Applicants sign in through the American Goshin Budo Kai martial arts school. Applicants must learn, or make an attempt to learn, the sitting forms of Iaido. This will greatly assist the rider with posture and proper technique.
The Breezy Meadows program is different than the therapeutic riding. Our program is based on the CHI/KI energy concept. This program has been developed by a 39 year martial artist.
In 1974 I was exposed to Iaido (the drawing and returning of the sword). The postures and exercises were more than met the eye. The hidden effects were tremendous. The hidden elements are part of Ju Jitsu, Karate-do, and Kobudo (weapons). After about 25 years I found these arts were not separate in any form. Seeing, feeling, and practicing made each come together as one.
I grew up on a farm, too small to work a mule in the field, but learned to ride, feed, and provide basic care for them. After the last mule retired in 1966, I purchased another small mule in 1979. From then until present I have been taking care of all aspects of horses, ponies, and mules. From hosting rodeos, gaming shows, and hosting school field days for parents and children. I also teach riding for autistic children.
These years taught me about the Iaido postures that were taught to the Samarai Warrior (soldier). Some postures and kata (forms) were executed from the horse's back (mounted), and could be practiced in the school (dojo). It was these postures from the horse's back, when the horse walks, that excites the energy system of the body. Even if the energy didn't exist, the exercise learned from the Iaido practice is a new concept in therapeutic riding. Even though the Iaido (Iai jitsu) is a very old system, in it's practical time, it helped with stress, focus (physically and mentally), and whether you were mounted or a foot soldier, it always had an exercise program for "expanding" basics. It can be practical with or without the sword. It always, and still does create health for the body, mind, and spirit. It also creates group participation, that encourages people to help each other.
Butch Velez
There is a large population of children and adults with physical and mental challenges that need this type of program. I am working to make this program "FREE" for the physically and mentally challenged and their family. This will encourage family participation because of the training and interaction with the horse. Everyone will have an individualized, progressive program to learn and expand on.
Call or Email for more information, or to be placed on our waiting list.
(910) 554-4900, or Email Breezy Meadows.