Riders stop riding for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes, it’s a conscious choice; an injury, a change in circumstances, or a loss of confidence for example. Other times, life simply gets in the way. But whatever the reason, it doesn’t have to define your riding journey going forward.
You’re maybe like many other riders, the reason that you’ve stopped was just a season of life—a temporary chapter, not the whole story. And yet, it’s easy to take that reason and make it mean something about who you are. You, intentionally or not, weave it into your entire identity, convincing yourself that you’re no longer a “real rider.”
But here’s the truth: “The reason you stopped riding is just that—a reason, not a definition. It’s a chapter that’s now ending – not the whole story!
Getting back in the saddle can feel uncomfortable, even when you want it more than anything. And I’m not just talking about physical discomfort. Often the mental challenges are even more real. This can be because your mind has grown used to its old story. The one where riding is no longer a part of your life. But that story isn’t set in stone. You can rewrite it—starting today…
Is The Reason Still Valid?
Start with assessing if your reason for stopping riding is still something that impacts and affects your situation now. If it’s an injury, it might still do that. Or if the reason you stopped riding was to do with confidence, again, this might still be a factor that needs to be considered when thinking about coming back to riding.
For many riders, the reason they stopped riding will not be an influential presence in their life now that they are considering returning to riding. Their situation or circumstances will have changed.
Suppose you are going to make riding a regular occurrence in your life again. In that case, I think that identifying the reason and then assessing if that reason is still valid are important factors to consider. This will allow you to create realistic plans for your riding going forward. And help you to avoid hitting the same roadblocks that put an end to regular riding in the past.
Back in the Saddle; How Will You Feel?
Start with thinking about your own energy and how your body feels when it comes to riding again. I’m going to suggest finding somewhere quiet to do this work. Where you know you won’t be interrupted and you can really become present with what’s going on in your physical body. First, just take a moment to settle in and become comfortable. From here, notice areas where you might be holding onto some tension. Intentionally release it and let it go.
When we use energy to begin re-connecting with riding and our horse again, it’s important to figure out what energy we are bringing to the conversation to begin with.
From this ‘neutral’ place, think about riding again. Maybe imagine your first ride, or if there is something specific you want to work towards, think about that. As you develop the thought, let your awareness come back to your body – what changes can you feel? There are no ‘rights’ or ‘wrongs’ in this process; just you being aware of your body and any potential patterns for tension that are being held there.
I would suggest practicing this a few times alone, without your horse initially. Notice how those thoughts feel in your body. What you find out about yourself here can be really useful when you actually work with your horse.
Taking This To Your Horse
From here, set a date for this coming week to go to your horse. Obviously, if you don’t have your own horse, this may require asking someone you know and trust if you can work with their reliable, safe, and trustworthy horse. Or you may have to make an appointment at a reputable riding school. The key is to get a date and time for the coming 7 days in the books!
Take a few minutes BEFORE you approach your horse doing some internal, personal work. Get present with your physical body. And then set an intention for the interaction as well.
Your intention can be as simple as ‘spend 5 minutes together just being in each other’s presence without anxiety or excess tension’. Or it could be ‘spend 15 minutes doing some fun and simple groundwork exercises together’. Getting back into the saddle after a break does not have to start and end with riding. There are lot’s of other ways to work with and connect with your horse. And if your intention is to do something specific, have the exercises planned out in advance!
Your intention for the interaction or session with your horse will help to anchor you. Returning to it regularly during your time with your horse will help you to stay on track and move towards your bigger vision for your riding journey from this point.
Creating Connection With Your Horse
When you feel like you have a teammate or that you’re part of something bigger than you, it helps to keep you accountable. Being intentional about creating a solid connection with your horse is a key way you can do this for both of you; especially if you’re working alone without a regular instructor, trainer, or coach.
By deepening your connection with your horse through energy work, you will be more likely to show up for both of you; even on days when it feels challenging to do so.
And if you’re getting back in the saddle after a break, those days will definitely happen! Work on basic ‘syncing’ exercises together both in a smaller space such as a stable. And then in bigger areas like an arena, paddock, or round pen. Your horse wants to connect with you, it’s just up to you to be open to both feel and respond to their invitations. And keep in mind your horse is probably far more subtle than you are when communicating!
Building The Energy Connection
From here, you can begin to expand your intention for each interaction with your horse to suit your goals or vision for your riding going forward. Especially useful if you are getting back in the saddle after a break. Maybe it will be to mount up and walk for 15 minutes. Or to work on the lunge together in a responsive and rhythmic way for 15 minutes.
The key is to use the initial connections to really begin rewiring the old identity that you’ve built for yourself around riding and being a ‘rider’. Begin creating a new story for your mind to believe about you as an equestrian
This new identity will allow you to accept that, yes, you did take time away from riding for a specific period of your life. But that was then and this is now. You are now moving towards building something new with your horse. Together. A team that is there to support each other and help each other be accountable.
Happy Riding
Lorna
The Energy Connection Webinar
If you want to go deeper with this for you and your horse, register for my upcoming free live training on how you can use your presence and energy to move both you and your horse from tension to trust.
This is a great, practical training you can use to help you get back in the saddle after a break. I will give you 3 specific exercises you can use the next time you’re with your horse to connect with him or her on a deeper level.
You can find all of the details about The Energy Connection Webinar HERE at https://stridesforsuccess.com/energy
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- 50+ Inspiring Ideas to do with your horse in 15 Minutes or Less CLICK HERE
- Enjoyment Versus Perfection; Release the Pressure
- Making Horse Riding a Priority in Your Life Again
- What’s Stopping You From Getting Back in the Saddle After a Break?
- Building a Connection with Your Horse
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Online Training to Help Your Riding
Connect with Lorna online:-
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- 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
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