Most riders think they are breathing in the saddle. But be honest—when a difficult exercise comes up, or you face stress or a spooky situation, what’s the first thing you do? You hold your breath. In that moment, a chain reaction occurs: ❌ No breath = your body stiffens. ❌ Stiff body = locked pelvis and heavy hands. ❌ Locked rider = a stiff and nervous horse. In this video, we will learn how to break this cycle using the Full Yogic Breath and how to transfer it directly into the saddle. What you will learn in this video: Active vs. Passive Breath: Breathing isn’t just about oxygen. Active breathing stabilizes your deep core (your center) without you having to "clench" your muscles. Why the Exhale is Key: We often exhale too quickly and tensely. This signals tension to the horse. We will learn the Inhale 4 – Exhale 6 rhythm. A slow, controlled exhale is a "command" for the horse to relax and lower their head. Practice on the Mat: Learning to breathe correctly during floor exercises prepares you to not forget your breath even in a crisis situation on the horse. Remember: Your horse feels your heartbeat and the rhythm of your breath. If you learn to breathe, you finally allow them to breathe too. 📝 YOUR ASSIGNMENT: Today, during your workout (or even while driving), try to maintain the 4:6 rhythm. Notice how your shoulders and hips naturally soften and drop with every long exhale. Let’s go – breathe into your hips!