Core Conditioning for Horses: Yoga-Inspired Schooling Techniques Increase Suppleness, Improve Bend, and Unlock Optimal Movement

Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that “”dances”” when you are on him, and the one that doesn’t? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza , trainer and examiner for the La Federation Francaise d’Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse’s posture. The horse’s ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal “”core”” muscles control the horse’s posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance. Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Visconte Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse’s body and gently “”unlocking”” areas that may be a little “”rusty”” while at the same time improving core fitness. In Core Conditioning for Horses , he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse’s posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you’ve always imagined. About the Author After a lovely childhood in Rome, Italy, Simon Cocozza was educated in England. The family passion for horses inspired him to study for the British Horse Society’s BHSAI, followed by the Instructor training of the Advanced National Certificate in Equine Business Management at Warwickshire College of Equine Studies. This led to many years as a professional trainer contracted to some of England’s large equestrian centers. After returning to mainland Europe, Simon studied with some wonderful mentors and became driven to overcome the limits set by the horse industry on horses, and to discover the unifying principles behind Greek, Roman, and the Renaissance school of equestrian art to find ways of helping each and every horse be as healthy, happy and useful as can be. From his stable in Normandy, France, Simon became the first non-French national to obtain the Brevet Professionnel and become a trainer and examiner for the La Federation Francaise d’Equitation (FFE). He now coaches biomechanically sound training techniques internationally. – ASIN: 1570768048 | ISBN13: 9781570768040 | ISBN-13: 978-1570768040