does visualising work?

[rainbowangel]

:D i was just wondering if i were to visualise myself trotting if it would improve my actual trot? ive been doing it all day and i already feel a bit more confident about it,i feel like if i got on a horse my trot would have improved through visualisation!does this sound silly? also when you trot shoulod you literally stand up in the stirrups or is it more a rocking back and forth movement? thanks for your help! rainbowangel.

[laura jeanne]

Visualization helps me a lot. Both watching a rider or video and also just thinking it through in my mind. I think some people are just visual learners and maybe it doesn't help others that much. The difference in my riding can be amazing so if it works for you, keep on with it.

Jane Savoie (sp?) has a video called Riding in Your Mind's Eye which is pretty helpful. Of course the demo horse is better trained than any I will probably ever ride!

[Peace]

I don't know about visualisation (dang, now y'all have me spelling things funny:o ) but it did help me tremendously to watch other people perform rising trot.

The movement is more forward and back than up and down, although everyone starts out by popping up and down in their stirrups.:) But if you'll watch accomplished riders rise to the trot, they look as though they are being pulled forward by the belt buckle while their upper body remains in place.

Also remember that the horse will supply the rise, so you don't need to push yourself up. All you need to do is control your fall back into the saddle. It's a tiny, tiny rise. More of a controlled bounce.:)

[mayoguinness]

yep it sure does work, you send out the energy that your doing it well and it atracts the same energy which has an effect on what happens and if it goes well or not!! Honestly I didn't make that up myself its been scientifically proven :)

[rainbowangel]

thanks guys i kept up with the visualising, i already have more confidence,im still confused on my trot though! i posted a new thnread:p

[kiwigirl]

I am a big fan of visualisation. Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't! I basically think it gives me more confidence to visualise how it feels in trot/canter and imagine what my position should be like and to imagine feeling relaxed!

Recently due to thinking about horseriding so much I have been having horse riding dreams which have been great as I am always feeling really comfortable riding in them!

I do the same with skiing and end up having great skiing dreams! If only dreams came true!

As for the rising trot (and I am no expert here) a definite no to using your stirrups to rise - it all comes from your hips I think. Anyway I had a lesson where we attempted rising trot bareback! Was a good example of where you try and rise from - bloody hard and some undiscovered muscles where found!

[julia gulia]

My visualizations are outrageous to be sure:D Mind over matter....I find that it woks great. You really have to get into it though and thoroughly beleive that you are who you visualise. As for the rising trot? I would recommend that you don't think about up and down...think' tilt' and down. A little, gentle thrust forward with your hips. :)

[KarinUS]

Peace,

I must be a visual person, too, since I can't recognize you if you change your avatar and your signature all at the same time! One change at a time please...

I think visualization works. After riding for 7 years I went back to one of the first books I bought (Centered Riding) and I really am getting a lot out of it! Stbby legs and growing like a spruce tree... that's me!