Why Aikido is Like Riding Horses

Jeanne Shepard (Puget Sound Aikikai)
jeanne_shepard@hotmail.com

Several essays have been published on why Aikido is like this or that discipline (e.g. chess, dancing, etc.). It occurred to me some time ago that a similar parallel could be drawn to horseback riding.

But how are training partners like horses? First, the physical resemblance of some of my training partners to horses is undeniable. They snort, smell, and grunt like horses. Several are as BIG as horses. And they all sweat like horses! Sometimes when I have lost my focus on training, I amuse myself by imagining what my partner would look like if (s)he was a horse. One older gentleman I train with reminds me of a creaky, grey gelding I used to ride. I expect a bumpy ride from this old fellow. He probably uses the same anti-inflammatory medication we used to give the horse. As to his being a gelding, I can only guess. I approach him carefully, so as not to work him too hard.

And another example: I bow into a feisty red-haired Shodan. I am immediately reminded of "Sparkle," a high-strung sorrel mare. She was a dream to ride, unless you were too heavy with your hands and heels. Then she'd kick your butt. So, with the Shodan, I think, "sensitive, light hands." But she slams me into the mat, anyway. At least I know why. Hands too heavy. Better luck next time. Or I bow into a tall good natured guy with a reputation for being kind and gentle. I flashback to "Scooter", a big-boned thoroughbred, with long legs and an easy temperament. "Scooter's" long legs gave him what we in the riding world call "suspension;" that is, long, bouncy strides that throw the rider up in the air. My "Scooter" aikido partner throws me high above the mat, but in a good-natured way. It's just his natural suspension at work.

Finally, I bow into a short person with an attitude problem. I see a tense, "don't mess with me" expression, and I'm reminded of "Pixie," a Shetland pony with the temperament of a ravenous yellow jacket. It is well known in the horse world that ponies hate people and that is why adults won't go near them. That, and size, of course. I approach him cautiously. Firm attack, but I am ready to bail. And a good thing too, because "Pixie" ignores the technique and decides to do something else. And stomps on my foot, once I'm down, which is exactly what a real pony would do.

So, to sum up, Aikido is a lot like horseback riding. There are many sweaty, smelly animals running around, throwing people, and everyone ends tired and sore, but exhilarated. The main difference is that Aikidoka won't eat hay. You need to take your partner out for pizza and a beer, at least once in a while.