| a) | proper alignments: |
| i) | width = feet slightly wider than shoulders |
| ii) | depth = toe/toe - heel/heel |
| iii) | height = bend of knees such that shins are vertical |
b) proper rotation:
| i) | feet = directly forward or pointing slightly inward |
| ii) | body = directly forward |
| c) | proper weight distribution: |
| i) | 50% / 50% between feet |
| ii) | weight pressed to the outer edges of feet |
| d) | proper positioning: |
| i) | hands positioned at chest to chin level |
| ii) | back vertical |
Comments
| i) | Common errors: |
| 1) | not having the toes point directly ahead (or slightly inward) |
| 2) | not bending the knees properly |
| 3) | not having both elbows point downward at a 45 degree angle |
| 4) | not keeping the back up straight |
| ii) | If one wishes to delay before the execution of the form, the Meditating Horse can be used for this purpose. It is common practice to indicate a delay by closing one's eyes and/or bow the head (but this is not a requirement). |
Example of proper Meditating Horse
Example of proper Meditating Horse
Example of improper foot rotation (both - not pointing directly forward or slightly inward) for Horse
Example improper rotation of one foot (left - not pointing directly forward or slightly inward) for Horse
Example improper rotation of one foot (right - not pointing directly forward or slightly inward) for Horse
Example of improper depth alignment (toe-toe / heel - heel) for Horse
Example of improper width alignment (well beyond shoulder width / too wide) for Horse
Example of improper width (narrower than shoulder width / too narrow) for Horse