Chi Gung For Horsemen (DVD)

Chi Gung for Horsemen is a set of simple and yet profound T'ai Chi exercises to help equestrians cultivate T'ai Chi Principles of Movement within their own body: relaxation, poise, separation of yin and yang, coordinating movement from the center with a light, responsive manner. These exercises are equivalent to ground or in-hand work in their ability to cultivate specific qualities in the rider's body including strength, balance and highly refined body awareness and control.

• Explanation of T'ai Chi principles of movement as they apply to riding.
• Step by step instructions on how to perform eight Chi Gung exercises.
• A ten-minute follow along routine for daily practice

Prairie Winds Chi Gung for Horsemen clinics begin with this work and then build upon this foundation while riding. Just like riding, T'ai Chi sparing relies upon timing, feel and the ability to absorb and direct energy without force or resistance. The purpose of Chi Gung for Horsemen riding work, Da Lu Ma, is to teach riders the art of using their own bodies to develop the liveliness, balance and graceful movement with their horses.

Sara & Michael Stanson's studies of Yang Family T'ai Chi began in the early 70's. Their teachers encouraged them to form their own school in the early 80's and since then they have tought T'ai Chi to hundreds of students. Sara was raised on horseback on a ranch in Wyoming and has ridden horses for work, pleasure and competition most of her life. Michael came to horses through Sara and rides both English and Western for pleasure and the wonder of it all.