PHONE: +8593391158
January 26 | 10 AM – Noon
Cultivating Effortlessness is unlike any other equestrian program offered in the area. One of the greatest gifts any rider can give their horse is to cultivate effortlessness, where only the amount of effort that is needed is used, and nothing more. In this introduction to Feldenkrais for equestrians, instructor Meriah Kruse draws from the Feldenkrais Method and Bones for Life to guide gentle movement and directed attention to help you as a rider gain a clear somatic sense of your own personal, dynamic, natural posture. By expanding your perception and increasing awareness, you can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient, effortless movement. As you gain more sensitivity and subtle awareness of the movement of your own body, you can better organize your body and mind in the saddle and relax into the rhythm and feel of the motion of your horse. Through this workshop, you can expect to make progress toward eliminating what Feldenkrais calls “parasitic efforts” – those actions or habits that interfere with the horse’s gait and ease of going. These sessions routinely help riders find a new level of connection with the deep parts of their bodies and skills to cultivate relaxed balance in the saddle. As you get out of your head and out of your horse’s way of moving, you can cultivate a relaxed, effortless connection with your horse, facilitating a more harmonious, intuitive partnership.
Minimum 4 participants | Maximum 8 participants
Thanks for hosting, I felt a big difference when I rode. Sharon Vander Ziel, Education Programs Coordinator, United States Dressage Federation
Just finished another great Feldenkrais workshop. I can feel such a difference with each session building on the previous work. Looking forward to next month’s session Gillian Vallis, Pine Knoll Center for Integrated Horsemanship
Hi. I’m Meriah Kruse. For several years I’ve been providing workshops for groups and individuals at Pine Knoll Center for Integrated Horsemanship, and it’s always a privilege.
It’s a beautiful location, on Ironworks Road in Scott County, less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Lexington, also close to Georgetown and Frankfort. Pine Knoll was built from scratch by my dear friend Gillian Vallis, a lifelong equestrian and gifted holistic health advocate and practitioner. Gillian is a visionary and a connector. Through her leadership, Pine Knoll has been a pioneer in providing education and programs that demonstrate how to use multiple integrated approaches that encourage the optimal health, well-being and performance of horses — and humans!
I love visiting the farm for any reason, but especially to teach and share the Feldenkrais Method and Bones for Life with people who love horses and are eager to continue improving their riding skills.
My workshop this year Cultivating Effortlessness: Finding Your Natural Posture on Horseback is part one of a four-part series, RIDE BETTER BY SPRING.
Got a question about Cultivating Effortlessness? Reach out to me at mk@lifeforcemarketing.com.
If you already know you’d like to attend, you can Sign Up here.
Please keep in mind that the class size is limited so that each student can receive individual attention; first come, first served.
Meriah Kruse is a long-time Feldenkrais practitioner and Bones for Life instructor. She has a deep background in therapeutic bodywork and somatic movement education and has worked with thousands of individual clients challenged by a wide variety of interests and problems. A former thoroughbred racing groom, Meriah specializes in improving posture and increasing self-awareness, helping you bring a relaxed source of strength and a highly organized body and mind to the act of riding.
$125
If I’m not an equestrian but would love to experience the Feldenkrais and Bones for Life lessons, is the Jan. 26 workshop appropriate for me or is it off limits?
It is appropriate! My workshop is not presented on horseback. Although the RIDE BETTER BY SPRING SERIES is designed with the needs and interests of riders in mind, my specific workshop will be highly beneficial to anyone interested in improving their posture and experiencing more effortless movement, whether or not they are horseback riders. And, I can’t think of a more beautiful place to do so!
Do I need to wear anything special or prepare in any way to attend your workshop?
No preparation is required. I would suggest dressing very comfortably and in layers, including socks (since you won’t be wearing your shoes during the lesson).
How fit do I need to be to attend the Cultivating Effortlessness workshop? Do I need to be experienced in Feldenkrais or Bones for Life?
No, you don’t need any previous experience; these are highly accessible methods. You only need to be fit enough to walk and to get down to the floor and back up unassisted.
Will the workshop be held in the barn?
No, we’ll be in the workshop room, a gorgeous, cozy space overlooking a grassy field and paddock.
