What could be better than seeking inspiration for MYF 2014 at a yoga retreat in the mountains of Vermont? After the festival, we were exhausted and couldn't imagine discussing the logistics for creating next year's event. We gave ourselves the summer to recuperate, knowing that we had a special MYF retreat planned at Stowe Mountain Ranch.
The owner Gerry Scott, also known as Namsate Cowboy, graciously invited the MYF Team to come enjoy a weekend of yoga classes, hikes, beautiful scenery and most importantly, yoga with horses. We first met Gerry at Yoga Reaches Out and were intrigued by the idea of blending our favorite activity with large 1000-pound animals. With the exception of Dana, we had little experience with horsemanship and were looking forward to the activity with a mixture of glee and terror.
The owner Gerry Scott, also known as Namsate Cowboy, graciously invited the MYF Team to come enjoy a weekend of yoga classes, hikes, beautiful scenery and most importantly, yoga with horses. We first met Gerry at Yoga Reaches Out and were intrigued by the idea of blending our favorite activity with large 1000-pound animals. With the exception of Dana, we had little experience with horsemanship and were looking forward to the activity with a mixture of glee and terror.
Fortunately, we were able to ease ourselves into the idea of downward dog on a horse by spending our first day visiting Bingham Falls, Emily's haunted covered bridge and exploring the many quaint shops in Stowe. Our group was filled with a number of talented yoga teachers from varying backgrounds. Each morning and evening, we were able to sample a new style including vinyasa, baptiste, yin and restorative. With out bodies and minds warmed up from yoga on our mat, we were feeling encouraged that we just might have the courage to try yoga on Gerry's ever-patient horses, Cherie and Black Jack.
Yoga with horses begins with the "Journey", a short ride bareback around the ranch. It may sound simple but without reins or stirrups, mounting and dismounting is a tricky endevour. The idea is to become comfortable and begin to develop a relationship with the horse. As Gerry points out, much of yoga with horses is about conquering fear. Understanding and respecting these large animals, while learning to trust and have faith that they will support you.
And as the moment drew nearer to attempting yoga poses on each horse, we gained some confidence while maintaining a healthy dose of fear. As I mounted the powerful and gentle Cherie, I could feel my heart begin to pound and every limb shake. The mixture of adrenaline and nerves can make the simplest balancing poses seem treacherous. As yogis, we are reminded to first find our breath and let our breath begin to calm our bodies and our minds. We began with a few simple seated postures and by the end were standing tall feeling such gratitude for these beautiful animals and for our practice that once again allowed us to connect with others in a new and meaningful way.
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