Equi-Yoga
Horses have carried people through history and have been your partners along the way. It's only natural that they accompany you in your journey of self-discovery. Equi-Yoga borrows asanas (poses) and breathing techniques from yoga and translates them into the saddle. You begin this program on the mat creating a foundation of breath and learning the asanas. As you move to the saddle, your horses stand patiently, often breathing and stretching with you, as you begin to find a flow. When you are ready to advance, the horse walks out on a lounge line as you match your rhythm with the animal.
This unique technique highlights many trouble areas, such as the neck, shoulders, arms, seat, and legs. It brings awareness to your balance and strength, essentially because your mat is moving at its own pace. By adding the equine element to yoga, the equestrian will learn to adjust to new situations with breath and suppleness, reevaluate the body cues to keep clear communication, and build a deeper connection to your horse. This discovery can be utilized to enhance your riding and your yoga practice. Marty Whittle, the founder of Equi-Yoga, explains that it helps you explore your body from the inside out.
Horse riding
Enjoy a three-hour adventure in the mountains and a relaxing picnic under the pines. Day rides can be extended to a four-hour ride. Unlike many outfitters who ride in the same area, Enchantment Equitreks takes advantage of New Mexico's diverse landscapes and terrain by trailering out to a new trail each day. They load horses, tack, picnic, and clients and drive 20-45 minutes to the riding destination. Some days, you will be galloping through the sandy arroyos of a painted desert. The next day, you will scale alpine forests and Enchantment Equitreks loves to splash through the waters of the Rio Grande river. You do not camp out in these places but return back to the ranch where a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a soft bed awaits.
Horse riding requirements
To thoroughly enjoy your stay, Enchantment Equitreks suggests that your riding ability is at an intermediate level due to the terrain and lengths of the rides. However, a strong novice rider could be accommodated for short rides, such as husbands who will be riding one day and golfing the other three. Sometimes Enchantment Equitreks is willing to waive the 200-pound limit for a tall, experienced rider who is capable of riding light on the horse's back.
- Novice: A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters
- Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters, and gallops), but does not ride regularly
- Children: Children must be 12 years of age and have riding knowledge and experience
