Instant gratification. It can be tempting to take a shortcut if it means you get the quick result. But shortcuts in your riding rarely have long-term benefits. Riding is one of those beautiful (and sometimes frustrating) journeys where the lasting results are usually anything but instant! It takes time, patience, and a good dash of humility.
For most riders, the shortcuts are unintentional. But let’s be honest, sometimes it’s because we just want to feel like we’re making progress. And think, ‘what’s a few skipped steps if I get the outcome I want?’
Here’s the thing, though… those shortcuts? They’ll come back to bite you in the bum. Every time! So today, I want to help you spot a few of the most common shortcuts riders take. And I’m going to explain how a handy little gadget like a Pivo can help you both find them and begin changing them.
Shortcut 1: Ignoring (or Rushing) the Warm-Up
Okay, let’s be clear, I’m not saying you’re skipping the warm-up completely. Most riders do walk their horses around at the beginning of a ride. But what I’m talking about here is more subtle…
It’s the difference between “warming up” and truly using the warm-up to prepare both you and your horse for what’s to come.
You see, the warm-up is your golden opportunity to tune in to your horse. Are they relaxed? Forward? A bit tight through the back? Swinging and supple? Or distracted and carrying too much tension? Your warm up should move both you and your horse closer to the actual work, in a way that makes you both ‘ready’ when you get there.
Here’s where Pivo comes in; I want you to try this exercise next time you ride. Take three short video clips, just 30 seconds to 1 minute each, during your warm-up. One at the beginning, one in the middle, and one just before you transition into the ‘work’ part of your session.
Then later, watch those clips back. Can you see a progression? Is your horse moving better as you go from clip 1 to 2 to 3? Are you both ‘tuning into’ each other a little more?
If not… Ask yourself, “What could I do differently next time?” Then, next time you’re in the saddle, remind yourself of what the warm-up REALLY is… It’s not just about going through the motions. It’s about preparing both of you to work together. And video helps you see the moments where you can improve this connection every time you’re in the saddle.
Shortcut 2: Trying to Do Everything For the Horse
This is one I see all the time. Riders get into the habit of “helicopter riding”. Hovering, managing, micromanaging… basically trying to do everything for the horse. They’re shoving the horse around the arena. Holding everything together. Making every decision. And it comes from a good place. We care, we want the ride to go well, but it ends up blocking progress because we’re not letting the horse do their job.
Here’s a truth that changes everything when you let it sink in: Your job is to ask the question. Then, it’s your horse’s job to respond to that question…
You’re not allowing that to happen if you’re forcing or shoving. Or if you’re trying to hold everything together so tightly that you feel like if you relax for even a split second – the whole thing will just fall apart! So many riders do this. And it becomes really obvious during simple school movements. Think circles or basic lateral work.
The riders are just over-efforting. They contort themselves trying to “get it right.” Meanwhile, their horse never learns to take responsibility or carry themselves.
Again, I think that the Pivo is the perfect partner to help wean you away from micromanaging! Set up your Pivo and ride some simple patterns. Think large sweeping circles for greener horses, tighter and more accurate ones for more advanced horse and rider combinations.
Then, as you watch the footage, ask yourself: Am I doing too much? Is my body remaining relaxed – or am I fighting to hold it together? Is my horse being allowed to answer – or am I dictating the whole conversation?
If you spot yourself over-efforting, try pulling back. Release the need for everything to be perfect and right. Let your horse answer more for themselves. Mistakes are part of the learning! Trust that letting go a little can actually move you forward faster.
Shortcut 3: Skimming Over Transitions
Oh, transitions. The unsung hero of good riding, and often the most overlooked element in most schooling sessions! Too many riders see transitions as just a bridge. A way to get from walk to trot, or trot to canter. They’re focused on the destination and forget that the journey. It’s the quality of the transition itself that is what’s important.
Here’s what I want you to remember: Transitions are not just a means to an end. They are training tools in and of themselves. And will often dictate the quality of what you’re moving into…
Every transition is a chance to improve your horse’s balance, straightness, softness, responsiveness, and so much more. And if you’re rushing them, ignoring them, or dreading them – well, chances are you’re missing out on so much goodness in your riding!
This is another perfect job for your Pivo. Start setting up planned transitions in specific places in your arena. Use cones, markers, poles, or your jersey if that’s all you have! Then hit record, ride the transition, and pay attention to just one element at a time:
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- Straightness
- Lightness
- Preparation before the transition
- Relaxation and rhythm before, during, and after the transition
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You’ll be amazed at how much clarity you get when you start treating transitions as an important school movement in every ride. Rather than just a way to move through the gears!
Bonus tip? Use the Pivo remote to hit record when you’re ready. Or better yet, talk to your future self while you ride. Share what you’re feeling, what you’re aiming for. Then, when you review it later, you get full feedback with your emotions and intentions as well.
Let Your Future Self Be Your Coach
Video gives you a different perspective. When you’re in the saddle, you’re very much feeling into the moment. And sometimes, it’s hard to see what’s really happening. But when you step back and review a clip with fresh eyes, everything becomes clearer.
That’s why I truly believe tools like the Pivo can change the game for riders; especially those who train alone.
So this week, pick one of these three areas: your warm-up, your tendency to micromanage, or your transitions. And then use your Pivo, or any camera, to take just a few short clips. Let Future You be the trainer, and ask yourself: “What do I see here? And what could I improve next time?”
Little by little, this is how you grow. Not through big leaps. Not by forcing or faking it. But by showing up, being curious, and learning to ride with more awareness.
Keen to Try Pivo?
If you’re curious about getting a Pivo of your own, I’ve partnered with them to offer you 10% off. Just go to stridesforsuccess.com/pivo and use the code DAILYSTRIDES at checkout.
And as a special thank you, I’ll also send you The Original Returning to Riding Audio Program. For free :) Just email me after you order, and I’ll get it straight to your inbox.
Video can 100% help you to really see what’s going on in your riding. And the Pivo makes it so much easier. The ‘zapper’ to start and stop the recording. The mic and earbuds to either speak to ‘Future You’ or listen to your instructor on a virtual lesson. And the fact that the Pivo itself will just follow you around the arena. Like magic ;).
I really do believe this little piece of technology can transform your riding…
Happy Riding
Lorna
Free Ride & Review Kit
Want help getting started with video reviews, even without a Pivo? I have created a step-by-step guide on how you can turn your smartphone into a trusty assistant in the arena.
Download my free Ride & Review Kit here: stridesforsuccess.com/video
It includes a short audio lesson and a checklist to help you make the most of every ride; whether you’re riding solo or reviewing your videos like a pro.
Online Training to Help Your Riding
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- Information on Virtual Horse Riding Lessons
- Pivo Motion Tracking Software (*affiliate link) use coupon DailyStrides for 10% off
- Daily Strides Premium
- Connection – Private Online Coaching for Equestrians
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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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