ew forms of exercise or cross-training are better suited for equestrians than Tai Chi and its companions, Qi Gong and Laingong. These ancient forms of Chinese arts, with their emphases on subtle, precise and almost invisible movements, are more like dance than defense. Balance, coordination, strong supple muscles and mental focus are the key elements in Tai Chi. Based in Chinese Sports medicine, Laing Gong is a set of therapeutic exercises for preventing and healing physical ailments. Qi Gong exercises are designed to align and promote internal energies. Tai Chi is very much a whole-person discipline. It requires harmony between body, mind and emotions to keep focus and energy flowing. That's why it is called an internal art. Equestrians who use Tai Chi are able to identify and correct structural misalignments and unnecessary use of force that distract or impel the horse's ability to carry out movements.