There are four basics to riding; eyes, breathing, centering, and building blocks. All Four played together make an influential rider to their horses.

Our eyes refer to being aware to what is around you. Your soft eyes (peripheral vision) allow you to see a larger space around you. This increases your awareness of you and your horse.

Breathing is extremely important when riding. Easy breathing makes less tension in your body. Heavy breathing and holding of your breath will cause your upper body to be top heavy. Keeping your upper body and back even with your hips will allow your center of gravity to be lower. Breathing also helps your horse relax. If you are tense so is your horse.

Centering is placing your center of gravity over the horses. Centering is accomplished with the other basics. It helps deepen your behind in the saddle and makes you less top heavy and more secure in the saddle. Also it will allow you to move more comfortably with your horse.

Your building blocks help you with balance. The blocks are your ear, shoulder, rib cage, hips and heels. All these, if lined up when riding, make you balanced. This is called your "plumb line." Balance allows you horse to move more willingly and freely. With this, your ride will be more comfortable for you and your horse.

Jennifer Minney is a Gilmer County High School graduate and an award-winning participant in regional horse shows. She is currently attending Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre in Waverly.