Chance to trot along for riding lessons with oriental twist

Apr 16 2009 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

HORSE enthusiasts are to get a touch of oriental-style instruction at a Stonehouse riding centre this weekend.

The Hooves and Paws Equestrian Centre will hold a class taken by Tai Chi expert James Shaw of Long Beach, California, who has been working with riders for 15 years.

The classes, which take place this Sunday and Monday, have been organised by Lanarkshire clicker trainer Amanda Martin.

Riders will take part in a series of 12 Tai Chi exercises led by James before they take to the saddle in the afternoon.

Amanda, who has been horseriding since she was three years old, invited the Tai Chi practitioner to the equestrian centre after attending classes he had taken in Yorkshire.

She explained this week that James’s training can transform a rider’s technique.

“Horses are very sensitive to the physical and emotional balance of the rider, so it is important that the rider should be trained to achieve physical and emotional balance as well,” said Amanda.

“With improved physical and emotional balance the rider is better able to work with the horses’ energy to achieve a level of riding that was previously unattainable.

“It transformed my riding completely. A lot of instructors will tell you to do something, but are unable to explain how to do it because it is second nature.

“James has a unique ability to explain through the Tai Chi exercises how to do it.

“He also tells you about things you didn’t realise you were doing.

“He teaches you to go find habits in your riding that aren’t right and shows you how to change them into good habits.

“I found I was able to do things I couldn’t do before.”

Rider places on the course are very limited.

However, late bookings can still be made by calling Amanda Martin on 07771 965083.