DTSHfreemotion

SELF-HELP: Freeing Motion

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For a body free of unusual excessive tension

motion is always hampered by gravity

otherwise it is limited by faulty

elasticity - symmetry

coordination

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Somatic exercises

such as those recommended by

Moshe Feldenkrais and Thomas Hanna

can be used to restore elasticity and symmetry

T'AI-CHI is an excellent way to develop coordination

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Free motion - Somatic exercises - T'AI-CHI

BG selected exercises and their application to testing

Elasticity - Symmetry - Coordination

When we move we prefer to make a minimum of effort. We have learned to detect unusual excessive tension and eliminate it in our reference positions and to compensate for gravity. We have to find ways to change position without wasting energy.

Changing position requires energy. To happen motion depends on tension. Motion feels free when it has to overcome a minimum of resistance. To enable us and horses to move freely we must minimize all tension and resistance while changing position.

In Moshe Feldenkrais's "Awareness through movement" and Thomas Hanna's "Somatics" we find simple exercises teaching us that moving from a simple reference position to another we must raise our level of awareness to improve our coordination.

Moshe Feldenkrais and Thomas Hanna rely on the redundancies of the nervous system to restore or enhance motion. They select somatic exercises to reeducate their patient's nervous system in finding ways to by-pass blocks and regain control of motion.

T'AI-CHI is one of the best renown synergetic gymnastic. It helps people stay young through developing their awareness, balance, and coordination. The practice of T'AI-CHI teaches people how to move freely and efficiently. It imprints conservation of energy.

T'AI-CHI and the basics of martial arts offer a good foundation for the people who want to learn to ride. They develop balance and mind control. These are the indispensable skills for riders to support and guide their horse without causing any resistance.

BG has selected and customized a series of somatic exercises to help riders minimize unusual tension and resistance to changing position while riding. These exercises should be used to improve and test the rider's elasticity, symmetry, and coordination.

BG selected exercises are posted in a list providing links to their websites and to their animations when they become available. To access the first set of selected exercises click below:

Freeing motion from the reference laying down position.

TO FREE MOTION

minimize tension

compensate

for gravity

and minimize

efforts while changing

position

SOMATIC EXERCISES

from books listed in BG's library

They rely on neurological redunduncies

to free motion