Centered Riding

What is Centered Riding?

Centered Riding is a method of riding instruction, using body awareness, centering, and
imagery. Centered Riding encompasses all seats and styles of riding. It teaches a language
that allows clearer communication between horse, rider, and instructor. Centered Riding was
developed by Sally Swift, author of the best-selling books and videos, and is now taught
by Centered Riding Instructors around the world. Centered Riding is based on a knowledge of
human and horse anatomy, balance, movement, and on understanding how the mind affects the
body and how both affect the horse. It uses centering and grounding techniques from martial arts,
along with body awareness, mental imagery and sports psychology. Through increasing
body awareness, inhibiting old patterns, and replacing them with a more balanced, free, and
coordinated use of self, both horse and rider can move more freely and comfortably, and develop
their best performance. (from the Centered Riding Website: www.centeredriding.org)

Svet's Centered Riding

I am level two certified Centered Riding Instructor. I do not have a certification in
TEAM (Tellingtion-Jones Every Animal Method), but I have had many hours of training over
several years with Carol Wilson, a local certified TEAM practitioner. I choose to use
Centered Riding and TEAM tools most often when I teach and ride because of the dramatic
positive progress I see in my students and myself when using these tools. Also, the horses
love it. Most lessons end with happy students, happy horses, and a happy teacher. It doesn't get any better!

TEAM?

TEAM was created (and is still being created) by Linda Tellington-Jones, a horse trainer and
Feldenkrais practitioner. Linda took the philosophy of Feldenkrais, non-habitual movement, and
developed touches (T-Touch), strokes, slides, and groundwork to assist first horses, then other
domestic and non-domestic animals, and humans, in learning and healing. TEAM work results
can be dramatic and startling or extremely subtle and only noticeable over a long period of time.
The work has positive physical and cognitive effects for both the practitioner and the practitonee.
The TEAM website can be accesses at www.ttouch.com

Horse Training

As a Centered Riding Instructor and a user of TEAM and other like practices, my approach with
horse training is to meet the horse where it is and then progress from there. My intention when I come
to your horse is to give him or her the same regard and consideration I give my own. Thus, my training
rate is based on my desire to spend the time needed with your horse and not feel rushed to get a set
amount of things done. I teach skills focusing on the benefit to the horse (e.g: turn on the forehand builds
impulsion; collection and extension foster looseness and relaxation). I can work with your horse, teaching
them to accept a saddle, bridle, and rider, address behavior issues as they occur, or teach specific
skills in general riding, jumping, and dressage. If this approach sounds attractive to you, please contact
me regarding working with your horse.