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Basic Relaxation for the Equestian Self Hypnosis CD

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By , About.com Guide

The Bottom Line

I enjoyed listening to this CD and found it very relaxing, although I can not absolutely verify whether or not it contributed to my confidence on horseback. I think if you are have confidence issues, it may be worth a try.

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Very relaxing.
  • Not to long--only 20 minutes.
  • Affordable at 27.47 USD.

Cons

  • Didn't personally care for some of the wording.
  • A mp3 download option would be handy.

Description

  • Self hypnosis for the equestrian CD.
  • Easy to use and pleasant to listen to.
  • Twenty minutes of relaxation that may help boost your horseback riding confidence.

Guide Review - Basic Relaxation for the Equestian Self Hypnosis CD

Quite often when you hear the word 'hypnotist' it conjures up images of comedy club acts where people are 'hypnotized' to do silly and embarrassing things on stage. But hypnotism has a use other than entertainment. Hypnotism can be used to help change unwanted habits or increase confidence. And while some might be put off by the stage shows that make people look like they are not in control of themselves, quite the opposite is true when it's used in a legitimate therapeutic process. I have a fear of flying in airplanes and the professional I saw about the problem did use hypnosis as part of the therapy. I can't say I am completely over my fear, but I don't get the 'adrenal rush' just thinking about getting on a plane like I used to and once on the plane, I can make myself relax. I've also found self hypnosis CDs helpful for relaxing when I get a bit stressed.

And that leads me to the problem I had when trying to listen to this CD - I kept falling asleep during it. I finally had to make sure I was 'upright' and keeping my hands busy while it was playing to consciously hear everything all the way through. So I guess my first impression was yes, it did help to relax me! I don't get a lot of chances to ride horses other than my own, so whether it helped my confidence, I am not sure. I did ride a different horse in a lesson recently, and after realized I climbed on without a thought. But if the CD helped, I'm not sure

The one thing I didn't care for while listening was the use of the words like 'wonderful' and 'marvelous'. It was hard for me to put a feeling to these words as I wasn't sure what 'marvelous' was supposed to feel like. I think I would have found more concrete descriptions more useful. Also some of the tones in the music sounded like a cellphone ringtone a family member uses which I found a bit surprising until I got used to it! Near the end of the CD, the instructions are to go to sleep or wake up at the count of three. Because I had trouble sleeping one night, I listened to the CD and fell back asleep, surfacing just enough to remove my earbuds. At any other time, I readily wake at the count of three.

The Basic Relaxation for the Equestrian Self Hypnosis CD is just one of several hypnosis CDs produced by Laura King. King is a hypnotist who works with athletes and professionals to improve their performance. Her equestrian self hypnosis CDs address various disciples such as dressage and eventing as well as pleasure and beginner riders. Basic Relaxation for the Equestrian Self Hypnosis CD is about 20 minutes long, which makes a nice break in a busy day, and may help your performance on horseback.

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