Can you remember exactly how this date was last month for you and your horse? What about the month before? Didn’t think so… And yet, maybe you’re like so many other riders and have a complete aversion to writing things down! Why is that?!
I know that I love writing down ‘things that have yet to happen’. You know, planning and creating ‘to-do’ lists. However, when it comes to taking the time to record what actually happened… Not so much! And this is less about being lazy and more about truly believing that I’ll remember it all! Honestly! I don’t and I bet you don’t either, right?! Especially once you get past the two or three week mark.
Regularly reviewing your riding is one of the most powerful tools you have as a rider when it comes to getting feedback. Especially if you don’t have a regular trainer or coach to work with.
Making it More Enjoyable
I speak a lot about taking the time to plan out your rides. I’ve been preaching this for years. However, your plans are only as good as the reviews that they are based on. The key is to begin creating a reviewing process that you look forward to. Each session is scheduled in and is an important appointment for you.
You can start this process today by setting aside 30 to 45 minutes of your time this week to pencil in some ‘me-time’ and then thinking about how to make it special and enjoyable as well.
I began to enjoy my own reviewing sessions when I became intentional about the space, the beverage (Earl Grey tea), a snack or two (95% dark chocolate), and the knowledge that I wouldn’t be disturbed. By creating a ‘ritual’ that set the tone for the following 30 to 45 minutes, it helped me to make sure the reviews happened. And that the time spent was productive and helping move things forward.
First Time Reviewing?
So, let’s pretend that I do inspire you to take action today; where should you begin? I think that being a little conservative here with regard to what you remember will help you in the long run. And this is especially true if you’re a little like me and really do believe that you will remember all of the things! Don’t even try to do that.
Start with reviewing the past two weeks. Write a report on each interaction you had with your horse during this timeframe and try to include as many details as possible.
Include details such as the time of day, how long you were with your horse, and what the warm-up consisted of. And the exercises or ‘work’ itself? You can include details about the weather, the other horses present when you were working, and anything you noticed about how you felt. And, of course, anything about how your horse felt as well.
Reviews to Transform Your Riding & Your Planning
Once you have your first review completed, you can then use this information to start planning your next two weeks with your horse. Rather than setting intentions that, based on your review, are clearly a little too overly ambitious, you can course correct. There is something special when you begin to create plans that actually complement your existing lifestyle and abilities… Both you and your horse’s confidence will begin to grow.
And 6 weeks from now, with even more feedback at the tips of your fingers, your planning will become even more focused – and realistic. A true roadmap for you and your horse.
I have a past episode that details the reviewing process I recommend HERE and I will link to some previous planning episodes underneath this article.
Getting Help in Your Reviewing Process
Every month I go live inside of Daily Strides Premium for a ‘Review & Planning Session’ with riders. If you would like more help in your riding, this may help you. All of the calls are recorded and will become available inside of the Members Area and on the Daily Strides Premium Private Podcast as well.
Wherever you are in your riding journey, there’s no need to continue to struggle. Daily Strides Premium is created for riders working alone without a trainer or coach – and is simple to access & set up.
Creating a review process and then regularly implementing it is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your horse. It will allow you to see patterns and make adjustments. And this is essential if you want to grow and develop together.
Happy Riding
Lorna
Other Planning Episodes To Help You
Online Training to Help Your Riding
Connect with Lorna online:-
-
-
-
- Connect in the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast
- Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191
-
-
