Yoga for Riders

Principles and Postures to Improve Your Horsemanship

Cathy Woods

$29.95
Format


Description

Billions of people around the world embrace the practice of yoga. Its lessons in breath control, simple meditation, and specific bodily postures are widely regarded as a means to achieving health and relaxation. Yoga teacher and horsewoman Cathy Woods says that’s not all: She believes the meditative, mindful breathwork and lifestyle aspects of the tradition, as well as the postures, can be profoundly helpful in our interactions with horses. Over the course of her 30-year career, Woods has created teachings that are accessible to everyone—new and experienced yogis, and riders of different levels and disciplines—giving them life-changing benefits, including empowerment, confidence, connection, and feel.

Her unique program is presented here in the form of highly illustrated instruction, guiding you through the steps to achieving present moment awareness; finding body, breath, and energy awareness; breathing through challenges; listening to your inner voice; slowing down; and developing balance and symmetry in the saddle. All of these are key to better communication and improved partnership with our horses. In addition, Woods shares specific stretches for strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as postures that contribute to rider safety as we age. The result is a book that helps us become more aware and conscious riders while gently correcting our imbalances, resulting in a richer, more rewarding, more joyful horsemanship experience.

Additional Information

Author: Cathy Woods

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 216

Illustrations: 175 color photos

ISBN: 9781570769719

By Cathy Woods

Cathy Woods is a longtime horsewoman, author, yoga teacher, international retreat leader/presenter, and creator of Body, Mind, Equine®, who focuses on overall equestrian wellness.

Cathy aims to impart a practical approach to authentic yoga and mindful horsemanship, making it accessible to everyone regardless of what that looks like for the individual. She’s passionate about supporting equestrians in their wellness journey, promoting a more enriched and skillful life.

She began leading programs in 1991. Cathy enjoys combining and sharing her passions of yoga, horses, travel, and women’s empowerment in creative ways and finds great joy in helping people handcraft their lives and their horsemanship.

Her programs have been offered at distinguished locations such as The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Yogaville Ashram, and Mount Madonna Center. On the equine front, Cathy has partnered with amazing venues such as Equitana, Liberty Festival, Equine Affaire, Warwick Schiller's Journey on Summit, Tryon International Equestrian Center, White Stallion Ranch, and C Lazy U Ranch, to name a few. She also shares her work through her book Yoga for Riders, published by Trafalgar Square Books, and writes for publications such as Horse Illustrated Magazine and others. She’s been featured in Forbes, Yoga Digest, Horse and Rider Magazine, and many other publications. Cathy is currently working on a second book to publish in 2026, titled Riding Through Change.

Cathy is an avid equine enthusiast and longtime backcountry trail rider who loves exploring the natural world from the back of a horse. She remains passionate and dedicated to sharing authentic yoga and wellness, and how it enhances life and mindful horsemanship! She is based in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Find out more at cathywoodsyoga.com.

Horse Journals Says:

"A truly compelling book that opens up a world of profound connectivity between horse and rider."

Cowgirl Magazine Says:

"Anyone seeking to intensify their relationship with their horse will appreciate Yoga for Riders."