T'ai Chi Presents a Paradigm Shift for the Dressage Rider By Laura Shunk

Tai Chi for Equestrians By Kay Kamish

Lessons in Breathing By Debbie La-Haye

“I want you to know about something amazing that happened in the morning during the ground exercises. We were working on moving the hips over and when Ipulled back with my left arm, it really HURT! So, like the intelligent female that I am, I did it again, just to see if it would hurt the second time. It did, but not as much. I did the move several more times until I was comfortable with it. And here s what had happened. I had a lumpectomy 10YEARS ago. The surgery left me with a couple of major skin adhesions on my chest wall. That Tai Chi move pulled them all out! No wonder it hurt! I was seriously considering having surgery to loosen them up--one clinic did the trick. Thanks!”                                                                                                                                                                      Kay & Fancy, Michigan

“After my last clinic with James I vowed to myself to be more diligent in the ground work. Since I began faithfully practicing the Laing Gong exercises I have felt stronger, more in balance, more connected. I had been doing the exercises twice daily for about two weeks when my long time yoga instructor commented on my improved balance. Just a few days later, I visited my licensed acupuncturist, whom I ve seen for several years. Her comments: I was surprised and gratified to notice that Pam had marketly softer muscle tissue in her back and seemed taller after practicing Laing Gong exercises. Laing Gong has replaced the back exersices which were presecribed for me by a physical therapist over five years ago. My back feels stronger and more pain free than it has in years?”
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Pam, Colorado

“I enjoyed your clinic in Fountain, CO immensely. When I went to my next lesson my coach said I looked better than she d ever seen me, much more relaxed, composed and in sync with my horse. I showed her several things that we worked on and she expounded on them. She wants to investigate the breathing further, so you might hear from her. She studied with Klaus Balkenhol in Germany for over three years. Again, thanks for coming to Colorado.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Brenda, CO

“I was recently at your clinic in Massachucetts. I was the lady who had taken some kung fu and tai chi and you helped me get corrected. Words cannot express how exciting it is that I can walk up the Vermont hills and not loose my breath or be in pain. I have a lot of scar tissue in my lungs and had lyme disease and scarlet fever. This tool is already cutting my use of pain killers down to nill. I do not come across as someone with chronic pain or problems with health, and I did not tell you this at the clinic. I wanted to ask about specific work for asthma, but I realized that the heart gate was probably the ticket. I did not even suspect this stuff would reduce pain!! For the first time, I am feeling like I could stop being an adverary with my body, and am believing I could find better health. Please understand that I have tried most holistic and allopathic cures and was giving up on the idea that I could feel better. I am grate ful for what you shared with me. This work with the gates is amazing and continues to grow. Thanks again!!”
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Sharon, MA

“ I have ridden with countless clinicians. The tools that I have acquired from working with James Shaw have proven to be the best return on my investment as a rider and instructor. The Tai Chi principals combined with James’ comprehensive teaching style has proven to be the most valuable instruction that I‘ve ever experienced.”
                                                                                                             Susie Hoffman Peacock, Grand Prix level competitor and USDF Certified Instructor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            CA, USA

“James Shaw is a Tai Chi instructor who gives clinics applying this 4000 year old healing and martial art to riding. James helps riders turn hardness in softness and force into partnered harmony. . . . . We are truly fortunate to have an instructor with James’ incredible eye, knowledge and heart available to us.”
                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr. Susan Connors, DCM, May 2006
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            WA, USA

“ . . .So for the first time in my riding history I am able to really sit the trot and sit transitions with muscular relaxation and breathing which of course allows me to stay with the movement of my horse and keeps her back and mind relaxed.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Sara Cuenin, Phoenix
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             AZ, USA

“ After my last clinic with James I vowed to myself to be more diligent in the ground work. Since I began faithfully practicing the Laing Gong exercises I have felt stronger, more in balance, more connected.” “ Laing Gong has replaced the back exercises which were prescribed for me by a physical therapist over five years ago. My back feels stronger and more pain free than it has in years.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Pam Marks, July 2006
                                                                                                                                                                                               Steamboat Springs, Colorado

“Working with James has opened doors for me that I never thought were even possible. “I have been working with James for the last few years now and my seat has improved tremendously since then. I always strongly believe that less is more and James has given me the tools to achieve this goal in riding.” “I feel it is a tremendous gift that horses allow us to ride them and therefore I think we have the obligation to make this experience as pleasant for them as possible. James teachings have helped, and continue to help me to honor this obligation to the best of my abilities.”
                                                          Ute Miethe, LMT/LAMT NCTMB, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist February 2006, Yelm, Washington Clinic

"I recently attended James's clinic at Shuttleworth, Beds. My horse, Oz and me thorouhghly enjoyed ourselves and got so much from it. James was brilliant and I am looking forward to practising the new techniques."

Ruth Ellison
Biggleswade, Beds    UK

"I had NO expectations that my riding today would be any different. Although the moment I hit the saddle today I felt different, and a friend visually confirmed what I was feeling. I had very profound results - from breathing during my 2-hour roadtrip last night, plus lying in the bed last night and this morning.

I climbed on a client's horse this morning and very naturally went into a comfortable, balanced upper body position. My typical position leans toward the rounded-shoulder cowboy slump or the opposite, leaning-back position, but rarely that perfect center. I've been using various visualizations and techniques to find my place, but haven't relieved the upper back tension. Today, there was no upper body tension for my whole ride, and the first 10 minutes were actually quite beautiful.

I look forward to viewing your video, cus I want to find the same miracle results with my lower body.

Thank you."

Sue

"Just wanted to thank you for giving the clinic at Kay Kamish's in Oklahoma. Although I was able to attend for only one day, I came away from the unmounted session with another level of awareness of my body, and a greater appreciation for what my horse experiences on the other end of the reins.

In two of the exercises involving the humerus/shoulder joint, I found that these movements allowed me to go out of a comfort zone. Over the years, I had developed a reluctance to do any movement over my head because the left shoulder is unstable (separation accident) and the right "matched" it last Nov with a SLAP tear. Later on Saturday after attending the clinic, to my amazement, I felt increased mobility and noticed the snapping and popping was gone! I have done the exercises every morning since and am pleased to say that there is no more snapping and popping in the joints. My horse seems much happier, too. She is moving much more freely and I feel more balanced.

So again, thank you. I will definately attend another clinic!"

Julie Williams

"I wanted to thank you for the clinic this past weekend at Kay's. Not only did I have a fabulous time, but also felt that I walked away with something so valuable, that words can't explain. I have seen tremendous results this past week with my body, that in no way, I would have dared imagine.

We had talked about the heart gate opening, well it did 2 days later with a big "POP". So loud, my husband heard it across the room. Also, I have had a greater sense of awareness around me. The world seems a little brighter. The best part has been my breathing and my lumbar has opened in ways I would not have expected and I no longer feel a dull pain when I walk. The past couple of months I have been under a tremendous amount of stress that was beginning to take over my life. I was on the verge of seeking counceling for the stress and anxiety I have had in the past couple of months. I know this has transferred to my horse, and I probably would not have been on her this past weekend, if it hadn't been for that first clinic at Kay's. I guess all in all, what I am trying to say, is that I truly believe you are a healer of great proportions. You have given me a gift that I can not thank you enough for. I am now faithfully doing all the exercises in the booklet, as well as the ones I am able to remember from the clinic, everyday. My father is very excited about starting the exercises, which we will begin over Thanksgiving, when I am able to show him how. Jamie, you have helped my life be a little bit better day by day.
Please continue to keep up the good work, and can we clone you or convince you to move to Oklahoma?
Thank you so much!"

Christina Harmon

"The wisdom and dedication that is demonstrated by James Shaw will help one's awareness of the body in whatever task you choose to get accomplished. Thank you. You have helped me and in doing so, my patients as well."

DR. PAUL CARLSON, Chiropractor and Student
Long Beach, CA

"As a trainer and coach, I find riders are constantly in search of ways to be at the top of the equestrian sport. James, a dedicated Tai Chi Instructor, offers these athletes valuable training techniques of body control and focus."

BETSY STEINER, Competitive Rider, Trainer and Coach
1990 U.S. team member World Equestrian Games

"I have been taking classes with James Shaw for almost three years. In that time, my entire concept of the art of riding has totally changed. Through the practice of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, James gifts his students with his teachings of inner balance. He teaches us how to use energy and the economy of motion of martial art, in relation to the horse. James' work is amazing and this dedication to, and love for, what he brings becomes a joyful series of "enlightenment's" for his students."

DIAN DUNSAY, Rider and Student
Los Angeles, CA

"Thank you so much for the 'Tai Chi for the Equestrian' clinic in Marin. I did have dramatic results that same day. I've noticed a continued relaxed and calm oneness with my horse since the clinic. My jumping instructors noticed that I was riding much better (better grounded). I went to my first Hunter Show this last week and have never been so calm and relaxed to really enjoy the show."

KAREN BERKE, Rider and Clinic Participant
Davis, CA