JAMES SHAW

by Pam Marks

James is a marvelous person who, because of his years’ long background in the martial arts has a different approach than most instructors.  His book is entitled Ride From Within--Use Tai Chi Principles to Awaken Your Natural Balance and Rhythm-- which I think tells most about him.

From the opening paragraphs of Ride from Within:  “Through Tai Chi you will achieve a true connection by learning to join centers with your horse.  When joined, you match the rhythm of your center to that of your horse...    You develop your balance independent of your horse.  If you rely on your horse for balance, your horse is in control of your center; if your horse relies on you for his balance, then you are in control of your horse’s center.

Tai Chi teaches you to stay centered by controlling your position and motion.  Control grows from a strengthened mind-body foundation, in which you develop a perfect state of awareness.  This awareness allows you to detect instantly any change of balance, either in yourself or your horse, and compensate for it without ever losing your rhythm.  Your mind directs your body, and your body follows.  You soon discover that your mind directs not only your body, but also your horse.”

The first time I rode with James, as I was sitting on my horse he walked behind me and asked if I was sitting straight.  I said I thought so, but obviously wasn't.  He came over, pushed my left hip to the right about an inch, and held it there.  My mare was standing with her right front foot about 6 inches ahead of her left.  James said, "I'll just help you maintain what is straight and your horse will move her foot so it's even."  After about 1-2 minutes, Annie took a deep sigh and squared up!

He asked me to imagine someone on my shoulders, leaning to one side, and said that's what our horses have to cope with all the time.   So he's there to help us stay balanced and not only out of our horse's way, but to also become better connected through breathing and being sure our sit bones follow the horse's movement.

Not only have James’ teachings made a drastic difference (in a positive way!)  in how I ride, but also in my “other life.”  I am more aware of my breathing, how I stand and walk, and his exercises (referred to as “ground work” in the clinic write ups) have greatly increased my balance both mounted and not.  I was told by doctors and physical therapists, about ten years ago, that I should always have a pillow at my back to support my deteriorating disks.  When I climbed in my truck to drive home after my first clinic with James three years ago, I threw my Relax the Back pillow in the back seat and haven’t had to use it since!