Centered Riding

by Sally Swift

Using vivid, highly imaginative images, plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this revolutionary—now classic—work enables every equestrian to reassess habitual responses, ride in natural positions, and break through frustrating plateaus.

“Indispensable…wonderfully explicit…. A work of truly remarkable originality and ingenuity.”—William Steinkraus, author of Reflections on Riding and Jumping

“This is the most revolutionary set of concepts to hit the riding world since Caprilli found the best way to jump.”—The American Quarter Horse Journal About the Author
Sally Swift began her study of somatics at Mabel Todd’s Boston studio when she was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 8. Todd’s work helped her to remain active and thwart the progress of the lateral curvature to her spine. As a teenager, Sally practiced the body awareness she learned from Todd while horseback riding. Images from her posture lessons would come to mind as she rode. After graduating from college with a degree in agriculture Swift worked for the American Holstein Association for thirty years. When her back condition became very painful toward the end of her career, the study of Alexander technique helped her regain muscular strength and she began riding again. Images from her study of somatics came to mind as she rode. She realized that if her breathing was shallow and her body was tense, the horse became uncomfortable. When she aligned her body better and become more relaxed, the coordination of her horse also improved. In 1975, at the age of 62, Swift began to revolutionize the teaching of horseback riding. She put aside conventional training methods and focused on teaching body alignment and movement efficiency to bring forth the best performance of the rider and the horse. Sally died in April 2009 three weeks shy of her 96th birthday. The dedicated group of teachers she trained continue her teaching method. Product Details
ISBN:  978-0-31212-734-3
Publisher:  Trafalgar Square Books
Publication Date:  Original 1985, Reprint ??2014
Product Description:  Softcover, 8.2 x 9.5
Language:  English
Number of pages:  224
Illustrations:  187 b/w illustrations
Price:  Softcover – $27.99
Available for Purchase:  HorseandRiderBooks.com