W. Murdoch Weight Aids, but first!

[Jeanne]

I am getting a whole lot out of this issue's article by Wendy Murdoch titled
Weighing the Difference. But first! It has caused me to go poking around in the website's clinic notes section. I have come across one particular photograph of Ms. Murdoch assisting Mindy Bower with a back stretch.

Are either of these women available for comment? What is going on in that photo? How can I benefit from this? I am extremely flexible but am intrigued. Any time I can do more, I am willing to try.

Any help out there?

First time poster,
Jeanne

[kewpalace]

You can contact Wendy through her website:

http://murdochmethod.com/contact.stm

She also has additional articles and "Minutes" on her website which are really helpful. I met her in Feb. at the Equine Affaire in CA - she was VERY nice and helpful. Very approachable. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to contact her through her website!

[WendyM]

Hi Jeanne,
Actually the photo you refer to is about folding at the hip joints, which in this case, is a diagonal movement. Mindy is inclining to the left and folding at her hips. The idea eventually leading to her clarifying the closing and opening at the hip joints an not at the waist. Her back needs to remain flat (not folding at the waist) in order for the movement to be from the hips.

Freedom in the hips has a lot to do with how we organize the rest of our body especially in the saddle. It is critical to having a deep, soft seat.

I think you are going to find my article in the next issue of EH very interesting as it addresses this exact movement both off the horse, on the ball and on the horse.

Glad you asked. Hope this helps.
Wendy

[FrancaV]

I think you are going to find my article in the next issue of EH very interesting as it addresses this exact movement both off the horse, on the ball and on the horse.Very much looking forward to that, Wendy. I've been working hard on some physical issues (very tight hips and pelvis and a right psoas muscle that keeps tightening up) that I recently discovered have probably been getting in the way of a proper seat and effective riding for years. I've been going to therapeutic massage and a chiropractor and am starting to feel a difference. I know I have a ways to go because my body has been crooked for so long, but I'm feeling a bit less discouraged. I sit on a ball at the computer now instead of a chair which I think has been helpful, too.

Anyway, thanks so much for stopping in!

[WendyM]

Hi Franca,
Have you read the article I wrote for EH (can't remember what issue) on the Pelvic Clock? This is a great Feldenkrais lesson to improve mobility in the pelvis and hips. It is often taught lying on the floor, instead of sitting in a chair. That might be better for you to start off with.
You might consider getting some of the Feldenkrais audio CDs and do the lessons. I assign these as homework to my regular students. If they do the lessons it makes a huge difference to their riding. And unlike other forms of body work the Feldenkrais Method is about education so you learn what it is you are doing that makes you tighten these muscles and how you can change that habit.
There are Feldenkrais Practitioners around the country. You might have one in your area offering a group class. Go to www.feldenkrais.com and see if there is anyone near you.
Good luck!

[FrancaV]

Hi Wendy,

I don't think I've read that article but I have all back issues so I'll look it up - thanks! Every little bit helps....

The woman doing my therapeutic massage is also a rider and has taken some courses in Feldenkrais. It looks as though I'll be moving my horse to her place at the end of July and I'm hoping to start taking some lessons from her then. I think she'll be able to help me a bunch.