Page 5 - CR NEWS Summer 2020

I have often done this exercise myself and taught it in my children’s camps.
Put a knot in the reins, so the rider can reach down and grab the rein, if needed. Horses and riders usually find their own balance and rhythm while doing this exercise
The student rides in a light seat while punching straight ahead with alternate arms, like a boxer. If they have a good balance, they can stand in light seat (also called two-point po- sition) and punch without losing balance. In this position, the rider must have soft ankle, knee and hip joints.
To check if the rider is free and in balance while in a light seat, have them check to see if they can wiggle their knees.
If the exercise is going well, they also can imagine they are “shooting over the tail.” Then they can change between punching/boxing and shooting, so they learn to ride straight and turn their bodies to each side without losing their balance. Later, this can be done over poles and then over four or five cavaletti in a row.
Rolf Becher (1906-2002) developed this lesson. He was a student of Federico Caprilli (1868-1907), who developed the forward seat in riding.
Lots of fun to do!n
Christa Müller is a Level IV Centered Riding Clinician living in Schlatt bei Winterthur,
Switzerland.
“PUNCHING” FORWARD: “SHOOTING” BACKWARD:
By Christa Müller
CENTERING
Centering takes you to your center of control and energy, deep in the lower body, making your seat stable and secure. Centering techniques can help you achieve the quiet power and clear intent which characterize the Asian martial arts.
5
Punching & Boxing in Light Seat