Core Conditioning for Horses - by Simon Cocozza (Hardcover)

About the Book

Yoga practice provides people with mental and physical fitness, and it can for horses, too.

Book Synopsis

Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that "dances" when you are on him, and the one that doesn't? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, Trainer and Examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse's posture. The horse's ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside . This invisible and complex arrangement of internal "core" muscles control the horse's posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance. Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Visconte Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse's body and gently "unlock" areas that may be a little "rusty," improve core fitness, and even relieve pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. In this book, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse's posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you've always imagined.

Review Quotes

"I love this book! My Swedish Warmblood mare needs to build core strength. I found the exercises to not only work to do that, my mare actually enjoys them! They have improved her flexibility, and since she seems to find them relaxing, I think it has improve our bond as well. I highly recommend this book!" --Elite Equestrian

"If you want a full arsenal of flatwork exercises to help keep your horse strong and loose, check out Core Conditioning for Horses. I have ridden with a Charles de Kunffy protege for years, so this book piggybacked perfectly off of his concept of dressage as a way to "gymnasticize" the horse's body. The goal of flatwork should always be to make the horse stronger and more supple, and this book includes plenty of exercises (and pictures) to get you there. There are even suggestions for things to try for horses with kissing spines, for example. None of the work is particularly difficult to understand, so any semi-competent rider should be able to get something useful from it. Think of it as being kinda like yoga for horses." --the900dollarfacebookpony.com

"Overall, I believe Cocozza sets up readers for success with their horses. I look forward to enacting the exercise plan with my horse and foresee a lot of arena dirt ground into the binding of my copy, as I'll need it with me for a reference while I ride." --Horse Nation

"This informative book is helpful, not only
from a practical point of view but from a philosophical one, to guide horse
owners in the best course of action as it relates to their horses' individual
needs. For riders focused on a quality core conditioning program, Core
Conditioning for Horses is an ideal addition to their library." --Horse
Journals

"Whether you have a horse that is tense, stiff or has been diagnosed with a back problem, or you simply want to expand your knowledge of your horse's anatomy and add fresh training methods to your toolkit, this book is worth every penny. I think it should be on every horse owner's book shelf or kindle." --Horse & Hound Magazine

About the Author

Visconte Simon Cocozza spent his childhood in Rome, Italy, but was educated in England. The family passion for horses inspired him to study for the British Horse Society's BHSAI, followed by the Instructor training of the Advanced National Certificate in Equine Business Management at Warwickshire College of Equine Studies. Following his return to mainland Europe, Visconte Cocozza became the first non-French national to obtain the Brevet Professionnel and become a Trainer and Examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE). As a performance coach specializing in biomechanics and riding ethics, he now writes articles and books on better training practices, as well as lecturing at universities and conducting clinics internationally. After many years based in Normandy, France, he now lives and teaches in England (viscontecocozza.com).