Early Summer 2009
Stable Relationships
Our newsletters are seasonal!
We are thrilled to be featured in the June issue of Yoga Journal that is hot off the press (page 45!). The article on Cowgirl Yoga is called "Stable Relationship - Cultivate an intimate connection with a four-legged friend and with yourself, on a yoga and horsemanship retreat". What an invitation! Yoga is about balance (stable-izing, if you will) and connection - most of us have experienced that on multiple levels. Here at Big Sky Yoga Retreats, we highlight the power of the connection between yoga and nature through our surroundings in Big Sky Country. But extending that connection to an animal takes this to a whole other level that truly intensifies this experience.
There's a deep connection between women and horses, and yoga cultivates it in a beautiful way. The actual riding is only a small part of it. At Cowgirl Yoga, we emphasize the horse-human connection, and a lot of this unfolds out of the saddle, on our yoga mats. Heart opening yoga poses can unlock many repressed emotions - so we practice heart openers to clear this out, as horses aren't good with repressed emotion. It's horses 101; if you're faking being happy or unafraid, they will probably give you a hard time. But if you offer them your authentic self, whether it's mad, sad, or glad, it unlocks the potential of an immediate and powerful horse-human bond. This is an amazing experience that extends way beyond just riding, and can stir potent emotional release. And that's made possible through yoga. We have the power to influence and deepen our connection to nature with our practice. We get the chance to say Namaste to horses through our experience with them; the divine in me recognizes the divine in you, indeed. As author Kelle Walsh puts it, "It's clear...that yoga complements riding, particularly on a physical level. But I'm even more interested in the energetic connections we're exploring with the horses. I feel as if I've been taught a new language, one that communicates more clearly than words or actions". Open your body, be your true self, connect with horses - tough to top that summer plan!
Yoga, Hiking & Horseback Riding Retreats for Women, for all levels of equestrians and yoginis.
Imagine a week of yoga and horses - a girl's dream come true. Explore how both can put you in touch with your potential and teach you a lot about yourself. We'll practice yoga, spend time with horses, and kick up our heels in cowgirl-friendly Bozeman. We're also offering long-weekend Cowgirl Yoga Ranch camps on a working ranch in Wilsall.
Come join fellow wanna-be cowgirls for yoga and fun in and out of the saddle under Montana's legendary Big Sky. We'll explore the link between yoga and riding to improve not only your saddle skills, but also your overall well-being. Through yoga poses and breathing techniques we will learn how to improve balance and body alignment. Best of all, experience how the horse-human connection deepens as you practice yoga. We'll take all that out on the trail and ride with new friends both human and equine on scenic mountain trails, immersing ourselves in nature and the Cowgirl Yoga spirit.
Hope you'll come out to Montana this summer for your own Cowgirl Yoga adventure. Please visit my Cowgirl Yoga blog for Montana musings, healthy ideas and more, including an upcoming interview with our cowgirl wrangler, Janice Cartwright.
Yeehaw & Namaste,
Margaret Burns Vap
Head Cowgirl Yogini, Big Sky Yoga Retreats
Yogic Economic Stimulus Cowgirl Yoga DEALS!
- Book our 5-day May 31-June 5 retreat and get upgraded to a single room at no additional cost.
- Round up your friends and you all get a discount:
sign up with a friend for any 5-day CY retreat this summer and you each receive $150 off,for 3 or more friends you each get $250 off. Discount will be applied to balance amount due following initial deposit. - Are you a Big Sky Yoga alumna?
Come back for more Montana and take $100 off any CY retreat this summer! Discount will be applied to balance amount due following initial deposit.
