right-brain learning process, which provides the muscle memory and relaxation necessary for truly harmonious and graceful riding. I've found the book useful, but as some people have a more difficult time with visualization and much of the work must be personalized, it is best to read the book and find a trainer that can help you refine your seat and riding skills. It is immensely helpful to have someone tell you when something is "right" as part of becoming truly balanced may involve retraining your muscles, which is, at first, often uncomfortable. I have found centered riding has been a great tool to deepen my seat, relax tension, and become more aware of the horse's movement, which has drastically improved the movement of the horse in a short time and allowed me (a very type-A stressed person) to learn to relax and find a greater grace and joy in riding. I highly recommend everyone to check this concept out through the book, videos, or better yet, a trainer- it can make a big difference for a novice and refine those who are more advanced.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful- a great addition to one's riding program
Review: I've read many of the reviews of "Centered Riding" and I would argue that it is a useful addition to any person's personal riding program if they want to achieve a better seat and better movement from their horses. I do not think that it is an adequate guide for learning how to ride or formulating a complete program, but it is not meant to be. Rather, it is a great addition to other resources including more detailed "how-to" books such as Jane Savoie's "Cross Training" series and one's own trainer. "Centered Riding" bridges the gap between the left-brain learning process, focused on a list of cues and movements, and the right-brain learning process, which provides the muscle memory and relaxation necessary for truly harmonious and graceful riding. I've found the book useful, but as some people have a more difficult time with visualization and much of the work must be personalized, it is best to read the book and find a trainer that can help you refine your seat and riding skills. It is immensely helpful to have someone tell you when something is "right" as part of becoming truly balanced may involve retraining your muscles, which is, at first, often uncomfortable. I have found centered riding has been a great tool to deepen my seat, relax tension, and become more aware of the horse's movement, which has drastically improved the movement of the horse in a short time and allowed me (a very type-A stressed person) to learn to relax and find a greater grace and joy in riding. I highly recommend everyone to check this concept out through the book, videos, or better yet, a trainer- it can make a big difference for a novice and refine those who are more advanced.

Rating:
Summary: Great for beginners!!
Review: My instructor gave me this book to read, and it really helped me with my balance and control. I really enjoyed all of the pictures. This book is a must have for everyone in any disapline, not only dressage. It helped me and I just ride.

Rating:
Summary: Centered Riding Brings a New Level to Riding
Review: My instructor recommended this book a few years ago and it has changed the way I ride and how I look at riding. I come from a hunter/jumper background but I think the ideas could apply to all types of riding. The hot horses go softer with these techniques and the quiet horses become more responsive. This book helps bring the rider's mind into the sport through exercises and diagrams that show new perspectives. Her second book is also excellent. This is one of my favorite books on riding, especially since I also practice yoga and martial arts.

Rating:
Summary: You need this book.
Review: Now I will have to expand my Horse-Book-Must-Haves list to 4. This is an exceptional book. If you have been shopping for horse books you will find many that are alike. This one is truly different. The images used to teach are so vivid. It makes it much easier to internalize a good seat, balance, unity...