Ever catch yourself thinking, “Seriously, we’re working on this again? I should be past this by now!” You’re definitely not alone. So many experienced and returning riders feel frustrated when asked to revisit the basics.
But here’s the thing: The basics aren’t something you master once and leave behind. They’re the building blocks of truly great riding. And the more you understand and refine them, the more they open up your riding potential.
Basics Aren’t Just for Beginners
I recently had a chat with a rider who was feeling frustrated about focusing on what she called “beginner stuff.” She felt like she should be further along in her riding journey. Maybe you’ve felt that way too?
Here’s what I told her—and what I want to share with you today: the basics are not a sign of regression. In fact, the most skilled riders—those who ride professionally or compete at the top levels revisit the basics all the time. The difference is that each time they do, they do so with fresh perspective. They know that their new awareness is the key to refining their riding and ‘feel’ in the saddle.
Mastering the basics doesn’t mean checking them off and moving on. It means using them as a foundation for better communication with your horse, better results in the saddle, and a more confident, connected ride.
Understanding the True Basics
When I say “basics,” I’m talking about things like your position, your posture, how you’re using your seat and legs. It’s how your hands communicate with your horse. It’s transitions, turns, bending, and balance. These aren’t ‘small’ or ‘beginner’ things. They’re everything.
And yet, somewhere along the line, many of us start believing that once we know the basics, we should only be focusing on “more advanced” things. The ‘fancy things that impress us when we see other riders flawlessly or effortlessly make them happen. We forget (or ignore) that the only way they can do those ‘fancy’ things, is by refining the basics. Over and over again…
Your basics will evolve as you evolve. What felt simple when you first started riding may take on an entirely new meaning and depth once you revisit it with greater awareness and skill.
Why Basics Are the Key to Getting Unstuck
Feeling stuck in your riding is frustrating—and common. But often, what looks like a plateau is really an invitation to go deeper into the fundamentals. If things aren’t working the way they used to, or you’re not seeing progress, it’s not because you need to try something radically different. It’s often because the foundation needs to be tweaked, strengthened, or adjusted.
And your basics are your foundation. How high you go or how much you achieve will depend on how strong your foundation is.
This is exactly why I created the Returning to Riding Program. It’s a step-by-step system designed to help experienced and returning riders get back in the saddle with clarity, confidence, and purpose. It’s not about starting over—it’s about creating a strong, unshakeable foundation. You’ll revisit the basics not as a beginner, but as a rider who’s ready to evolve. Want to be the first to know when doors open again? Join the waitlist here »
The Myth of Mastery
A big misconception is that once you’ve been riding for a while, you’ve “ticked off” the basics and can move on. But have you ever considered how elite athletes never stop doing their warm-ups? Their training is ongoing. And usually made up of a lot of the basics. Over and over again. Do Olympic sprinters stop practicing their starts? Nope.
Most top-level performers across all disciplines spend most of their training time on refining the fundamentals. They only do the ‘fancy’ stuff every now and again. The rest of their time is devoted to refining the basics.
Why? Because that’s where the magic happens. That’s where you build consistency, reliability, and the kind of connection with your horse that doesn’t crumble under pressure.
The Role of Position & Feel
Your position is one of the most powerful tools in your riding. If your alignment is off, even slightly, it can affect every aid you give and how your horse receives it. When riders say their horse isn’t listening or that things feel “off,” I often find that going back to something as simple as the rider’s posture, leg position, or balance creates the biggest shift. That’s how powerful basics are. This is true no matter your discipline.
Whether you’re schooling dressage, hitting the trails, or jumping a course of fences, your ability to clearly and effectively communicate with your horse comes down to your mastery of the basics.
Oversimplifying the Basics!
Another challenge? We’ve oversimplified the basics when we teach them to beginners. And that’s fine at first—but later on, those same riders believe the basics are “easy,” when really, they’re anything but.
Take turning, for example. Most riders start off thinking they just pull on the rein. But later they realize that turning involves their weight, their seat, their eyes, their core, and only then the rein! That’s not ‘easy’ at all. That’s complex. And incredibly rewarding to master and refine with your horse over time.
3 Action Steps for Today
If you’ve been riding a while, or you’re getting back into the saddle after a break, I want to encourage you to treat the basics as your ally. They’re not a sign of starting over. They’re your launchpad to the next level. Let’s turn this into momentum with a few simple, focused actions:
-
-
- Identify and work on one specific basic that needs improvement. This could be your transitions, your seat aids, your turning, or your balance. Pick one. Focus on it deliberately during your next three rides.
- Sign up for the Returning to Riding waitlist. This is your next step if you’re serious about creating real, lasting improvement in your riding. You’ll be the first to know when the program opens. Add your name HERE »
-
You’re Not Behind—You’re Right on Time
So let’s leave behind the idea that going back to basics is a setback. Instead, let’s embrace it for what it really is; an opportunity to grow, refine, and reconnect with your horse in a powerful new way. The basics are not just where you start. They’re where you grow. Again and again.
Happy Riding
Lorna
Similar Episodes and Articles:-
Online Training to Help Your Riding
-
-
-
- Daily Strides Premium – Audio Horse Riding Lessons for Riders
- Information on Virtual Horse Riding Lessons
- Pivo Motion Tracking Software (*affiliate link for 10% off your purchase)
-
-
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
-
-
