Why Equestrian Tai Chi?

As a martial arts instructor I often look at corresponding arts. I have studied many different forms of movement and applied my knowledge of Tai chi chuan to these disciplines. Since meeting and marrying an avid equestrian I have been exposed to many styles of riding, we currently have six horses and through the various problems and triumphs we have encountered. I have realised the relation between the oriental arts and the different styles of horse riding.

Within horse riding, posture plays an important role not just for judges or competition but for health and understanding as well. If you are expected to sit straight and balanced on a horse, you must first be straight and balanced on the ground. These theories tie in with many taichi principles. For example: In taichi it is important to have an uninterrupted and straight spinal posture in order for any type of energy to flow. This also relates to out side energy, when pushing hands with another practitioner you are always concentrating on your posture,balance and relaxed energy flow. In the same way a rider has to be relaxed, balanced and with good posture so as not to send the wrong messages to their horse, how many times have you been stressed or uptight on your horse and the horse has seemed to react to this ? (normally making you more stressed).

What Taichi also gives you is a sensitivity to movement, originally designed to sense your opponents next move, this skill was also used by taichi masters to act and react with alignment on a horse regardless of physical attribute. For instance, If you are right handed your right side would be more developed on that side, this will effect your balance when riding and also confuse your horses way of moving (either through the reins or through weight distribution). Through taichi practise we try and identify these attributes and teach you away of co-operating with your body instead of using it.

It is difficult to write about every aspect of what we teach, but hopefully through instruction, equestrians will be able to benefit from this internal art.