Strides for Success

Author: Lorna Leeson

  • Why Not All Rhythm is Equal when Riding

    Why Not All Rhythm is Equal when Riding

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    When it comes to horses, riding, and training rhythm is often misunderstood and taken for granted. I think this is because horses are generally good at creating a pattern, but also, we tend to simply accept the first version of rhythm that’s served up to us! And while that version will certainly be a pattern, it’s the quality we need to begin paying attention to.

    A good quality rhythm can dramatically transform a lot when it comes to riding and training your horse; it’s well worth your time, attention, and effort to improve.

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I will help you to understand rhythm as it relates to your horse. How to know if you’re simply accepting what’s there, and how you can begin to improve it for you both as well.

    What is Rhythm?

    In its most basic form, rhythm is a recurring sequence. Think of it as the beats or “1, 2, 3, 4” we commonly associate with music – or your horse’s hoofbeats as he moves.  Your horse is naturally quite rhythmic… However, as I’ve said, this is probably not the best version of the sequence available to him right now!

    Walk, for example, as a reoccurring 4 time beat; meaning that each of the hooves touches down individually but in a set sequence that reoccurs over and over again. All your horses gaits have a repeating sequence or rhythm.

    Much like music, there’s a difference between a rhythm we enjoy and one that just doesn’t feel right. For riders, developing rhythm is about creating a consistent, clear pattern that feels harmonious, comfortable, and “just right” for both horse and rider.

    Step 1: Assess the Current Rhythm

    To improve your horse’s rhythm, you first need to understand what’s currently happening. Begin by observing your horse at the walk, the foundation for all other gaits. Find the sequence that repeats over and over. Then begin to question the ‘quality’ of that pattern. Are each of the beats clearly defined?  Or do they all blend together in a rushed, shuffle way?

    Action Step: As you ride, pay attention to each beat of your horse’s walk. Count out loud: “One, two, three, four.” Notice if there’s space between each beat, or if they’re running together.

    Step 2: Creating Space

    One of the ways that you can begin to think about improving the rhythm is to notice the space between the beats. So often, we only think about the beats. The 1,2,3,4.  However, if we listen or observe more closely, we will notice that it’s really 1. 2. 3. 4. . And it’s the ‘space’ that we can use as a way to gauge if we are having a positive impact or not.

    A good quality rhythm requires definition – the space between each beat. Think of this as giving each step its own time and place. This helps your horse move more fluidly and encourages relaxation and balance.

    Action Step: Notice the space between each beat as your horse walks. Using your aids, especially your half halt, see if you can begin to create more clarity between each beat But make sure you’re not disrupting the rhythm itself.

    Step 3: Rhythm versus Tempo

    What many riders find useful is to slow the temp but to allow the rhythm to remain unchanged.  However, where they go ‘wrong’ is that they slow the horse down – not just the tempo!  It’s essential to understand that rhythm and tempo are related but different. Rhythm is the pattern or sequence of repeating footfalls; tempo is the speed at which that rhythm repeats.

    Speeding up or slowing down the tempo, especially when unintentionally done, can negatively disrupt the rhythm. Instead, focus on achieving a rhythm you like first, then find a tempo that supports it.

    Action Step: Once you’ve found a rhythm you like, begin playing with adjusting the tempo.  Remember, it’s the same sequence or pattern, there will just be more or less of them, the 1. 2. 3. 4. , over a set period or distance.

    Step 4: Maintaining Forwardness

    The next challenge you might experience is that your gait (in this case the walk) will begin to lack energy or forwardness. Without forwardness, a good-quality rhythm becomes impossible.  Often by intentionally slowing the tempo too much, we can sacrifice the energy.  And this, will in turn, ruin the pattern!

    Energy, both physical and mental, is essential for rhythm. Forwardness doesn’t mean rushing – it means that your horse is engaged, active, and moving with purpose. 

    Action Step: Continue to experiment with rhythm and tempo while ensuring that your horse maintains forwardness.  If the rhythm itself changes, such as it becomes inconsistent or begins to feel ‘stuck in the mud’, there’s a good chance that you’ve lost forwardness. Re-establish and try again.

    Step 5: Moving Out of Walk

    Each gait has its own unique rhythm and tempo:

    Walk: As I have mentioned, the walk is a four-beat gait. This coupled with the fact that it is naturally slower, makes it easier for riders to work with. But this is also why we, the riders, can end up having a longer-term negative impact on it. So be careful!

    Trot: The trot is a two-beat gait. This can often feel really fast (think sewing machine!), or really slow (think dragging the back legs and barely moving forward!).  Play with using your aids and how you post to influence the rhythm. And then work on how well you can maintain through different movements and patterns.

    Canter:  The canter has a natural 3-time beat. The second beat is made up of two hooves moving together in a diagonal pair. However, the rhythm is often compromised if the tempo is too slow. The ‘diagonal’ pair that creates the 2nd beat no longer moves together, and then creates a 4-beat rhythm. This is not canter!  Forwardness here is crucial.

    Action Step: Work on each gait individually. Start by noticing what the current rhythm is and then, the space in between the beats.  From there, play with the tempo inside of that gait, without changing the rhythm.

    Step 6: Maintain Rhythm Through Changes

    Once you understand and are comfortable identifying the sequence and tempo at a basic level in each gait, you are ready to begin practicing how to maintain it.  This can often feel like a challenge when you add transitions, turns, and circles into the mix.

    However, practicing this will help you to establish a consistent rhythm that serves you and your horse regardless of what you’re doing. Not just when conditions are perfect!

    Remember, rhythm isn’t just about “having a beat.” It’s about creating a consistent, clear structure that helps your horse move in harmony with you. Once you can identify where you and your horse are right now, you can then begin to create clarity around every single beat going forward.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Private Virtual Coaching

    If you’re interested in more in-depth, personalized coaching on this and other key topics, consider my private virtual coaching program, Connection. Together, we can work to bring out the best in both you and your horse in the comfort of your own arena. Find out more at https://training.stridesforsuccess.com/connection

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  • A Retraining Plan if Your Horse Rushes & Runs!

    A Retraining Plan if Your Horse Rushes & Runs!

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    While many people associate driving a Ferrari with happy things, most riders know that ‘riding’ the Ferrari of the yard is not that enjoyable at all! Riding a horse who rushes and runs everywhere is usually frustrating and challenging!

    And, assuming that you have ruled out physical issues, if your horse is rushing and racing, it’s time to focus on retraining.  This will not be an easy process, it will take time and patience on your part while you go right back to basics.  And it will require you to look at yourself and your horse.

    Start With You

    One of the frustrating elements of working with this challenge is that, often, your riding might actually be reinforcing your horse’s undesirable behaviour!  This is especially true if you’ve been riding this horse for longer than a few weeks or months.

    Take a moment to evaluate your riding position and aids – without judgment. Have you begun to ‘modify’ the basics of your position & posture because you’ve been riding a ‘rusher’ for some time?

    Are you gripping with your legs, leaning forward, or relying heavily on the reins?  This last one, especially, can all become ‘side-effects’ of riding a horse that rushes. And because all of these habits can signal tension to your horse, they actually often contribute to the rushing!  Start with yourself first and correct any issues there before turning your attention to your horse.

    Your Position & Posture

    Consistency through your aids is key when retraining a horse with ingrained habits. This is really difficult to achieve when your posture or position is working against you. Start with your posture; are you sitting tall with a secure seat and steady lower leg?

    From my own past experience with a ‘rushing’ pony, I found that my lower leg wanted to creep forward – all the time! This obviously affected everything; balance, posture, aids, ‘quietness’, etc..

    Working to correct this challenge took time, patience, and a commitment to focusing on myself.  Part of this was because of riding this way for so long, it felt ‘better’ that way! So, I had to not only physically retrain my lower leg, but also my mind and thoughts about what was ‘comfortable’.  Every time I moved my lower leg to where it should be, it felt awkward and uncomfortable. I think this took longer than the physical retraining! However, I managed to do it, so I’m pretty sure that you can as well and that it will be well worth the effort.

    Balance Your Aids

    Unfortunately, when a horse feels like it’s always running off with you, the natural tendency as a rider is to pull the horse to stop!  And, along with that forward lower leg, this means that, over time, riders can develop an overdependence on their rein aids. Coupled with little to no use of all of the other available aids!

    This over-reliance on the reins can lead to a “tug of war”.  And it only further reinforces the rushing and running behaviour.  It’s a vicious cycle!

    Again, this comes back to you and first changing your habits.  Aim to integrate all your aids, including seat, legs, voice, and weight, into your communication with your horse. By using your entire body, you can begin to more clearly explain things to your horse. And help your horse to begin changing as well.

    Transitions & Half-Halts

    Okay, so once you’re clear on what you’re doing in the saddle and have corrected any habits that need work, then you can turn your attention to your horse.  Start with simple transitions between walk and halt. Practice keeping these transitions light and relaxed.

    If you’ve been using one aid too heavily (usually the reins or hands), this is an opportunity to begin incorporating all of your aids into each ‘ask’ or ‘question’ you have for your horse.

    Think about creating and using softer, more synchronized, and holistic ways to ask the same question.  And keep in mind, if you have been riding a certain way for any length of time, your horse will need time to adjust to your new way of riding. Meaning that both of you will need time to adapt to doing things differently.

    Essentially you are both learning a different language when it comes to applying, understanding, and responding to aids. This will take time. 

    Simple School Movements

    Once you have begun to feel that there is a rhythm and understanding to this ‘new’ approach, you can start to test it by introducing basic school movements. Think about simple patterns such as serpentines, loops, or figure-eights to help both of you maintain focus and balance.

    These movements will help to keep your horse’s attention focused on the job at hand. And they will allow you to reinforce your ‘new’ aids while encouraging responsiveness.

    I am going to strongly suggest limiting things to walking and halting initially.  Think slow and steady for both rhythm and tension levels. The key here is to reinforce your more ‘holistic’ approach to your aids. All while your horse learns to enjoy working in a slower and more relaxed way. Clarity and control rather than speed!

    Focus on Quality

    Finally, while working on these simple school figures, notice the quality of the walk. The walk is a powerful gait for training. And if your horse has a habit of rushing, there’s a good chance that the walk might be choppy and tense.

    Think about encouraging a steady, four-beat rhythm.  Another way to think of this is to look for longer, more relaxed strides. Notice how your seat, especially, can help your horse to create this. 

    It seems so basic and simple, but being able to establish and maintain a good-quality walk with consistent rhythm and tempo will lay the foundation for so much more.  It will help both of you to ‘come back’ and work together, especially when you begin to introduce trot, and later canter, into your work.

    Progression to Other Gaits

    Finally, once you have reestablished your own position, posture, and aids. And your horse is willing and responsive to them, you can start to move up a gear or two.  This will simply involve working on the same exercises at the trot, and eventually the canter.  Keep it simple, but consistent.

    Remember, rushing is often a long-standing habit, so this process will take time. Control what you can first; you. And then help your horse to understand your ‘new’ way of using your aids. 

    When you give both of you the time to retrain those old habits they are more likely to stay.  The key is being able to maintain your ‘new’ way of going without reverting to the old habits and ways. Especially when things go off plan – which they will!

    Avoid Quick Fixes

    And a quick word of warning… Quick fixes rarely work in the long term.  Yes, often changing a piece of tack or equipment can sometimes yield a quick response… This response is usually a band-aid solution. At the first signs of pressure or stress, it will come off!

    Consider whether your horse’s rushing stems from fundamental training issues. A bit or noseband swap might offer temporary relief, but true improvement will come from consistent retraining.

    Remember, building lasting change takes time. Retraining both you and your horse to respond in calm, controlled ways requires patience. Expect setbacks, especially when new or unexpected situations arise. Over time, both of you will begin to default to these new, calmer responses—even when things go ‘sideways’!  This retraining process is the foundation of a lasting change that allows for safe, confident, and enjoyable rides.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Re-schooling Rushing Jumps on the Flat

    If you have been struggling with this challenge, the month of October 2024 in Daily Strides Premium is dedicated to working on this. This episode is the first lesson from a week of audio horse riding lessons titled “Re-Schooling the Basics for Both Horse & Rider on the Flat”.

    In this group of lessons, we begin working towards re-training a horse who is rushing fences by working on the basic aids, responsiveness and, equally as important, how the rider thinks.

    Remember, re-shooling a horse usually involves also re-training the rider to think and act differently as well.  The horse will respond better if the rider changes their approach and is consistently correct in what they are doing and asking…. These lessons will help you to develop better habits and responses.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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  • Building a Connection with Your Horse

    Building a Connection with Your Horse

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    As a rider, I bet that part of what you love about being an equestrian is the bond that you have with your horse. However, this bond, for many riders, takes time to develop and strengthen.

    This is because building a connection with your horse takes more than just time in the saddle. It requires attention. As well as understanding, patience, and a deep respect for the unique partnership you’re creating.

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I want to give you some practical steps you can use to strengthen the connection with your horse.  I think that the beginning of building a connection with your horse starts with understanding your own expectations. From there, you can begin to create a clearer plan for deepening the bond.

    1. Understanding Your Expectations First

    It seems like such a cliché, however in order to really understand your horse, you must first get to know yourself better. When you can take a step back and assess your own expectations, it allows you to become much clearer about what you’re truly looking for when it comes to your connection with your horse. .

    What do you hope to achieve with your horse? Is your focus on competitive performance, building a trusting partnership, or simply enjoying your time together? Every ‘goal’ or desire will require a different approach.

    As we know, horses are incredibly intuitive animals. And they often respond to the energy and emotions we bring into our interactions. In fact, many of the ‘issues’ or challenges we come across with our horses can actually be traced back to this.

    Before you begin each interaction with your horse, take the time to first become self-aware about how you’re feeling and what thoughts, emotions, and beliefs you’re bringing to the conversation. 

    I find that setting a clear intention for each interaction helps to keep things on track. Use your intention throughout each session to keep you present and focused on your horse.

    2. Trust Through Consistency

    Once you’re clear on your expectations, your horse can also begin to trust and rely on what he can expect when you’re working with him. This builds trust. Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and it’s no different with your horse. Horses are creatures of habit, and they thrive on routine and consistency. So by becoming intentional about developing consistent aids or a consistent riding schedule, you will build your horse’s trust in you.

    Simple, consistent actions—like grooming, leading, and even how you tack up—can have a huge impact. Your horse will start to feel secure in knowing what to expect, which leads to a more relaxed and willing partner.

    3. Your Horse’s Feedback

    Connection is a two-way street. Just as you have expectations, your horse has their own way of communicating what they need or feel. When you’re open and attentive to your horse’s feedback, you are able to make the small tweaks in your approach that make all the difference. These can be physical cues like ear position, tail movement, or changes in gait, but can also show up as resistance, behavioral issues, or a reluctance to engage.

    Horse riding is a team sport. Part of that means that it’s your responsibility to listen when your horse is trying to tell you something and then respond accordingly. Knowing that he’s being heard builds trust. 

    4. Ground Work

    Groundwork is absolutely essential when we are working with and training horses. There are always things to be done before you mount up and then after you dismount. However, so many riders only want to focus on their connection in the saddle; the irony is that groundwork will actually improve that as well. So, whether you’re leading your horse, lunging, or practicing liberty exercises, once you and your horse are aware of the other presence, the conversation has begun.

    Become intentional with your body language. When you listen to your horse’s feedback, you can improve your aids immediately through tweaking your body language.  Groundwork also helps to earn your horse’s trust and encourages him to respect your leadership

    Groundwork also helps to clarify expectations, explain and reinforce boundaries, and learn how to communicate using slight, subtle cues. Many of which you can then take into the saddle with you. 

    5. Consistency, Patience,  & Time

    Finally, while immediate ‘ah-ha’ moments will happen and are possible, building a connection with your horse will take time. It’s rarely a ‘one and done’ thing! Practice patience… Especially when approaching something new and different. Just like you, your horse needs time to grow in trust and understanding. If you rush the process, you may end up with a horse that feels stressed or disconnected from you.

    Take the time to enjoy the journey. Be present for each ride, groundwork session, and interaction with your horse. And extend your patience to yourself as well. You and your horse are learning and growing together.

    Building a Connection with Your Horse

    For many riders, building a strong connection with your horse is the most fulfilling aspect of being an equestrian. If you have not invested time and focus into doing this, I strongly suggest that you begin today.  I will link to other groundwork posts below this article. And you can also check out the Connection Partnership Program to help you with this.

    You and your horse will only train to the level that you trust each other. Begin taking time today to build and grow your connection with your horse in a meaningful way and experience the changes in your well-being, and in your riding and training.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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  • Retraining Rushing Jumps; Working on the Rider First

    Retraining Rushing Jumps; Working on the Rider First

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    Being on a horse who is determined to run as fast as he possibly can towards every pole, fence, or jump that he sees is nerve-wracking! There are many reasons your horse might do this. And assuming that you have ruled out discomfort or pain, then retraining can begin.

    Unfortunately, retraining a horse who has become practiced in rushing jumps is a long and slow process. It requires time and consistency. And often requires the rider to make some changes as well. 

    In this episode, plucked directly from Daily Strides Premium, we will focus on you, the rider. My goal here is to help you identify where you might just be ‘enabling’ or even encouraging your horse’s tendency for rushing jumps! I know this sounds a little bananas, but it happens more often than you think!

    This is an audio horse riding lesson and can be listened to as you ride your horse to help you become more aware of what you are doing in the saddle and how this may be influencing your horse.

    Retraining Rushing Jumps – 3 Areas to Work On

    I honestly believe that retraining on this particular issue will require a holistic approach if you want to achieve long-term results. Any ‘quick fixes’ that you use (even the ones that seem to work initially) are simply bandaids, Meaning they will slip right off at the first sign of pressure.

     1.  Basic Training on the Flat

    The basics I’m referring to here are half halts, responsiveness, relaxation, rhythm, forwardness, and just overall clarity between horse and rider regarding communication, expectations, and desired outcomes.

     2. The Riders Mindset & Reactions

    The challenge for many riders in this situation is that it’s so easy to fall into bad habits when your horse is rushing jumps. You must be aware of what you are doing, when you’re doing it, and how you’re doing it. Bringing awareness to your own behavior and reactions will allow you to more easily help your horse.

     3. Ground Poles to Retrain Your Horse

    The final step is to start small. This can feel really difficult for many riders, especially if they are used to and love jumping more ‘substantial’ jumps! But it is 100% necessary if you want to really help your horse with this challenge. Poles allow for mistakes and don’t require a whole lot to get over. They also give you both the perfect place to begin replacing those habits that have not been serving you both.

    Re-schooling Rushing Jumps on the Flat

    If you have been struggling with this challenge, the month of October 2024 in Daily Strides Premium is dedicated to working on this. This episode is the first lesson from a week of audio horse riding lessons titled “Re-Schooling the Basics for Both Horse & Rider on the Flat”.

    In this group of lessons, we begin working towards re-training a horse who is rushing fences by working on the basic aids, responsiveness and, equally as important, how the rider thinks.

    Remember, re-shooling a horse usually involves also re-training the rider to think and act differently as well.  The horse will respond better if the rider changes their approach and is consistently correct in what they are doing and asking…. These lessons will help you to develop better habits and responses.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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  • The Right Type of Consistency in Your Riding & Training

    The Right Type of Consistency in Your Riding & Training

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    What would happen if you went ‘all in’ on one specific area of training or developing with your horse for the next 90 or so days?  If you laser focus every interaction to support and strengthen the thing you want to improve or make happen? As I’m writing this, there are about 90 days left in the year, which ties in nicely with goals, etc.

    However, whenever you’re reading or listening to this, I want to encourage you today to begin your own 90-day journey with your horse… Starting today.

    Two things are absolutely essential for successfully training and developing horses and riders; time and consistency. 

    90 days is the timeframe for this particular focus or intention. Consistency is how you show up and the actions you take, over and over again. And if consistency is a challenge for you, remember that you are almost certain to be consistent with things. It’s just the wrong things or actions that you’re being consistent with!

    But You Struggle to be Consistent!

    Is this something you believe about yourself? I did too, however, I was wrong. Let me explain… Lately, I’ve noticed that I have been telling myself more and more that what I am lacking is consistency and discipline in my daily routines and life. ‘But I’m just not the type of person who enjoys consistency’ is something I regularly hear coming out of my own mouth during conversations! And I honestly believed this. For YEARS! Until I began to tear it apart… Was this true?

    What I discovered is that I actually am fairly consistent. I do tend to do the same things and think the same thoughts.  My challenge is not consistency – my challenge is being consistent with the ‘right’ things. 

    And I’m wondering if you’re a little the same? When I looked back over the past 3 or so months, I can definitely see there has been a lot of consistency in my actions, words, and thoughts. It’s just that most of those things do not, in any shape, way or form, help me to get closer to what I actually want. Now, obviously, this is not the easiest thing to admit publically.

    But I feel that just realizing this about myself now gives me the power to change it. And I’m hoping that it will help you too…

    Is it the Right Action?

    Once this new truth dawned on me, I began to get really clear about what I wanted. To be honest, my vision had not changed much. It was just my actions to get there that had. So, I began thinking about what I could ‘swap out’ regarding my actions, words, and thoughts that would get me there faster. Staying in bed until the very last minute each morning was one of them (I think I may have gotten consistent with this one while we were at home in Ireland recently!).

    If I really want to start my day off in a way that would set me up for a great day – right now, that will involve getting out of bed BEFORE everyone else. And being consistent about it. 

    When I think of my horses, if I really want to make riding on the beach once a week with my horse a reality, I am going to have to take action to bring the horses to THIS farm. Not driving 45 minutes to go to them at the other farm. And if I want to work on my mare’s learned habit (she was used in the riding school for the year I was in Ireland) of rushing at poles and fences, I am going to have to clean up the arena here and start retraining.

    I can bet that you already know exactly what you need to swap when it comes to what you’re being consistent with and how it’s impacting your riding and training with your horse… 

    Be Consistent This Week

    So once you are clear on what you want and you have begun to notice your current consistent actions; change them. I want you to focus on something you can change THIS WEEK that will start you off in the right direction. Maybe it’s booking a lesson with a trainer so that you have to turn up and ride. Or it could be organizing a babysitter so that you can spend an extra hour with your horse without feeling rushed. It could be focusing on your straightness, posture, and position in the arena, instead of hammering on your horse all of the time…

    The key here is to identify something you’re doing consistently that is not serving you and then intentionally change it to something more aligned with what you actually want as a rider. 

    And the magic is that once you notice the first thing, thought, or action that needs to change, others will begin to show up! Trust me, transforming your riding and your horse’s training comes down to doing a few basic things well and consistently.  You just need to figure out what has to be tweaked for both of you to get going on your journey.

    Prove Your Consistency

    I’m hoping that you’re on board with giving this a go in your riding. If so, I suggest writing all of this down in your riding journal. Write what you previously had been doing and what you’re planning on swapping that out for. Then use your riding journal to track yourself.

    Begin proving to yourself that you’re not only consistent, but you’re consistent in the ‘right’ things. The actions, thoughts, and words that move you and your horse where you want to go in your training together. 

    Think along the lines of “Previously had been spending 60+ minutes grooming and tacking up with only 10 minutes riding. Will work on being groomed and tacked up in 40 minutes so I have 30 minutes of riding. (I know lots of riders who are guilty of this one, hence me including it here!). 

    When you begin to see an actual written ‘log’ of you doing the right thing, it begins to develop your discipline in doing it more often. You’ll begin to see yourself as a consistent rider. And, hopefully, because these actions are aligned with your goals, the results will speak for themselves.

    Use Personal Voice Notes

    My final bit of advice when it comes to knocking it out of the park with a single goal for the coming 90 days or 12 weeks is to support yourself! I use voice notes for this purpose, so I’m encouraging you to do the same. I have begun using them again for a whole host of different things. Especially things that there is a good chance I’ll either become distracted, get sidetracked, or feel too tired to actually get around to doing.

    If you struggle with consistency in your riding or training, use voice notes! Simply record a voice note that lays out, step by step, what you want to accomplish with your horse for that session. 

    Do it BEFORE you work with your horse and go into as much detail as you can.  What’s amazing about this is that, as you are then later working with your horse, you’ve created the ‘map’ of that session already. Meaning that as soon as you begin to go ‘off track’, you’ll notice. And can then take consistent actions to bring everything back to where you want it.

    Your personal voice notes to yourself will help to train you to become more consistent with your riding and your work with your horse… And they are 100% private. Delete them after if you want :) 

    90 Days From Now…

    So, are you willing to go all in with one thing for your riding during the coming 90 days? Remember successful training requires time and consistency. Use the 90 days and find the few actions, thoughts, and words that you can use consistently to transform you and your horse.

    And if you would like more help with this, make sure you join Daily Strides Premium. It could just be the best $22 you spend on you and your horse ;)

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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  • Have Fun Hacking – Getting Started with Stride Adjustment in Walk and Trot

    Have Fun Hacking – Getting Started with Stride Adjustment in Walk and Trot

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    Let’s take a hack together today while you work with your horse on stride adjustment. So often, the energy that is available to us while out on a hack can be harnessed into new or ‘challenging’ work. This can help you and your horse when you get back into the arena.

    As with all things in horse riding, the level of training you and your horse find yourself at when listening to this episode will dictate what you can reasonably expect to achieve.   Take things slow and steady when it comes to introducing new things to your training program.

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I am encouraging you to listen while riding and immediately put the training into practice.  We will be taking an imaginary ride ‘together’…

    So mount up and enjoy the lesson! And, as mentioned at the end, the following 4 audio horse riding lessons that accompany this one are available for you, right now, inside of Daily Strides Premium.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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