Spending time with animals can be relaxing and yogic in nature, but when you are participating in the sport of horse riding, there are myriad physical and emotional issues that can arise. In this episode, Kristen Kolenda joins us to share how she uses yoga to help equestrians find balance, grounding, and focus; and she shares how she markets to her niche by tailoring the practices. Kristen, is a yoga therapist who has a background in equestrian studies, and she marries those two passions to help horse riders.  She works with them to improve their biomechanics, riding performance, rider horse connection; and manage chronic pain and more. Topics: -Kristen’s introduction to yoga -How emotional mirroring occurs between us and our animals -Why digging into her past and present experiences helped her find that niche -The parallels between yoga and horseback riding and care -Special issues that equestrians face -Yoga tools Kristen uses to help people work through fear -Kristen shares her favorite breath work practice -How she finds and markets to her niche -Transferring the yoga from the mat to the horse -The contradiction between being on the horse and being grounded -Her tools for fostering focus and concentration -Muscle imbalances and lack of symmetry  -The benefit of group classes for people who practice the same sport -Kristen shares her rider training scale that mirrors the chakras and koshas -How she helps riders address their stress and reconnect to the joy of riding  Thanks for tuning in to our podcast.  Please take a moment to leave an Apple review and share your favorite episode! Connect with Kristen: ttps://www.kristenkolendayoga.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOC7XpEQQdYMfnvWu7eXFpA https://www.instagram.com/kristenkolendayoga/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/KristenKoYoga Connect with Pamela: www.instagram.com/interoceptiveperformance https://interoceptiveperformance.vipmembervault.com Email: [email protected] Clubhouse and Greenroom:  @pamelacrane   Music:  The State of Things (The Bouncy Song) by Rena Wren is used with permission.   www.renawren.com