Strides for Success

Author: Lorna Leeson

  • Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian?

    Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian?

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1307_Who_Are_You_Following_in_2024.mp3″ title=”Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    Right now, more than ever before, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to who we can learn from in our riding and horsemanship training. The internet allows us to follow other equestrians from all walks of life, disciplines, and methods. And, for the most part, it is fantastic!

    However, the internet can also create the possibility that the equestrians you see daily in your feed while you scroll might not be the best ‘fit’ for you and your present situation…

    Because that method or that particular person is ‘popular’ with the algorithm, it is easy to become influenced by techniques, experiences, or people who may not be in the same geographical location or share similar values and resources as you.  And this matters.

    The trouble starts when you begin to see yourself or your horse as ‘less than’ or ‘a failure’ because you cannot replicate what you see online.  But in truth, this is often because that particular method, technique, or person was never suited to you and your specific situation, to begin with… 

    As we hack on into 2024, the equestrian community is more connected than ever, with millions of trainers and fellow riders sharing their insights, techniques, and experiences online. However, I believe that there is one often ignored question for novice equestrians that needs to be answered… “Who will you follow in 2024?”

    The Pitfalls of Distance and Divergence

    The challenges of choosing the right mentors and navigating the diverse equestrian landscape can be daunting. The sheer amount of available information and the variety of trainers accessible through online platforms is mind-boggling! And while the internet has undoubtedly helped to level the playing field when it comes to equestrian education, it has also created a conundrum for riders seeking guidance.

    Trainers and equestrians from various corners of the globe offer insights that may not necessarily align with your local practices, available resources, or what’s possible based on weather, age, horse, training, facilities, etc.

    Imagine following a trainer whose methods or training plans work in a climate drastically different from your own…  Or an equestrian who has unlimited access to facilities or resources that you lack! The geographic and resource differences can create confusion and frustration for riders attempting to turn advice into practical training for themselves and their horse.

    Values Matter…

    Moving past just resources, I think it is so important for you, as an equestrian, to intentionally align with the values and principles of your chosen mentors. I think it’s fair to say that methods, techniques, beliefs, and training philosophies can vary significantly from person to person.

    Following a trainer or equestrian whose values do not align with your own can lead to internal conflicts, which often causes riders to lose confidence in themselves.  And this, of course, has a knock on effect on the horse as well. 

    For instance, if your values prioritize your horse’s welfare and a strong partnership with your horse over all else, then following a trainer focused solely on competition success probably won’t make for the happiest of outcomes!  Similarly, if you are a rider who aspires to compete at the highest levels, well you will probably find it frustrating if you are following a trainer who emphasizes a more laid-back approach to horsemanship and riding!

    Age Related Considerations…

    One of the things I love about horses and riding is that there’s something for everyone.  Regardless of age or physical abilities.  However, I also think it would be a little fool-hardy not to at least be aware of age-related risks, and how they can manifest in various forms when working with horses.  Age can and often does impact both the physical and the mental aspects of riding.

    Go into 2024 being mindful of the potential consequences of following advice or methods that do not consider age-specific challenges…

    For younger riders, the temptation may be there to push boundaries where progress is concerned. This can lead to injuries, overtraining, or burnout. This is often why so many horses and riders have ‘gaps’ in their basic training.  The goal is to get to the ‘fancy’ stuff as soon as possible!

    On the other hand, mature riders may face unique physical limitations that require a more measured and tailored approach to training. And these same riders often have more responsibilities and commitments that need to be addressed when creating a training plan. Following a trainer or rider who does not consider these age-related nuances can result in more injuries, and hindered progress.

    Feeling ‘Stuck’ in Your Riding

    One of the greatest consequences of following the wrong person, advice, or method is the impact on your overall confidence. We know that horse riding is as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one.  Mindset makes all the difference when it comes to both riding and training horses.

    When novice riders follow advice that does not resonate with their instincts or align with their goals, a loss of confidence will often follow suit

    The danger lies not only in the potential for a decline in skill, which will put both horse and rider backward on their progress journey.  But also in the almost paralysis that can accompany misalignment. Riders can find themselves “stuck” in their training, unable to progress due to conflicting guidance or a loss of belief in their abilities.

    Recognizing the signs of misalignment and having the courage to reassess and redirect your horse riding journey is crucial as an equestrian.  Suppleness is both mental and physical!

    Who Will You Follow in 2024?

    So as we prepare to step into the new year, or whenever you are listening to or reading this, start asking yourself this question.  Who or what is showing up regularly in your life?  By gaining clarity over your values, your goals, and what you enjoy as a rider, you can begin to create a bank of equestrians who will positively influence you and your horse while on your journey together.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Similar Topics:-

    Get Going in Your Riding:-

    Daily Strides Premium is back! The first and original audio horse riding lessons you can use to improve your riding, train your horse, keep things interesting, have fun… Even if you don’t have a trainer or coach

    Start today:- https://stridesforsuccess.com/dsp

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Question:- Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination

    Question:- Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1306_Question_Is_there_Any_Hope_for_a_Green_Horse_and_Green_Rider_Combination.mp3″ title=”Question:- Advice for a Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    On the face of it, pairing a young horse and a beginner rider can seem like a great idea.  Both get to learn and grow together.  However, this is not a partnership I would intentionally advise anyone to get into.  When you have both horse and rider in the same boat, lacking knowledge and experience, it can create some ‘interesting’ detours on the training journey!

    I received an email from a listener of the Daily Strides Podcast asking for advice about this exact situation. 4-year-old gelding and a beginner/novice rider.  I do think that every situation is different and, in this particular case, I feel that this can work – if the right approach is taken.

    One of the biggest challenges riders come up against in this situation is loss of confidence.  This is in themselves, their abilities, and in their horse as well

    In this episode, I give my opinion on what to do in this particular situation.  This rider is fortunate to have a trainer that they work with and this plays a big role in how I answered this question for this particular rider.  However, if you find yourself as a beginner rider and working with a young or green horse, I do hope that you will find a nugget or two in this episode to help you as well.

    Get Your Question Answered

    All horse and rider partnerships are unique.  It is important to keep that in mind when seeking advice or following advice that is not tailor-made for you and your situation.  If you have a question about your riding or your horse’s training, send me an email, lorna [at] stridesforsucess [dot] com.  And I will answer your question here on the Daily Strides Podcast as well.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other Resources to Help:-

  • Transform Your Horses Training with Ground Poles

    Transform Your Horses Training with Ground Poles

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1305_Why_Groundpoles_Will_Transform_Your_Horses_Training.mp3″ title=”How Groundpoles Can Transform Your Horses Training” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]
    As riders, we know that training a horse involves a delicate balance of communication, trust-building, and physical conditioning. And, over the years, I have become more and more convinced of the power of simple ground pole exercises to help horses and riders.
    Whether they are ‘fancy’ poles or just straight-ish poles found in a forest or woods, these unassuming wooden bars can play a pivotal role in enhancing a horse’s agility, balance, and overall performance.
    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, we’ll explore the reasons why ground poles are so important, maybe even indispensable when you are working with and training your horse.

     1. Enhancing Coordination and Balance:

    Training with ground poles is a fantastic way to improve your horse’s coordination and balance. And whether you are asking your horse to walk, trot, or canter over the poles, the fact that he must carefully lift his legs and navigate the spaces between them is all the time asking different questions of your horse.
    Having to consistently become more aware of his body and how he is using it while working over or through the poles, results in improved balance and coordination.
    This is particularly crucial for young or inexperienced horses developing their motor skills.  But equally as beneficial for older or more developed horses to help them develop further.

     2. Developing Your Horse’s Core Strength

    Did you know that just the simple act of lifting each leg over the ground pole requires your horse to engage his core muscles? This engagement strengthens your horse’s abdominal and back muscles.  This is the very thing we want to happen to begin developing more ‘lightness’ when riding and working together.
    This ability to engage is also essential for maintaining balance and executing precise movements later in his training.
    And, as you probably know, a well-developed core not only contributes to a horse’s physical health but also translates into enhanced athletic performance.  Something that, as the rider and trainer, you are most likely trying to achieve with your horse already.

     3. Encouraging Adjustability in Stride Length

    While this can be a little more advanced in terms of training levels, keep in mind that ground poles can be strategically placed to encourage your horse to adjust his stride length. And having this level of adjustability becomes really important if you are working towards or competing in disciplines like show jumping or dressage.  In both cases, being able to predict and adjust stride length is crucial.
    When you build regular ground pole exercises into your training program, you will begin to improve your horse’s flexibility and adaptability.
    And this is useful no matter what your goals are for your partnership together.  Even on the trail, being able to successfully adjust your horse’s length of stride makes the ride safer for both of you.

     4. Developing the Gaits:

    What does improving the rhythm look like?  Really it means being able to ‘define’ the rhythm more.  Ground poles are a great tool to help you begin to do this with your horse. When placed at intervals, they encourage a consistent and rhythmic pace.
    This consistency not only contributes to your horse’s physical well-being but also helps you to develop more feel when it comes to riding each of the gaits as well.
    Smooth, controlled gaits not only look better but are also essential when it comes to developing and training your horse.

     5. Boosting Confidence and Trust:

    Confidence is important.  For horse and rider.  When you begin to thoughtfully and creatively introduce your horse to ground poles, it really can help with developing his confidence.  Confidence in you as his rider and trainer, and confidence in himself and his own abilities.
    As your horse successfully navigates the poles, he will begin to feel more confident with these ‘wins’.  He also will be more willing to answer future ‘questions’ from you as you progress in your training together.
    I really do believe that confidence is a key factor in a horse’s willingness to tackle new challenges.  It is so often overlooked.  But without it, your horse will struggle to overcome obstacles both on the ground and under the saddle.  Use ground poles to help him begin to believe that he can do all of the things you ask of him!

     6a. Variety in Training:

    Ohhh, this one is a biggie.  Ground poles are so versatile and can be adapted to almost all training levels, skills, and development.  This is also true for all disciplines.  Keep in mind that you don’t just have to over them.  You can also go through them.
    For novice riders and horses, simple patterns and straight lines can be used to introduce the poles gradually. As your horse progresses, you can begin to become more imaginative with your layouts and designs! 
    More complex arrangements, such as grids and cavaletti exercises, can be incorporated to challenge and refine both of your skills.  To ask ‘bigger’ questions. This adaptability makes ground poles one of the most important tools in your toolbox.

     6b. Preventing Boredom and Monotony:

    Keeping things fun and fresh can be a challenge for so many riders.  Especially when working alone without a trainer or coach.  And your horse, just like any other athlete, can become bored or disengaged with a monotonous training routine.
    Ground poles provide a simple, effective, and often fun way of changing things up for both of you.  Mentally and physically.
    When you introduce new challenges to your training, it helps to keep your horse simulated and engaged, making the training process more enjoyable for both of you.

    Training With Groundpoles

    Whatever your goals are for you and your horse, ground poles are a great tool to introduce to your training with your horse.  And whether you plan on using them for building strength, refining gaits, or instilling confidence, ground poles will become an essential part of your training program.
    And again, they don’t have to be fancy… A few cut poles from a nearby forestry are perfect to get started with.
    Experiment with lengths and thickness as well.  Different poles ask different questions, so use what you can and see where it takes you and your horse this week.
    Happy Riding
    Lorna
    I’ve got a free Groundpole Exercise HERE for you to use with your horse this week… Enjoy!

    Resources to Help

    Get Help in Your Riding

  • Question:- How to Stop Gripping with My Knees in the Canter!

    Question:- How to Stop Gripping with My Knees in the Canter!

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1304_Question_My_Heels_Come_Up_and_I_Grip_with_My_Knees_in_the_Canter.mp3″ title=”Question:- How Do I Stop Gripping with My Knees in the Canter?” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    The canter. It is often so wonderful – until it’s not! And for this particular listener of the Daily Strides Podcast, the whole experience is being ruined by her knees.  Specifically gripping with her knees in the canter.  This can be a challenge for many riders, so today, I want to address it here in this episode of the podcast.

    Gripping with My Knees in the Canter

    This particular rider also shared that, along with gripping with her knees, she is having challenges with keeping her heels down in the canter as well.  And I think that this is pretty par for the course. In fact, I think that the heels are a symptom of the knees…

    But I also think that gripping with the knees is actually a symptom of something else going on with her position in the canter. 

    In this episode, I cover how this rider (and you if you’re also struggling with this challenge) can begin to ‘undo’ these habits by making a couple of strategic tweaks to both position and posture.  There are exercises to practice to transition into the canter and some for riding the canter itself as well.

    Get Your Question Answered

    I do hope that this will help any riders out there struggling gripping with your knees in the canter.  And keeping your heels down in the canter as well. If you have a question about your riding or your horse’s training, you can send me an email, lorna [at] stridesforsucess [dot] com.  And I will answer your question here on the Daily Strides Podcast as well.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other Resources to Help:-

  • Question:- Why Can’t I Maintain the Canter?

    Question:- Why Can’t I Maintain the Canter?

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1303_Question_Why_Cant_I_Maintain_the_Canter.mp3″ title=”Question:- Why Can’t I Maintain the Canter?” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    It’s all well and good being able to get into the canter; but what happens if you can’t maintain the canter?!  This is the challenge that one of the listeners to the Daily Strides Podcast is having with her horse. And she’s not alone!  I received this same question from a few riders.

    So in this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I want to dive into what riders can do to help them stay in the canter for longer when riding their horses.

    Why Can’t I Maintain the Canter?

    I do feel that there are a few possible reasons for this happening in your riding.  I am also answering this question knowing that the rider is not having challenges with getting into the canter.  And is also able to maintain her posture, position, and seat while riding the canter. I do feel that if either of the above two scenarios are happening, my answer will be a little different…

    So, my advice for this particular rider is the following:-

    1. Are you holding on with your reins?
    2. Are you blocking the flow of energy with your seat?
    3. Is your horse lacking forwardness?
    4. Does your saddle fit correctly?

    I go into detail on each of these questions in the podcast episode, so make sure you give it a listen if you are struggling with this issue.

    Get Your Question Answered

    I do hope that this will help any riders out there struggling to maintain the canter when in the saddle.  I will pop a few extra resources in the links below. And if you have a question about your riding or your horse’s training, you can send me an email, lorna [at] stridesforsucess [dot] com.  And I will answer your question here on the Daily Strides Podcast as well.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Resources to Help

  • Question:- My Horse is Too ‘Spicy’; Help!

    Question:- My Horse is Too ‘Spicy’; Help!

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1302_Question_My_Horse_is_too_Spicy_Help.mp3″ title=”Help! My Horse is Too Spicy!!” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    What a great way to describe a horse!  As I read this rider’s email and plea for help, I could almost picture what was going on for them when working together. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I answer a listener’s question:- My horse is too spicy; please help! I feel that many riders may be struggling with this particular issue, so let’s dive into it.

    My Horse Is Too Spicy

    In this particular situation, the horse is bucking, a lot! And this is both on the lunge, and while being ridden.  The bucks are showing up in walk, trot, and canter. And, working alone with her horse, this rider is beginning to doubt her ability to really cope with this in the long run.

    So, what can you do when you’re faced with trying to work with a horse who, for whatever reason, is coming to the conversation with too much energy?

     1. Call in the Professionals

    My first thought was to make sure the horse is happy and healthy.  This particular rider assured me that the horse is not ‘sore’ and that everything fits.  But I think that often there are things that can be picked up on by a professional (because they have spent years training and have years of experience) that riders can miss. S

    o, my first piece of advice is to call in the professionals.  Vet, chiro, bodywork therapist, farrier, dentist, saddle fitter, etc.  Once you have covered all of your bases there, then (and only then) continue on…

     2. Gaps in the Training

    My second thought was about how the horse has been developed.  If everything else is good and happy, I would begin to question the basic training and how well the horse understands it.  In this case, relaxation may have either been skipped completely, or not fully understood by horse or rider (or both!).

    Basic training is so important when you are setting expectations.  This is for both horse and rider.  And remember, different riders have different expectations, so there also may be a retraining issue…

     3. Natural Enthusiasm and Excitement

    Some horses are just naturally more expressive when it comes to their enthusiasm for certain things they enjoy. Often this level of ‘happiness’ and excitement won’t be matched by the rider about the particular situation!  If this is the case, it is important to realize that your horse is a unique individual with their own quirks…

    This is where you have to begin to set expectations and manage energy a little better.  And it could also be the deciding factor as to whether or not you are both going to go forward with your partnership… (more on that just now). 

     4. Assessing the Rider

    Your way of riding is completely unique to you.  Yes, there are some riders who will ride in a similar way, but you are you and you are unique!  This is great – and it can be an issue when a horse is used to someone else’s way of riding! As a rider, it is important to be realistic and honest about your capabilities, your habits, and your knowledge.

    My suggestion to begin exploring if this is, potentially, the issue would be for the rider to ride other horses and see what happens there. 

    Ideally, these other horses would not be ones that the rider will always ride and be comfortable with.  Just random other horses… If there’s a pattern, it will become noticeable very quickly!   And remember to take videos of yourself… So, so important especially when working alone.

    You can also put a different rider onto the horse and see if the horse is too spicy with someone else in the saddle.  Again, it’s about looking for patterns and seeing the changes as they occur.

     5. Be Honest about the Partnership

    My final suggestion is to honestly ask if this horse is the ‘right horse’ for you and if you’re the ‘right rider’ for this horse… This is often a difficult and uncomfortable thought for many riders. Especially if they have an idea about a ‘forever horse’ in your head.

    Let’s be honest, if neither of you is happy with the other, I think it is best to call it a day and find a new partner (and help your horse to do the same). 

    This does not mean ‘passing the buck’ – literally – to someone else.  If your horse needs help (physical or training-related) it is the responsibility of the rider to provide this for him.  But often this help may be beyond what a particular rider can offer.  This or a mismatch of personalities can often bring you to the point where you will look for another rider or owner for your horse.

    Get Your Question Answered

    I do hope that this will help any riders out there struggling with too much ‘spice’! If you have a question about your riding or your horse’s training, you can send me an email, lorna [at] stridesforsucess [dot] com.  And I will answer your question here on the Daily Strides Podcast as well.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other Resources to Help