Written with the insight and understanding cultivated by the author's many passions, Centered Self, Centered Horse brings light and clarity to the subtleties involved in horsemanship. Often ignored or purely misunderstood, the simple qualities explained are those necessary in developing the art of horsemanship no matter your discipline or experience.

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Centered Self, Centered Horse

A Simple Guide to Horsemanship

About The Book

Addressing an element in horsemanship that is often overlooked, the author covers many aspects of developing a relationship with the horse in order to achieve any goal and work at a level with the horse that is beyond the mind's comprehension.

Erica K. Frei is capable of expressing the nuances of the horse / human relationship that goes well beyond her years, and carries over into our relationships with other people as well. For riders who are experiencing consistent frustrations and difficulties, as well as riders who want to increase their already successful relationship with the horse, all will find insight from the deep, yet simply stated words.

Written with the insight and understanding cultivated by the author's many passions, Centered Self, Centered Horse brings light and clarity to the subtleties involved in horsemanship. Often ignored or purely misunderstood, the simple qualities explained are those necessary in developing the art of horsemanship no matter your discipline or experience.

A must read for all equestrians seriously interested in developing and improving their relationship with the horse. "Centered Self, Centered Horse" holds new meaning with every read and should never collect dust on the shelf.

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About The Author

Erica K. Frei gives demonstrations, clinics, workshops, instructs riders and trains horses at Awareness In Riding, a private equestrian facility in Milton, Wisconsin, where she focuses on complete development of horse and rider on the level of physical, mental and emotional. Erica has studied and competed in a variety of disciplines and activities including Dressage, Classical Dressage, Natural Horsemanship, English, Western, Gymkhana Events, Drill Team and more.

Erica K. Frei co-teaches Fearless Living Classes with her mom, and Life Coach, Cheryl Frei. She promotes education on all levels for equestrians and works to bring greater knowledge to the community from outside influences. She focuses much of her teaching on building confidence, physical suppleness and coordination, and refining the communication skills of her students.

Erica K. Frei served as Sport Horse Liason to the International Curly Horse Organization's Sport Horse Association in 2002. She was a contributor for an online Gaited Horse Community's "Ask A Trainer" column from 2000-2004. She has presented horses for breed and training demonstrations at horse fairs, breed registry conventions, shows, and at private facilities.

Erica K. Frei is a Nationally Board Certified Massage Therapist and Neuromuscular Therapist. She has worked as Massage Therapist for three years. She completed her schooling for Neuromuscular Therapy in 2007 and has been integrating it into her work since. She has implemented many aspects of bodywork into the education of her students as an important aspect of communicating with the horse.

Born in Milton, Wisconsin, Erica K. Frei attended Lakeside School of Massage Therapy in Madison, Wisconsin. She completed her Neuromuscular Therapy training in Gig Harbor, Washington. She studied French Classical Dressage under Craig P. Stevens in Snohomish, Washington.

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Book Excerpt

From The Summary

"We never evolve in a linear fashion, that is A to Z with A being the beginning and Z the end. Instead, we circle around continuously, only to cover the same topic, idea, theory, thought, action, movement, over and over again. While we may develop a deeper understanding or new level to these different factors, we never learn them completely, we never find an end.

"It is this thinking that allows us to take the horse's training to a higher level. The way we work the horse in the beginning of his training is the same as we work him at the end. The way we work our horse at the end of his training is the same way we work at the beginning. While we may develop more refinement, subtleties, and skill there is always room for improvement. We are always at the beginning and always at the end. There is nothing we do in the beginning that cannot be considered finished, and there is nothing we finish that cannot be considered just a beginning.

"We are the same as our horses; our own development is also circular. We continuously revisit the same skills, actions, movements, thoughts, feelings, emotions. It is easy to believe that there is a start and a finish, and it is also easy to be discouraged when we never find that finish. We do not find it because it does not exist. We can be out of touch with a particular area that we believe we have finished for some time, only to have it walk through the door when least expected. We never finish, we only continue to learn, grow, change, develop, and understand. We do this for our entire lives.

"This book addresses the very thought, it is not a book to read once and set down unless you want to. Every book holds new possibilities and meanings every time you read it, the content is not linear. To pick up a book and read it in a sad mood can bring attention to certain words and detail that is not present when you are in a happy mood.

"What we become aware of, we see more of. We often do not see that which we are unaware of or do not understand. It is easy to be clouded from the prevalence of mild to moderate lameness until we begin to trim hooves. It is easy not to see the tension held in the horse whose nose band is tightly fitted to hold his mouth shut until we learn about the ramifications of such an action.

"When we begin to find awareness in these areas, it is easy to begin championing every cause that seems unjust. It is also easy to become overwhelmed by the powerful emotions and thoughts that come to mind. This is the part where we must remain motivated to learn, get hungry for knowledge and chase our dreams. Passionate people are those who change the world. They are the ones who seem to attract people simply by stepping into the room, without having to say a word, because the energy involved in pursuing our passion is so strong we find it overflowing."

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