I have been in love with horses for as long as I can remember. As a child my aunt and uncle had a farm in upstate New York, and I rode in a western saddle that was too big on a full size horse that was too fast. But, who has fear at that age?
When I decided at 47 to take riding lessons after many decades, a friend told me to speak to an instructor where she boarded her horse. I called Cindi Leisure, and that call started a journey of growth and friendship that has lasted 6 years.
Cindi took it all in stride; my insecurity and lack of balance in a saddle. Centered Riding gave me the foundation of balance and awareness of the building blocks of my body that I always go back to. When I am not where I need to be, how can my horse
move in a natural, unrestricted way?
I purchased a horse within a year of starting my lessons and many times questioned what I was doing. But Cindi trained and rode him, while at the same time teaching me how to do the same. She took an unbalanced horse that just wanted to run off with his head in the air and turned him around with consistent training and conditioning. Five years later I have a wonderful relationship with an amazing horse who tries hard to do whatever I ask him.
Cindi must have ten ways and more to get across a concept or describe a new movement. She has told me, shown me and at times actually put my foot in the correct position, for example. How can I ever forget her garlic ice cream example? I have never seen another instructor with the depth of knowledge and understanding of people that Cindi has. She is a caring and compassionate person, and we can all use more of that in our lives.

Diane