Equine Yoga FAQs

FAQ's (for even more FAQ's click here)

What is Yoga?

Yoga is so much more than “just stretching” or merely another workout. Believed to be over seven thousand years old, yoga is an ancient practice that integrates meditation, breathwork, and movement with intention and focus, while offering guidelines for how to live mindfully. Ultimately the path of yoga is designed to lead one to peace and contentment.

What is Equine Yoga?

Equine yoga is an innovative practice that combines traditional yoga techniques with interactions with horses. This unique blend extends the principles and benefits of yoga beyond the conventional mat, creating a dynamic experience that involves both the human practitioner and the horse.

Key Elements of Equine Yoga

Yoga Poses with Horses: An aspect of equine yoga is performing yoga poses either near, with, or on a horse. This can include anything from standing or sitting postures done beside the horse to more advanced poses where the practitioner may balance on the horse’s back. The horse acts as a partner and support in these exercises.

Mindfulness and Connection: Equine yoga emphasizes a deep connection and sense of presence with the horse. This can be achieved through yoga postures, breath work, meditation with horses or in mindful petting, grooming, or simply being in the horse’s presence, fostering a bond and understanding between the human and the animal.

Breathwork and Meditation: Breathing exercises and meditation are integral parts of equine yoga. These practices can be performed while riding, standing, or sitting with the horse, helping both the practitioner and the horse to relax and sync their energies.

Do I have to be a yoga teacher?

Nope! This training is for anyone that wants to learn more about Equine Yoga.

I'm new to yoga. Will this training still work for me?

Absolutely! This training is comprehensive and will cover what you need to know to practice yoga on horseback or with horses. You will have additional reading to guide you and will need to dig a little deeper into the curriculum to better understand the depth of the practice.

I have limited experience with horses. Will this training still work for me?

Also yes! We require an in-person two day internship for those that need more equine experience.

Will yoga conflict with my religion?

Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy and a way of living that actually compliments all traditional religious beliefs. Its first principle is “do no harm” and its ultimate principle is to surrender to something larger than yourself. YOU get to choose what you surrender to and that is where yoga aligns with your spiritual beliefs.

Does this hurt the horse?

NO. Our own herd loves horse yoga! Although energetically it is work for the herd (which IS work), it is very gentle physically when done correctly.

I don't have a horse, is this for me?

YES. If you are interested in digging deep into self growth and exploration and desire to learn more about yourself and the wonderful healing power of horses this can be for you. You can also take this learning and approach stables and other horse owners to continue your journey.

My horse is retired, will this be good for them?

YES! As long as your horse is good with human interaction, it is great for most horses ages 7 and up

I don’t want to teach and don’t have my 200 ytt but I still want to come to the in person training, is that possible?

Yes, absolutely. You can still sign up for the internship and in person training, just no certificate of completion or teaching would be issued unless you got your 200 YTT later on. There is no reduction in fees when not getting certified.

What does it mean “have limited horse experience”? How do I know if I need to attend the internship?

If you currently do not own or ride a horse (and riding at least once a week for at least one year) and are not at intermediate (or above) level of riding then the internship may be required.

You must be able to answer yes to the following questions to skip the internship requirement:

1. I have owned a horse for a least a year, ride at least once a week, and am intermediate (or above) level of riding OR I ride at a local stable at least once a week for at least a year and am at intermediate (or above) level of riding.

2. It has NOT been longer than 6 months since I have ridden at intermediate or above level.

3. I am knowledgeable and agree with natural horsemanship training methods.

Can I bring my own horse to the in person training?

We would love to be able to do this, however we are just not set up for this yet (not in insurance or in housing / corrals).We hope to be in the future.

If I sign up for the online portion only right now, but later want to do the in person level one training can I do that?

Yes absolutely! If you want to add in the level one training, just reach out to us at and we will get you set up!