Finding Zen on Horseback: The I Liq Chuan Connection

A member’s Story by Neja Pastirica from Slovenia.

As I stood by the herd of horses, a sense of peace washed over me. It was as if the horse and I were connected on a deeper level. Through I Liq Chuan training, I developed a heightened awareness of my body and surroundings, which translated seamlessly into my interactions with horses. I was able to feel their subtle cues and respond with greater sensitivity, fostering a bond of trust. But as I reached out to stroke the horse’s coat, a sudden realization dawned upon me: What if the key to unlocking the full potential of both I Liq Chuan and horsemanship lay in the synergy between the two?

The first time I heard GM Sam F.S. Chin talk, I was moved. Finally there was somebody talking about nature, and I could feel the truth vibrating in my bones, though I honestly didn’t understand much. Eight years later I still see what a beginner I am in penetrating the depths of I Liq Chuan, but I know that much, that at that first meeting with Sifu, I felt a contact. It is like a vibration, a wisdom attained from direct knowing, that penetrates beyond the rational understanding us humans create through thinking and concepts. It’s a contact I know from horses, and it follows the way of the heart.

When I learned the principles of body mechanics in I Liq Chuan, I was truly amazed at how similar they are to horse riding. It’s about balance through a center-to-center connection, paying attention to constant change, and maintaining flow. You can’t control a 500-kilogram (1000-pound) animal with force; instead, you must merge with its powerful body. So what remains constant on this ever-evolving path that helps me with my work with horses and riding? It’s a here-and-now approach that I Liq Chuan shares.

One of the most important things for me is the philosophy and concept of how to pay attention and develop listening skills. It’s a practice of mindfulness, the essential tool for understanding myself and the horse. For horses, not being mindful is like not being present. It’s as if they don’t truly see you, so why would they want to be with you? I learned that if I want to be present and make direct contact, whether in I Liq Chuan or with the horse, my mental approach should not be to achieve something or make the horse do something, but to cultivate stillness. Then, horses become interested.

With more practice I realized that from stillness comes clarity, but I have to learn to be quiet first, what in general us humans don’t do very well. Not only with our words, but more important – with our minds and bodies. For horses, when we enter their space, our bodies feel like we are in constant chatter, communicating nonsense, so why would they listen to us? Horses’ primal language is body language, so they stop listening because they sense that we are unclear of our direction and what we want. But how to be clear and how to know (what to say), if my initial contact with them in the first place should not have the intention of achieving anything?

I Liq Chuan provided the answer to this question. We must be fully present in the moment, cultivating a deep awareness of our surroundings and our own being. This involves balancing through a harmonious connection with the present. In a herd of horses, leaders must know how to make the right decisions, which means they must be able to align themselves with the natural flow of the environment and respond swiftly to changing circumstances.

For example, when there is danger, horses connect instantly with each other and react swiftly to move together as one. When we aspire to take on the role of the leader, the most important thing for horses to perceive is our ability to provide a sense of security. This means we must maintain a state of balance and not let ourselves be swept away by thoughts and emotions.  We have to be able to consciously respond through stillness and clarity. When the horse recognizes this quality within us, they are able to relax, connect, and form a deep bond with us. This connection is built upon mutual trust and understanding, fostered through a shared experience of presence and harmony.

When riding a horse, relaxation and proper body alignment are essential for developing a harmonious partnership. Riding is not a natural activity for horses, so we must work to achieve balance together. Learning from I Liq Chuan practice, I understand the importance of focusing on myself first, never losing my center, and creating the proper conditions for the ideal outcomes through my own balance. Horses recognize this as our strength, and with the right intention, we can help them develop their strength and balance. To assist a horse in finding balance, I must maintain my own balance and merge with the horse, connecting to its center, legs, and the ground.

With the practice of I Liq Chuan, I learned how to practice on the ground to become more self-aware while riding a horse. I practice relaxation and balance within my body, not using force, but instead focusing on developing suppleness and elasticity. Being mindful of the absorbing and projecting energy in which the horse generates constantly. 

In addition, I noticed that by following the biomechanics of I Liq Chuan and balancing the energies of yin and yang through condensing and expanding, I can support the horse in unifying its body and using its strength to carry itself with greater balance and more momentum. The system that Sifu developed is so profound that it fits perfectly, and I’ve never found a better explanation of how to develop power in such a light and efficient way.

Through the Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan approach, we learn to cultivate stillness, focus, and self-awareness. These qualities are not only essential for building a harmonious relationship with a horse but can also be applied to all aspects of our lives. Whether we’re dealing with stress, conflict, or simply trying to find inner peace, the principles of Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan can provide valuable guidance. 

Above all, Sifu teaches us that the primary purpose of learning the “martial” art is not to fight, but to live a fulfilling life and navigate challenges with grace. Through right intention, mindfulness, and practice, we can evolve into better human beings, constantly striving for balance in our relationships with others and the environment. I believe that horses teach us this as well, and that it’s a valuable lesson we must cultivate through our own efforts. Without GM Sam Chin, my path would not be so clear, and I’ve learned from him what it means to be a true teacher and how I can become a responsible caretaker of such a noble and powerful animal as a horse.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have encountered this profound and transformative art!