The Warm Up

Invitation to Embodied Relaxation and Increased Motivation

A warm-up is more than preparing the muscles. It is preparing the mind and spirit for the work to come.

Warm muscles are more elastic, responsive, and less prone to injury, and cold muscles are susceptible to strain and stiffness. Equally important is the sacred dimension. Warm-up becomes a time for synchronizing breath, intention, and attention all important elements of motivation. The horseperson walks with the horse in a steady rhythm. The horse begins to notice the steadiness of the human’s energy and steps into the shared field with greater ease.

The warm-up typically includes:

• ten minutes of active power walking
• ten minutes of stretching and suppling exercises

This rhythm supports the horse’s physical readiness and creates a predictable ritual that helps the horse settle mentally.

The warm-up is the first place where the horseperson practices seeing.
Seeing tension.
Seeing relaxation.
Seeing small shifts in breathing or posture.
Seeing where the horse carries concern or fluidity.

When the horseperson sees clearly, the horse can move clearly.