September 2020 Issue

Page 20 September 2020 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN At Serenity Show Stables Yoga and Riding Go Hand-in-Hand “Between [Ruth’s] incredible knack for teaching and the equally as talented staff that she surrounds herself with, I knew Serenity was the place for me,” she said. “From the impeccable care of the horses, to the unparalleled instruction, and everything in between, I am so lucky to be a part of something as special as Serenity. Ruth has put together a driven and kind team, everyone truly feels like family.” According to Blythe, adding yoga during the pandemic has enhanced the experience. “I like doing yoga because I find it to be very relaxing, especially in these unprecedented times. Aside from that aspect, it has been a great way to spend time with everyone at the barn, while being cognizant of social distancing. It has given us the opportunity to be together in a Covid safe environment. I have definitely seen the positive effects it has had on my riding and in general. Overall, [it has] improved my posture and enhanced my ability to isolate parts of my body, which has given me more range of motion. I also think the emphasis yoga practices have on breath has helped me tremendously, and has given me the tool of breathing, no matter the circumstance.” Blythe’s mom described their yoga sessions, set in the shade of trees, beside a running stream on the farm. “Once we start the class, it is like external stressors no longer exist. It's just us and the mats. It feels great to be able to silence one’s mind and just focus on the now. We work on breathing and [on] bringing a sense of peace- fulness to our day-to-day routine. Taking yoga classes with my daughter Blythe, who is the rider in the family, has truly helped strengthen our relationship. I think Blythe feels more supported by her family. We always watch her compete, we are always at the shows, but this is different. This time I am right there next to her and we are equally working as hard to feel centered and to work our way through the yoga pose. Taking the yoga classes with my daughter has helped her feel like I am there with her, we are on the mat together and it is something that is beneficial for both of us.” With six to 12 people ages 15 to 50 participating in each session, Nicodeums said she is drawn to the community aspect. “This all about self-care,” she said. “There are no gyms, no hot yoga classes, no spin classes etc. due to COVID-19. Being able to be outside in nature, with the Serenity family while keeping everyone safe has been great for all of us. What we get out of it is relaxing our minds and bodies It’s meditative. Our body hurts less, and our brain slows down. As an equestrian you can tell that this really helps you focus better when riding.” Nicodemus said yoga is an addition that will stick. “It happened because of an unfortunate situation but it has re- ally added to our program. This is one of the small silver linings of the COVID nightmare,” she said. Chang understands why. “Even after one session, a rider's mind/body integration is improved, breath attention is increased, core ability is stronger, and posture is measurably better,” she said. “As with any training regimen, consistent frequent prac- tice is optimal. However, I believe there is great merit in having one or two impactful experiences, and then having time to apply what was learned and put it into effect through real circumstances such as showing. That's also when the equestriOM empowerment shows up significantly.” Learn more about Serenity Stable online at: http://sereni- tyshowstable.com . Learn more about equestiOM online at: https://bodymindenergywellness. com/equestriom. (Continued from page 11) has them all Old for the golden years Tall for the extra tall Small for the wee ones Big for the big ones +1.208.278.5283 www.hoo ack.com Remember...tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian!