Even Cowgirls Get the Yoga
A trip to Montana reveals the connectioon between horseback riding and yoga
by Kristin McGee
June 2008
The idea of Cowgirl Yoga seems like an oxymoron. When I think of cowgirls, I envision tough women in the Wild West riding horses bareback. And yoga conjures up images of grace and flexibility, not so much rough-and-tumble sassiness. But, as I discovered during a recent retreat to Bozeman, Montana, the two could not be a better match. Horses actually embody the true essence of yoga.
In his book, Horses Don't Lie, Chris Irwin says you can't fake it with a horse. Horses don't separate their feelings from their actions To be with a horse, you have to be calm and focused yet confident, strong and compassionate. Sounds a lot like yoga. As Patajali says in the Yoga Sutras (2.46), sthira sukham asanam - "the connection to the earth (yoga asana) should be steady and comfortable."
We strive for that combination of effort and ease both on our mat and in our lives. Learning the art of horseback riding is yoga in motion. With the horse as our mat, we have to be sensitive to and aware of every move we make. A horse can tell when we are anxious, fearful, angry or excited. A horse is a true mirror of ourselves. A cowgirl knows how to stand her ground as she develops a trusting, loving relationship with her horse.
A mountain retreat
Margaret Burns Vap, founder of Big Sky Yoga Retreats and its Cowgirl Yoga adventures invited me to Montana for a weekend to get a sense of the life-enhancing combination of yoga and horseback riding.
Upon arriving, I headed to the Gallatin Gateway Inn, where all us cowgirl yogis will stay and practice our asana. Once an old railroad depot, the Gallatin Gateway Inn boasts high ceilings and oversized windows that look out to the mountains of Bozeman and Big Sky.
The next morning, I arose to a most magnificent sunrise, and took a walk to the Gallatin River, breathing in the invigorating mountain fresh air. I couldn't help but fall in love with Montana. After breakfast, we went into the elegant, wood-floored room where Margaret led us through a thorough asana practice, focusing on the areas we needed to open and stregthen before venturing out on our horses.
Cowgirl yoginis Kristin, Margaret & Annie
at the Gallatin Gateway Inn
Prep time
Starting with a focus on our breath, she reminded us that being aware of your body and having an open mind is the best state to be in around horses. She then had us open our hips, low backs, and inner thighs with such poses as Baddha Konasana to help us access these areas properly when we're directing our horses. Margaret also emphasized connecting to our core, especially important for riding. We balanced and focused in standing poses such as Tree and Warrior III; we also did heart-opening Camel and other backbends for emotional clarity and receptiveness to the experience we'd have with our horses. By the time we got to Savasana, I felt completely open and relaxed.
Next, we headed to the stables, where we met Annie Bolognino, Margaret's Cowgirl Yoga partner, who has been riding since she was five years old and has a way with horses I've never witnessed before. For her, it isn't just about riding a horse, it's about developing a relationship with a foundation of willingness and trust. I feel we are trying to do the same with our yoga - not just doing poses but developing a relationship with ourselves through the process of self-discovery every time we practice.
Annie says when it comes to riding horses, we can't take anything for granted. Like humans, horses have their good days and bad days too. And just as we don't begin asana without acknowledging how we're feeling, we don't just jump on a horse and expect to be in immediate sync without some initial groundwork.
Annie spent at least an hour with me describing how to greet a horse, how to apply correct pressure, and how to move in the horse's space. She explained the specific tone to use when directing a horse (firm but nor forceful) and how to hug your legs around it (with a sense of pressure and without gripping) - again, all the same things we emphasize in our practice. How can we find the ease in the effort? How can we let go and be free in our limbs and our breath while remaining strong and connected in the core? I loved taking this time to get to know my horse, Lady, before riding. I have to admit, though, I was eager to get on that saddle, and I reflected on how in life we are so anxious to fast-forward to the next stage - or in our practice to perfect the next pose. It is wonderful to take the time just to establish ourselves in relationship with the present.
Ride 'er, cowgirl
Once I was in the saddle, Annie talked me through finding my sit bones just as I do on my sticky mat. She had me arch then round my back, the horseback version of Cat/Cow Pose. She taught me how to press through my heels, like Downward Facing Dog, and to engage my inner thighs and quadriceps by lifting and toning them, just as in Mountain Pose. Above: Kristin on Lady
From the saddle of her horse Belle, Margaret began leading me through some yoga poses. We opened our shoulders with Eagle arms, we stretched our arms overhead, and we took a twist by holding on to the back of the saddle. I noticed how my pelvis wanted to shift in the twist and how aware Lady was of this adjustment, causing her to lean as well. I then secured my pelvis and, staying rooted in my sit bones, I twisted again from my waist and core. I found I could experience my body in new ways doing asana from this vantage point. I loved Camel Pose with my hands on Lady's hindquarters intead of my heels.
Annie taught me how to tune into my breath and let my hips move naturally as Lady walked around the stable. Eventually, I worked up to a trot, steady in my seat while my upper body moved freely and my shoulders stayed relaxed. I felt free and alive, connected and strong. I had the time of my life.
That night, we put on our cowgirl hats and went to The Mint Bar & Grill, where patrons might kick up their heels and do the boot-scooting boogie. The Cowgirl Yoga retreat also includes a chance to soak sore muscles at the Bozeman Hot Springs, and, in July only, a visit to the Gallatin Coounty Fair and Rodeo.
The next morning, I could definitely feel my inner thighs (in a good way), but the rest of my body felt great. I had the experience of a lifetime, and I can't wait to head back for the weeklong summer retreat.