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Post by rubymountainkigers on Apr 3, 2009 9:39:11 GMT -5
Sally Swift passed away peacefully yesterday at age 95. She was the founder of Centered Riding and has probably had as big an impact on changing the horse world as Ray Hunt. She was actively involved with horses almost right to the end. There's a touching tribute to Sally at the following website wendymurdoch.com/. Sally was a fantastic lady and excellent teacher. She was very good at creating images that helped riders visualize what she wanted them to do. Such as, holding the reins as if you were holding two baby birds gently in your hands. Or, imagine you have a set of eyes in your chest so you turn with your body, not just your head. She's also the one who taught us to "BREATH" as we ride! So much of Sally's teachings are a part of our equine culture. We do it, or tell someone else how to do it, but don't realize we learned it from someone who learned it from someone who read about it or heard it from Sally. This has been a particularly devastating year to the horse world. Tim |
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Post by rubymountainkigers on Apr 3, 2009 10:01:11 GMT -5
Last year, Sally wrote in her newsletter: "Centered Riding is not
about lofty ideals or selling books. For me, Centered represents all
that is good in today’s world, and the people I have come to know
through this “centered” journey have become my friends and family. As
I write this today, I realize that Centered Riding was my vision of
what can be when we tear down the human armor and give a little of
ourselves to one another and our four legged friends."
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Post by canadiankigers on Apr 3, 2009 11:56:05 GMT -5
Sally's contribution to the equine industry has been enormous. She may be gone from our presence but her techniques will live on forever. Thank you Sally for all you have done...... for both the horse and the rider. You are sadly missed.
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Post by rubymountainkigers on Apr 3, 2009 13:19:32 GMT -5
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Post by fantasykiger on Apr 3, 2009 15:55:16 GMT -5
I agree I admire Sally Swift so very much and do my darndest to practice centered riding when ever I am in the saddle...I tell you it has saved me from hitting the ground a number of times and made my horses happy they don't have to compensate for my inability to keep my bum balanced. She will be very fondly remembered everytime I ride, sitting straight and proud, looking out on the horizon to where I'm headed.  |
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