Leisure Equestrian Services

Cindi began her professional teaching career shortly after returning from school in Europe in 1978, 32 years ago. She studied at Crabbet Park Equestrian Academy in Sussex England and earned both her Instructors credentials and her Horsemastership credentials from the prestigious British Horse Society.

In 1986 Cindi attended a Centered Riding Instructors Clinic taught by Sally Swift author of “Centered Riding” and “Centered Riding Further Exploration”. Sally was recently inducted into the United States Dressage Federation Hall of Fame for her invaluable contribution to the sport of dressage. Cindi has since then participated in Centered Riding Clinics for instructors for over 24 years and has earned her Level I and Level II teaching certifications as well as seven Instructor's Continuing Education Certifications. She is currently studying for another instructior certification this time with Connected Riding Inc. and expects to complete this program in the near future.

The classical European techniques of Balanced Seat combined with Centered Riding techniques and Connected Riding go hand in hand as they give riders of all disciplines the tools to correct their body position through awareness and inner references. Only through these tools can changes be made. As riders become aligned and holding patterns, tension and resistance are released the body finds balance, softness and feel. A well grounded and connected body is the end result.

Centered Riding and Connected Riding bring the rider back from the many restrictive messages that are taught i.e. how to hold and carry our bodies in a way contrary to their natural way of moving. The work gives us back our ability to move and balance with no restriction, which allows the horse to take back his ability to carry himself the way nature intended. We can only pass onto the horse qualities that we already own.
It also emphasizes how our mind effects our body, how the mind and body effect the horse and through this awareness our finest aid can come from one clear thought!

Balance is not being still. It is not stagnant. It is being in a constant state of motion, it is dynamic. Being tight, stiff or rigid will always be your worst enemy, while motion will be your saving grace!

Balanced Seat, Centered Riding and Connected Riding can really help riders achieve these necessary qualities.