Breathing Your Way to Better Riding

Oftentimes it is through our bodies that we can connect to our emotions and thoughts. Connecting through the breath is a very simple, elegant and powerful first step to “knowing thyself.” Breathe work and the importance of being “centered” and present became a key element in the lessons. Breathing behavior is easily assessed and modified, particularly with the advances in portable biofeedback devices that provide instant feedback and opportunities to re-learn poor breathing habits. I say breathing because like other behaviors, breathing is based on the same principles.

Poor breathing behavior can be quickly, easily, unintentionally and unconsciously learned but can like other habits be challenging to disengage, manage, modify or eliminate. The importance of breathwork can not be undervalued since it is the easiest and most direct way to communicate with our horse.

Poor breathing behavior can be as a result of:

• fears we have about riding
• the memory of an old injury and
• the concern of re-injury
• life stress

Breathing Evaluations Assessment Services

We offer Respiratory Fitness assessments in person and over the Internet. 

1. The Breathing Interview: $75.00. The interview is a brief 25 minute exploratory session based on the Breathing Interview Checklist completed by you prior to the session.

2. The Breathing Behavior Analysis: $250.00. During this 75-minute breathing behavior evaluation session, we use a CapnoTrainer to assist you in a self-discovery process for learning about your own breathing habits, and how they might be mediating physical symptoms and performance deficits.

Breathing Learning Packages Education Services

If the evaluation determines that you are a good candidate for further education we have we have co-partnered with the Better Physiology Ltd, a New Mexico corporation located in Santa Fe, New Mexico to provide comprehensive learning programs to improve your breathing behavior. The service is solely educational and not meant to be medical.

There is no diagnosis and there is no treatment involved. These learning experiences are web-based educational services that allow you to learn in the comfort of your home or barn! Internet sessions involve the rental of a CapnoTrainer®. Your practitioner operates the CapnoTrainer that you are using at home from our offices over the Internet, where (s)he can see your physiology in real time along with you. Please contact us to learn more.

Consulting services are also available.