Phone: 609 395-1790
Email: SilverDollarRide@aol.com

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Our Riding Philosophy
 
Kelsey on Shawna Mira Tu

Whether you are riding a horse for the very first time or are polishing up your equestrian skills to excel in pleasure riding or the show ring, Silver Dollar Stables’ experienced riding instructors will give you the personalized training and coaching you need to accomplish your goals.

Group and private lessons are available Tuesdays through Sundays for both children and adults.

Our Philosophy - Centered Riding®

At Silver Dollar Stables, we believe in the philosophy of horseback riding known as Centered Riding®.  Centered Riding was developed by Sally Swift, internationally-acclaimed author of best-selling books and videotapes on all aspects of horsemanship. Centered Riding is a new way of expressing the classical principles of riding that applies to both English and Western riding that answers the question of "how" when the riding instructor tells you "what" to do to communicate with your horse. Silver Dollar stables is proud to host Centered Riding Clinics throughout the year.

The following explanation of the Centered Riding Philosophy comes from the Centered Riding web site
www.centeredriding.org
a great resource for riders at every level.

Centered Riding - How does it work?

Many people are caught in the trap of unconscious habitual habit. Their bodies know only the old habitual way of movement. Centered Riding, with simplicity and logic, allows you to discover an inner balance, serenity and control that in turn gives you greater freedom of movement, suppleness and coordination. These new qualities are reflected in your horse as increased balance, poise and forward motion. You and your horse become as one, in harmony.

The four basics of Centered Riding

• Soft Eyes allow a greater field of vision, increased awareness of your own and your horse's body, less tension and easier, freer forward movement.

• Proper Breathing also reduces tension in your body, helps to lower your center of gravity and allows the horse to become quieter and more responsive while reducing your fatigue.

• Centering takes you to your center of control and energy deep in the lower body. This also allows your seat to be stable and secure. Centering releases tensions that block the flow of energy through your body and leaves you ready for the next movement or exercise.

• Building Blocks aligns your body and gives you true and consistent balance over your horse's center of gravity which encourages the fluid and comfortable movement of your horse.