Parting the Wild Horse's Mane

A seated tai chi move: from Holding the Ball, sweep one hand up and out as the other presses down. 3 times each side.

05 / 08Seated figure with one arm sweeping up and out and the other low by the hip
The dark figure shows the position; orange dotted arrows show which way to move. Front-view pictures work like a mirror: copy them as if they were your reflection.

How to do it

  1. Start in Holding the Ball with your left hand on top and your right hand below.
  2. Turn slightly to the right.
  3. Sweep your right hand up and out to the side, palm up, as your left hand presses down by your hip.
  4. Return to Holding the Ball and repeat on the other side.

How many 3 times each side

Gentler version

Make smaller sweeps.

Who should skip this or take care

Move only in a comfortable range, and stop if anything hurts.

Read the safety check if you have a heart, bone or joint condition.

Common mistake

Swinging the arm. Let the turn of the chest carry it.

In the Steady Seat printable plans this move is called Parting the Horse's Mane.

The chair tai chi chart

  1. 01Opening4 times
  2. 02Lifting the Sky4 times
  3. 03Holding the Ball3 breaths each way
  4. 04Cloud Hands6 slow turns
  5. 05Parting the Wild Horse's Mane3 times each side
  6. 06Brush Knee3 times each side
  7. 07Push4 times
  8. 08ClosingOnce

More for flowing tai chi

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