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  • Using Half Halts on the Lunge to Build Balance

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    Have you ever been lunging your horse and find yourself saying “Whoa there Tonto” a little too often?!
    That moment when your horse seems to go from cool and calm to tripping over themselves as the speed quickens! I can 100% hand over heart say that, from experience, this has the potential to make even the calmest of riders stress a little!

    Most riders see rushing on the lunge as a disobedience problem; their horse is being naughty, ignoring them, or just full of vuma! But what if that’s not what is always going on?

    What if your horse’s rushing while on the lunge is really a balance problem, not a speed problem?

    Rushing v’s Speed

    When a horse loses balance, the natural instinct is to speed up to try to catch themselves. You’ve probably experienced this yourself, either while walking, running, or cycling. Just like when you run on a few steps, or pedal faster to stop yourself from falling over, your horse often does the same.

    If they feel unbalanced, they often run on a little – in an attempt to remain upright!

    Now, I get that some horses will 100% rush and race ‘just because’.  However, that is not what I’m chatting about today. Today, I want to talk about how, for many horses, suddenly speeding up can indicate a lack of balance. And how lunging gives you the perfect opportunity to see this clearly.

    So, if your horse is usually pretty relaxed and ‘rhythmic’ – until he’s not. This might indeed be what’s going on. And I think that lunging can help your horse to develop so that this happens less and less often. You see,

    Because without your weight or mixed signals from the saddle, your horse can figure out how to carry themselves and begin to develop self-balance while developing strength

    Of course, that won’t happen overnight. Building balance takes strength, coordination, and consistency. But lunging — when done correctly — gives your horse space to experiment, to learn, and to begin developing rhythm. And rhythm is where it all starts.

    Rhythm & Relaxation: The Foundations

    No matter what discipline you ride, or what age or stage your horse is at, the first two building blocks of training are relaxation and rhythm.  When they feel that both of these pieces are in place, the energy can flow, and this increases confidence for everyone, horse and rider.

    So, it makes sense to begin at the start with relaxation & rhythm, and one of the best tools for introducing and establishing both of these is to use the half halt while on the lunge.

    Half Halts on the Lunge

    When most riders hear the words ‘half halt’, they immediately think about their hands. Specifically about using the reins. But the half halt is not just a rein aid. It’s a conversation. A pause. A moment of rebalancing that comes from your whole body and your intention, not just your hands.

    When you’re lunging, just like when you’re riding, your lunge line can be ‘part’ of the question or aid… Not the whole aid! You have to learn to communicate using it AND everything else. Your voice, your energy, your body position, your weight, your body language, and even the timing of your breathing.

    When you ask for a half halt on the lunge, you’re really saying,“Hey, come back to me for a moment. Find your balance again.” It can be an invitation, a request, or a correction. 

    And what’s really special about lunging is that, because of your position to your horse, you can see it happen. You can actually watch your horse process the request. And you can see the results. Maybe it’s the moment they soften through the contact, or when they slightly shift the weight off the forehand. It could just be the reestablishing of the rhythm that was in danger of being lost!

    That visual feedback you get from lunging is gold. It helps you begin to understand what a good half halt looks like before you try to feel it in the saddle.

    Reward the Intention

    When you begin introducing half halts on the lunge, I’m going to bet that your horse might not know what you’re asking for yet! Especially if this is not something you’ve been working on regularly before.  So it’s really important to reward every ‘try’. Every subtle thought in the right direction.

    Meaning that even if your horse just thinks about slowing down or steadying, that’s your chance to acknowledge it. If you miss that window, your horse gets confused. The message becomes muddy.

    So, ask for the half halt, then wait. If you see even a hint of balance returning, mark that moment. Praise. Use your voice to tell them, “Yes! That’s what I wanted.”  Clarity and timing are everything.  Every aid you use to ask should also be echoed when you reward. That’s how you build trust and confidence, and understanding. It’s also how your horse will begin to develop strength.

    Transitions, Rhythm & Flow

    Now, if you’ve been guilty of using the lunge line like a steering wheel or a brake (so pulling to keep your horse on the circle or yanking to slow them down), that HAS to stop!  The lunge line isn’t there to control the horse. It’s simply the connection between you.

    Just like how your reins work in riding to ‘gather’ and channel energy, your lunge line will do the same when lunging. 

    I really do think that the only way to begin to truly replace this habit is to create boundaries in the area you are lunging. Let them ‘keep the horse on the circle’ so that you can begin cultivating the contact through the lunge line. I’ve a whole post on this HERE.

    Refining Half Halts on the Lunge

    And once you are using your line correctly, then you can look to improving everything by getting started with basic transitions. Walk to trot. Trot to walk. Halt on the track. Back to walk, etc. etc., etc. Think smooth, not sharp.
    If your horse takes three full circles to make the change or the transition, no worries! That’s your starting point. You’re working on understanding, not obedience.

    Your half halts will be the preparation for every single one of the transitions your horse performs while on the lunge. They set things up so that the transition can be as good as it can be. 

    After a few days or weeks of practicing this, you’ll notice that your horse will become more ‘tuned in’ with regard to your aids and overall communication. That’s when you can begin playing with transitions within the gait. Covering more ground and then covering less ground within the same gait.  The goal is to keep the rhythm steady, no matter the speed.

    Lunging as a Mirror

    Lunging, done well, trains you almost as much as it teaches your horse. It becomes a mirror for your communication. You see, in real time, how every little change you make, your tone, your energy, your posture, affects your horse’s response.

    And the better you get at reading and influencing your horse from the ground, the easier everything feels once you’re in the saddle.

    And remember, lunging isn’t just for young or green horses. It’s for every partnership that wants to improve communication, rhythm, and balance.  It’s also not just for ‘hot horses’ or for when time is short. I am REALLY encouraging you to begin crafting time for lunging starting today.

    Bringing It All Together

    So next time you clip on that lunge line, shift your focus. Instead of thinking, “I need to slow you down,” think, “How can I help you find your rhythm and then maintain it for longer. How can we work together to achieve more balance and lightness?”

    Notice where any of the ‘whoopsies’ appear in your horse’s way of going, when it feels like he’s starting to rush. Pay attention to what led up to that point that may be causing the loss of balance. Then, use your body, voice, and energy to help your horse rebalance, to come back to you. That’s your half halt.

    You’ll be amazed at how your horse starts listening, not just to the sound of your voice, but to the feel of your intention.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

     Half Halting on the Lunge

    I’ve got 3 resources to help you improve and refine your half halts.

          1. Inside Connection we are working on how to use half halts on the lunge to develop rhythm, relaxation, and self-carriage. Step-by-step audio lessons, a live group lesson, and so much more to really help you understand and put this principle into practice.
          2. Join me for the Half Halts Made Simple Webinar on October 28th. We’ll take everything you’ve learned from the ground and bring it into your riding work.
          3. Sign up for the FREE Your Signature Ride Challenge. It’s a fun, on-horse experience that ties beautifully into everything we’re doing this month.

    Online Training & Coaching

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Timing Is Everything: Finding the Sweet Spot for Half Halts

    If you’ve ever asked for a half halt and felt… well, nothing – you’re not alone! So many riders don’t really use the half halt in their riding because they find that it either doesn’t work, or it’s a little ‘too much’ for them and their horses!

    I know many riders can feel a little daunted when they hear the phrase “half halt.” It sounds complicated, almost mystical!  Like something only advanced riders can master. But that’s just not true!

    A good quality, well-timed half halt doesnt’ have to be rocket science! It can be a simple communication tool between you and your horse. And because it’s part of the conversation, the timing needs to be right as well.

    In this episode, we’re going to chat about why timing is so important for your half halts and a few common mistakes riders make when implementing it. I also want to touch on how lunging can be a change in perspective for riders working on their half halt and the timing of it.

    By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how to sharpen your half halts so they actually work. And this will help set you both up for greater balance, responsiveness, and flow in your work together.

    Why Timing Matters So Much

    Think about a conversation with a friend. If they tell you a story and you interrupt too soon, your point falls flat. If you jump in too late, the moment’s passed. And if you constantly interject every two seconds? They’ll tune you out completely.  Half halts work pretty much like this for you and your horse.

    A half-halt is essentially a moment of ‘pause’ within the stride. It’s your way of saying to your horse: “Refocus, rebalance, and prepare for what’s next.” If you ask in the wrong place or at the wrong time, your horse may not be able ot respond. And if you are not paying attention and apply the aid too late, things will already have gone sideways! You’ll have missed the opportunity to rebalance before it all fell apart.

    And keep in mind that the timing of the half halt is vital, but so too is how you ask. Too strong, and you’ll block the energy. Too light or badly timed, and you run the risk of becoming ‘background noise’! 

    Common Mistakes Riders Make

    Most riders think they’re applying perfectly timed and executed half halts. However, that is often not what’s really going on! And, over the years, I’ve seen 3 common challenges and mistakes show up time and again.

    1. Not Getting Your Horse’s Attention

    The half halt is great. However, like most things in riding, it’s usually only as great as what came before it! And if you’re not first actually ‘focusing’ your horse’s attention to the fact that you’re going to ask a question, the answer will probably fall short! One of the key purposes of the half halt is to first get your horse’s attention. I chat more about that HERE.

    When you fail to first get your horses attention, you end up “nagging” with constant mini half halts, every stride, that your horse is just completely ignoring!  

    Imagine your phone buzzing with notifications all day long. After a while, you don’t even notice them anymore. The same thing happens with your horse — they tune out.  It’s only when your phone actually RINGS, that you’re reminded to pay attention and do something about it.

    2. Too Late

    This happens when you wait until things have already gone completely sideways before stepping in. It’s a bit like just ignoring the warning signs, wishing and praying that things will sort themselves out. Sometimes they do – but often they don’t! Picture riding on a downhill slope and feeling your horse becoming a little ‘more energetic’ underneath you. Instead of half halting and rebalancing so that your horse maintains the existing trot or canter, you find yourself barrelling down the hill!

    At this stage, your “half halt” turns into a desperate ‘drop the anchors’ in an attempt to brake! And instead of helping your horse rebalance, you end up blocking energy and, usually, creating excess tension!

    4. Too Strong

    This is the overcorrection. Now, often this is in direct reaction to the previous issue of applying the half halt a wee bit too late! But sometimes this can also show up when riders fail to realise that there is a ‘balance of aids’. Riders know they need to do something, so they just ‘haul’ on the aid that ‘seems’ to be the one that will work. Usually the reins, but sometimes the seat!

    The result? The horse doesn’t recycle energy through the body. Instead, it shuts down, hollows, or even stops! The flow of the energy is lost, replaced with resistance. And, you have to start from scratch to reestablish what you were originally doing.

    Timing: From Awareness to Feel

    So, back to our timing. Let’s be really honest here; timing isn’t something you can learn from reading a book or watching a video. You can understand it in theory, but to truly ‘get it’, you need to feel it.  You need to begin to understand how your aids directly influence your horse.

    You need to learn how to feel when the best time to apply the aids is, so that your horse can best respond. 

    And while there are many exercises and ways to do this in the saddle, I’m going to suggest starting off on the ground. Before you ever feel it, educate yourself by actually seeing it happen. And that’s where lunging comes in.

    Lunging Helps You ‘See’ Timing

    When you’re in the saddle, your brain is juggling a lot: your position, your hands, your legs, your seat, the arena, your horse’s balance… the list goes on. Throw into the mix trying to figure out when to half halt and when best to time it… It can feel overwhelming!

    On the lunge, a lot of the overwhelm drops away. You’re not working on a million things and hoping that you’re feeling it all correctly – you’re simply watching your horse move.

    And when you watch closely, you’ll notice something important: the rhythm of the stride. Every stride has a natural moment where your horse is best able to respond to your influence.  This will depend on what you want to ask for or do… But, if we think of half halt, the best time to balance is when your foot is firmly on the floor, yes? So, apply this to your horse as well.

    By observing this over and over on the lunge, you train your eye to recognize timing. And once you see it, you can start to anticipate it. Then, when you’re back in the saddle, your body learns to match that rhythm almost automatically.

    You and Your Riding

    If your half halts aren’t working, don’t beat yourself up. Most riders are either too late, too strong, or talking to the wall when it comes to half halts. And often, because they haven’t developed the timing piece yet.  The takeaway here is that timing is a skill you can train. It’s not about being a “natural rider” or having some magical gift. It’s about practice, observation, and awareness.

    Start with lunging. Watch your horse move. Identify the sweet spot of the stride for the question you want to ask. Then, begin experimenting. What happens when you ask slightly earlier? Slightly lighter? Less heavy handed?

    Over time, you’ll start hitting that sweet spot more consistently. And that’s when your half halts become powerful.  Not because they’re bigger or stronger, but because you’ve learned to refine them by applying the aids at the right time.

    Timing Your Half Halts

    Half halts are the foundation of so much in riding: transitions, balance, collection, even safety out on the trail. And yet, so many riders miss out on their potential simply because of timing.  If you can learn to assess the “when” before you ask, you’ll unlock a whole new level of communication with your horse.

    That’s exactly what we’re working on inside Connection this month. We’re starting with half halts on the lunge — the clearest way to train your eye and develop timing — before moving into half halts under saddle later this year.

    Because when they’re done well, a half halt feels almost magical: your horse shifts balance, lightens the front end, and tunes in to your next aid.

    And it’s a skill you can learn, step by step.  Start by seeing it on the lunge. Play with it in the saddle.  And remember: every time you refine your timing, you’re making it easier for your horse to understand you.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    The Your Signature Ride Challenge

    Here’s the idea: you use only your seat and leg aids to “write” your name in the arena. Sounds simple, right? But what it really does is sharpen your awareness of timing and clarity.  You’ll learn when your aids actually make a difference.  And you’ll have fun doing it.  All while creating a pattern that’s uniquely yours!

    You can sign up by CLICKING HERE

    It’s free to join, and every rider who participates gets access to a guided audio lesson to help them through the challenge. Plus, you’ll have a chance to win 3 months inside Connection (a $66 value)

    Restart & Reschool

    And if you would like a little more 1-to-1 coaching, explore Restart & Reschool Private Coaching. It is perfect if you’re starting your practice – or if you’re looking to turn your existing practice into something ‘real’ for you and your horse. I’ll guide you step by step on the way! You’ll not only get the full ‘OTTB; From Racetrack to Ready Program’, but also fornightly private lessons with me to move you forward in your riding.

    We can work on anything you would like; from groundwork, to lunging, to riding, to jumping… With the virtual private lessons, we can do all of these things – and more.  If you would like to find out me, you can let me know a little more about you HERE and I will then reach back out and we can chat!

    This is the support, training, and accountability you’ve been missing to finally follow through and start seeing progress. No fluff. No overwhelm. And as flexible as you need for your lifestyle. 

    Online Training & Coaching

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Why Your Riding Falls Apart Under Pressure (and How to Fix It)

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    This morning I sat in a big school hall, surrounded by parents buzzing with anticipation, watching my six-year-old son and his classmates step onto the stage for their very first school concert.  And as I was watching them put their weeks of practice into action, I began thinking how we, as riders, can learn a thing or three from these Little People.

    I think as riders, we can often forget that practice is just that. Practice. And the reason we practice is for when we find ourselves in a situation where the pressure is on! 

    The children’s concert reminded me of how important it is to both do the practice and then learn from the experiences when we put that practice into action… Especially when we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone!

    Things Will Go Sideways

    I think the first big takeaway from this is the fact that we need to be open to, and plan for, things going ‘sideways’!. You and your horse, just like those Little People on the stage this morning, are not polished robots!  Meaning that while you can put in the hours and do the work, practicing, and practicing… Still, when you find yourself ‘under pressure’, things can and most likely will go sideways!

    As I sat there smiling (and occasionally giggling quietly to myself), I realized how much this parallels what happens to us as riders, both in our own training and when we’re working with our horses.

    The consistent practice prepares you and your horse – but the added new and different pressure changes the game. And the question then becomes, “Can you adapt?”.

    What is ‘Pressure’?

    Okay, put your hand up if this sounds about right for you and your horse…. When you’re riding, doing your usual day-to-day ‘stuff’, you usually practice in a controlled or predictable environment.  This could be your arena, over the same set of jumps, the same transitions, on the same trail, or over the same cross-country track in the same quiet setting. And that is good. That is where we refine, repeat, and rehearse until things feel pretty solid.

    But the moment we step into a different situation, whether that’s a show, a clinic, or even just riding in a new arena or hacking on a new trail, the ‘pressure’ changes! We (horse and rider) become more ‘aware’…

    And please hear me when I say that ‘pressure’ doesn’t have to mean competition. In fact, you can add more pressure in your day-to-day riding in your usual arena if you want. It’s a change. And it can be as simple as:-

          • Riding in a different part of the farm
          • A wheelie bin suddenly shows up at a neighbour’s gate while out on the road
          • A friend is watching your lesson
          • Your horse suddenly feels ‘more energised’ because you’re riding somewhere different!

    That change can make what, before, felt smooth in practice, suddenly unravel!

    BUT – and this is the important bit –  just like those LIttle People on the stage this morning, it doesn’t mean you’re failing… it means you’re taking action, and now know where the next level of your ‘practice’ needs to begin. 

    A Few Real Life Examples

    Over the years, I’ve seen this play out countless times in the arena and beyond. Here are three examples that highlight the reality and the growth that come when practice meets pressure.

    1. The Jumping Track Nerves

    Okay, I’m using myself as the first example! You see, when I was younger, I used to practice jumping tracks at home with my pony. We were great (if I do say so myself :) ). I could memorize the course easily, and my pony was a great saint of a partner! At home, we were golden.

    But the second we got to a show, that all changed. For me, the ‘pressure’ was the thought that ‘everyone was watching me’! I’d freeze up, even though we’d practiced everything and knew it like the back of our hand!

    Luckily, I had a saint of a woman working with me then, and she gave me the simplest but most effective tool: sing a song while riding the course. For me, it was “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” And you know what? It worked.

    The singing broke the tension, shifted my focus, and allowed all the practice I had put in to come through. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress. And my new practice became riding in front of other people. 

    2. The Sitting Trot Struggle

    Here’s another way this can show up – but in the horse this time. So there was a rider I was working with a few years ago, and she was determined to improve her sitting trot for dressage. She practiced tirelessly at home, and things felt good. But at her first show, where the sitting trot was required, she forgot to factor her horses ‘enthusiasm’ into the equation!

    As you probably know, when your horse feels the energy of the occasion, the trot tends to become ‘bigger’. And her carefully practiced sitting trot dissolved under the pressure – and the ‘more’ happening under her!

    The ‘bigger’ the trot became, the more she tensed up! Which resulted in a bigger ‘bounce’ and it was just feeling like a complete lost cause…  But instead of quitting, she relaxed into the moment. She accepted that this was different from home and allowed her body to move with the horse instead of fighting against it. By the end of the test, her sitting trot started to resemble what she’d practiced, and more importantly, she now knew what to expect and how to prepare for next time.

    3. The Plastic Bag Spook

    Another rider was recently out hacking her young horse when they came across the dreaded nemesis of equestrians everywhere: a random plastic bag stuck and fluttering in a tree! Her horse, usually the calmest and compliant soul, was absolutely freaked out. Here they were in a setting that they both knew – but with this absolutely unwanted ‘invader’ in their story!

    As her horse was literally having a heart attack, she too found herself going from 0 to 60 and tried to ‘push’ him past it. But then she realized that this was in complete opposition to everything she had been working on with her horse up to this point.

    In fact, this was the exact moment she had been practicing for! She realigned and ‘modelled’ for her horse what she was looking for.  She chose to remain consistent and calm – and he followed suit. 

    Slowly, her horse mirrored her steadiness, and they got through it. That moment became a huge building block in their partnership, teaching her horse that even when things went sideways, he could trust her lead.

    Mistakes Can Be Confidence Builders

    Okay, all of this to say that I feel more riders need to realise that mistakes under pressure are not evidence that all your practice was wasted! In fact, it’s quite the opposite.  Those children today walked off that stage feeling more confident than they were before.

    Not because everything went perfectly, but because they did it, and in all of the chaos, they realized they survived, even thrived! 

    The same is true for riders and horses. Every “wonky” moment is a chance to grow resilience. Every imperfect ride builds confidence. Every sideways detour teaches you something new.  When you and your horse get through a pressured situation, you come out stronger on the other side.

    So, how do you take this mindset into your own training? How can you begin to see things differently so that you can both feel a renewed sense of enthusiasm about your training – and see a clear path to go forward on?  I feel that these are a few simple, but often forgotten, things to remember:-

          • Expect things to go sideways; that’s not failure, it’s real life.
          • Stay compassionate, to yourself and your horse. Mistakes are learning opportunities – not crimes!
          • Reframe the moment. See it as practice under pressure, not proof you’re failing.
          • Stay consistent and aligned; your horse will look to you for stability.
          • Celebrate effort. Acknowledge what went right, not just what went wrong.

    Just like nobody shouted at the Little People this morning for facing the wrong way or waving when they should have been clapping… Don’t shout at yourself or your horse for mistakes! What matters is showing up and giving it a go.

    Confidence WILL Grow

    If you can remember that this is part of the learning journey, there is a little magic that happens… You become reenergised and even more enthusiastic about working with your horse going forward. I really do believe that the children, helpers, teachers, and parents all left that concert today more enthusiastic about the next one.

    The practice had paid off, not because everything went perfectly, but because the experience was richer for its imperfections. And now there’s a map to work with going forward

    When you embrace the chaos in your riding, you not only grow your skills, but you grow your love for the process. And that enthusiasm will carry you and your horse forward far more powerfully than a “perfect” ride ever could.

    If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you put it into practice. Make sure you sign up and try the Your Signature Ride Challenge. It’s a fun, no-judgment way to practice applying pressure in your rides and learn to stay consistent with your aids.

    And remember, your confidence isn’t built when everything goes right. Neither is your horses. It’s built when things go wonky, and you keep going anyway!

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Restart & Reschool

    And if you would like a little more 1-to-1 coaching, explore Restart & Reschool Private Coaching. It is perfect if you’re starting your practice – or if you’re looking to turn your existing practice into something ‘real’ for you and your horse. I’ll guide you step by step on the way! You’ll not only get the full ‘OTTB; From Racetrack to Ready Program’, but also fornightly private lessons with me to move you forward in your riding.

    We can work on anything you would like; from groundwork, to lunging, to riding, to jumping… With the virtual private lessons, we can do all of these things – and more.  If you would like to find out me, you can let me know a little more about you HERE and I will then reach back out and we can chat!

    This is the support, training, and accountability you’ve been missing to finally follow through and start seeing progress. No fluff. No overwhelm. And as flexible as you need for your lifestyle. 

    Online Training & Coaching

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Your Riding Isn’t Improving? Learning More Might Not Help…

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    If your riding hasn’t changed, it’s probably not because you haven’t learned something new. It’s more likely because you haven’t committed to doing something new.  I know, that might seem a little harsh! And if it stings a little for you, perhaps there is a morsel of truth in there?

    In fact, if your riding isn’t improving, this might be exactly what you need to finally shift from stuck to riding with purpose again.

    Whether you’re coming back to riding after a long break, working with your horse alone, or you’ve just fallen into the scroll-save-binge-repeat cycle of collecting riding content without actually using any of it, this is for you!  Let’s chat about what’s really holding your riding back. And how to change it, starting today.

    The “Learning Loop” That’s Slowing You Down

    We’re living in the ‘golden age’ of information. Just the other day, I was thinking about how, if I didn’t know the answer to something back in the 90s, getting answers could sometimes be quite the challenge!

    However, today, there are podcasts (hello to the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians), YouTube videos, ‘the Google’, blog posts, ChatGPT, downloadable PDFs, social media… And all just waiting, mere seconds away, at our fingertips.  And, let’s be honest, this can be great. I will happily admit that I have (and you have most likely as well) consumed a lot of it.  Things like:-

          • Saved dozens of riding exercises on your phone
          • Have piles of magazines with dog-eared articles,
          • Stacks of books with bookmarks or Post-it notes sticking out of random pages!
          • Nodded along to riding podcasts while mucking out
          • Made mental notes during webinars and masterclasses

    Putting Things into Practice

    And yet…. When it comes to the actual riding part?  It feels like things are not changing. You either freeze, overthink, or completely procrastinate on doing the things you ‘know’ you should do. And, because of that, your riding isn’t improving!

    It’s not that you don’t care, or that you’re lazy.  It’s that you’re stuck in the ‘content collecting’ trap. You’ve confused learning about riding with actually riding.

    I see it all the time, and I’ve been there myself.  It’s a sneaky little trap because it feels productive.  In fact, your mind gives you a little ‘boost’, making you ‘think’ that you’re actually doing something productive.

    I had to either find a good book, ask someone experienced, or figure it out through trial and error. Every option required time, effort, and action.But the fact of the matter is that learning alone doesn’t make you a better rider. Learning combined with doing does.

    How This Shows Up for Real Riders

    Let me share three stories from riders I’ve worked with inside Restart & Reschool Private Coaching. These are all lovely, dedicated horsewomen who made real progress, not by cramming more info into their heads! But by taking one uncomfortable (usually only in their head) but intentional action.

    My first rider began working with me feeling afraid! So anxious that she hadn’t even put her foot in the stirrup for over a year.  Her challenge wasn’t physical; it was emotional.  She told me that every time she even began to think about riding, the “what ifs” took over:

          • What if my horse spooks?
          • What if I fall again?
          • What if I’ve forgotten everything?

    She had all the theory.  In fact, she was regularly eventing with her previous horse ‘in a past life’. But a few unfortunate and unlucky falls had her stuck in the cycle of fear. And it wasn’t like she was not trying to overcome this. She’d listened to this podcast, written riding plans, practiced groundwork… So much groundwork! But she wasn’t riding.

    Stop Learning and Start Doing

    So, we worked on getting her out of her head and into action. Her first big action?  Figuring out what she wanted!   “I want to enjoy riding my horse again without anxiety.”  Fantastic :) So, now to begin with the tiny steps to make this happen. We started building small wins:

          • 5 minutes of groundwork
          • 10 minutes in the saddle
          • Staying on when her thoughts got loud

    This rider didn’t need more information. In fact, that was keeping her stuck. What she needed was actions to take through the fear. That’s what got her back in the saddle.

    ‘Knowing’ But Not ‘Feeling’

    Another rider I had the pleasure of working with recently really knew her stuff. In fact, she knew so much about all of the ‘things’ that her struggle was actually being present and ‘feeling’ how things were going when working with her horse. She was caught up in the ‘do this’ and ‘do that’ cycle of her aids and exercises.

    She showed me her notebooks full of exercises, and ‘ideas’ about how to get her horse to work in better contact… But in the saddle? She was 100% stuck in analysis paralysis!

    Her breakthrough came when I asked her to do less. I actually gave her Week 1 of the Original Returning to Riding Program, all about ‘feeling’ what is happening underneath you in the saddle (use THIS LINK to get 50% off the 6-week audio program), and told her to work on that – no more! Now, I could tell you that this all went well… But, in reality, she worked herself into a panic! “But if I’m not checking every second whether I’m doing it right, how do I know it’s right?!”

    I reminded her to trust the process… And, lo and behold, her horse began to soften! The ‘contact’ that she technically knew inside and out but that had been eluding her for years began to appear. Because she stopped overthinking – and simply allowed.

    More knowledge about the topic was not what she needed. It was being present in the ‘doing’ that helped her put the pieces together – after years of wondering why her riding isn’t improving! 

    The Value of Small Chunks of Time

    Then there is a rider who I can 100% see myself in. Her struggles are very similar to mine. We’ve got the horses, got the equipment, got the know-how… But it so often feels that time is not our friend! She actually would write on our 1 to 1 chat pretty regularly something along the lines of “I only have 20 minutes. Is it even worth it?”. My answer (which is advice I give myself pretty regularly), “YES! Let’s GO!”

    I think the issue here is that because she knows what she knows, and she has the physical resources to make things happen, she tends to get stuck in the trap of thinking that everything must be perfect and ‘correct’.

    It’s the knowledge of how things ‘could’ be that is holding her back from taking action when she perceives that anything is less than that. When all the ducks are not lining up perfectly…

    Her belief seems to be around, “If I can’t ride for 45 minutes, there’s no point.”.  The work became her challenging herself to rethink that. And, using all of the things that she ‘knows’ to make the best of 10 or 20 minutes when the opportunity presents itself. So we gave it a bash…

          • Walking bareback using legs and seat as the ‘starring role’ aids
          • Improving the rhythm of lateral work by practicing on the ground beside her horse
          • Apply some basic massage techniques to areas of her horse where she’s noticed stiffness or tightness

    And, I know, they might not seem like the most exciting suggestions initially; however, after just one week, she could see a huge change in how her partnership with her horse was developing. And rather than being all about the ‘competing’ and ‘working’, just being with her horse became fun and enjoyable again.

    “Those 10 minutes feel better than any 45-minute ride I’ve done in years. I’m focused. He’s listening. We’re actually connecting again.”

    This rider was allowing all that she already ‘knew’ to hold her back from taking actions that mattered. And, in the end, it became less about having more time and more about implementing what she already knew with purpose.  

    Riding Isn’t Improving? Take Action!

    I cannot stress to you enough how important this is. Stop waiting until everything is perfect. In fact, some of your best riding days will happen when things are definitely ‘less than’ how you would like them to be! And stop waiting until you ‘feel confident’. You’re only going to begin growing your confidence by doing. Not by learning more and worrying!

    Work on taking action and doing what you can with what you already know. Begin improving your ability to be present for it all. And then watch how things begin to shift and change for you and your horse. 

    Your Signature Ride Challenge

    So here’s your moment to do the same.  If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it!  The FREE Your Signature Ride Challenge is a simple, powerful way to have a whole lot of fun with your horse – while applying the things you already know.

    And the best part? You can complete it in one short ride, and then work on improving your outcome every ride thereafter! 

    The challenge is absolutely free and can be done in an arena or field (or a wide road?!). It’s for English and Western riders… And you don’t need anything other than your phone (with a free app on it), and your creativity :). When you sign up, you’ll receive:-

          • A free guided audio riding lesson
          • A printable workbook to help you plan ‘your signature’
          • A fun GPS-based challenge to “write your name” using mostly  your seat and leg aids

    There’s no pressure, just a fun activity to do with your horse while warming up and cooling down. Think of it as a way to relax, have fun, but also connect with your horse in a deeper way from the saddle. Sign up for FREE by CLICKING HERE

    Restart and Reschool

    And if you are looking for something more. My eyes on you and your horse, working together… Restart and Reschool Private Coaching might just be the thing for you. You’ll not only get the full ‘OTTB; From Racetrack to Ready Program’, but also fornightly private lessons with me to move you forward in your riding.

    We can work on anything you would like; from groundwork, to lunging, to riding, to jumping… With the virtual private lessons, we can do all of these things – and more.  If you would like to find out me, you can let me know a little more about you HERE and I will then reach back out and we can chat!

    This is the support, training, and accountability you’ve been missing to finally follow through and start seeing progress. No fluff. No overwhelm. And as flexible as you need for your lifestyle. 

    Whatever you decide, I’m going to challenge you this week to stop saving all of the exercises and movements! Stop spending all of your ‘horse time’ learning… And start doing! Get in action and get riding. Then, using the feedback you create for yourself, your next ‘learning session’ will actually be something you can put to use in your very next ride.

    Take action today and don’t let another week go by where you think about riding more than you ride.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on This Topic:-

    Online Training & Coaching

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  • Your Riding Breakthrough Might Just Be One Perspective Shift Away

    Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the “right things” in the saddle, but your horse just doesn’t seem to get the memo? Maybe they won’t go forward. Maybe they cut in on the circle. Or maybe they find creative ways to avoid what you’re asking.  It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

    Here’s the thing: so often the problem isn’t the exercise itself. It’s the perspective you’re coming from. And in many cases, a simple perspective shift can be the very thing that creates your next riding breakthrough.

    Over the past few months of working with riders online via virtual live lessons, I’ve been reminded of this again and again. The smallest change in where you’re standing, how you’re sitting, or simply how you see yourself can open the door to completely different results with your horse.

    Today, I want to share a few stories from real riders (all working with me online through virtual lessons) that show just how powerful perspective shifts can be.  And how you can start using a perspective shift in your own riding and training.

    Things May Feel ‘Wrong’…

    A few weeks ago, I was working with a rider in an online lesson, and she was lunging her horse. Let me paint the picture… Her horse was doing what I call “going nowhere slowly.” You could call it ‘the shuffle’!  There was absolutely no forwardness happening; thinking, or doing! And not only that, her horse seemed to be just waiting for an opportunity to turn into the middle of the circle and stop working! This was apparent in both the actual lunging and also in the downward transitions.  And forget about asking for a halt on the track! She’d swing in, straight to the middle!

    The rider was frustrated. She was technically close to the “right” place for lunging, although sometimes getting a little ahead. And her horse had learned to take full advantage of that ‘little too ahead’ positioning!

    So I asked her to do something that felt completely wrong. I had her step way back. Almost as if she was about to long line.  And, I could see by the rider’s reaction that this felt uncomfortable and strange. But she stuck with it until everything began to click.

    From this different perspective, being further back, she could:

          • Send her horse forward more clearly – no more shuffle
          • Better keep her out on the track – less sneaky veering in!
          • Ask for downward transitions – mostly without her diving into the centre of the circle

    The horse began responding differently almost immediately. And when my rider watched the recording back later, she could see exactly what I’d been pointing out during the lesson.

    That new perspective cut out the wiggle room and made going forward the only option. It was a big training and riding breakthrough for this horse and rider.

    Why Perspective Shifts Matter

    Another rider I am working with online was struggling with her transitions into canter. Instead of her horse ‘stepping up’ into canter, her horse was just running faster and ‘falling’ into canter.  We had been on a few lessons together, and finally, we came to working on this. During this particular lesson, I kept telling her, “Sit up and wait. Your job is not to canter for the horse, it’s to ask and then allow.” But she couldn’t feel it.  In fact, I think she thought I was talking through my hat!

    So I asked her to watch the recording afterwards. That’s when she had her lightbulb moment. She could see her shoulders tipping forward and her body “chasing” her horse into canter.

    Once she realized this, the next lesson we had together, she was able to sit tall. She practiced ‘asking’ for the transition, and then allowing her horse to respond.  And, I’m going to be honest with you, the first few tries were messy because her horse was so used to being chased. But soon enough, I could see that her horse also had a ‘lightbulb’ moment. It was almost like there was a thought bubble above the horse’s head, “Oh, THAT’S what she’s asking for!”  Needless to say, the canter transitions became smoother, more balanced, and more relaxed after that :)

    When you’ve been doing something the same way for a long time, it feels right. Even if it’s not! That’s why these shifts often feel uncomfortable at first.

    But it’s also why they’re so powerful. They help to break old habits and give both you and your horse a chance to do things differently.

    Helping Your Horse

    Another rider I’m working with was struggling with balance and connection. Her horse felt heavy in front and uncomfortable underneath her.  On our live video lessons together, the problem was obvious to me: she was gripping with her knees. This perched her seat and ’tilted’ pelvis had left her clamped like a clothes peg!

    In the lesson, I had her work in a walk, making small adjustments in her seat and pelvis to release her knees. She immediately felt the difference. Her seat softened, her legs lengthened, and her horse started to move more freely.

    Watching the recording confirmed it for her: she could see exactly how much lighter and more balanced everything looked once she shifted her position.

    Again, this small change was the riding breakthrough she needed to unlock softness and balance.  Something as simple as how she was sitting, once pointed out and adjusted, had an instant positive influence on her horse’s way of going.

    All the training, school movements, and exercises in the world would not have made that difference. And it just took a different perspective to identify and transform the problem. 

    Is Your Horse Really ‘Acting Up’?

    I want to include one more rider’s story, as I feel that many times, we can incorrectly begin with the horse in trying to ‘fix’ or change things. Her experience is the perfect example of that. Her horse had begun stopping at small fences and grids. She thought the horse was being cheeky or ‘naughty’.

    Now, obviously, she had all of the things checked and had come to the conclusion that it was a training issue. She was right, it was… But the issue wasn’t with the team members she initially thought it was with! 

    When we got on our virtual live lesson together, the challenge became very clear, very quickly. My rider was jumping ahead of the horse! Each time she threw herself ‘forward’ and far too early, I could actually see her horse having a ‘Oh sugar, what now’ moment! He was losing confidence, and that, in my opinion, was the reason he was stopping or ducking out.

    We dropped the fences right down and began working on correcting her position (let’s ban the word ‘forward’ when it comes to jumping positions, shall we?!), and her being able to ‘wait’.  Adjusting both her position and her timing, at first, felt all wrong to her! She now thought that she was ‘left behind’! She wasn’t!

    But the change was almost instant in her horse. He looked confident and committed. No more running out.  And when she watched the recording of our lesson later, she could see the transformation with her own eyes.

    That’s what a riding breakthrough often looks like: small, sometimes uncomfortable tweaks that make a huge difference.

    Create Your Own Perspective Shift

    You can begin doing this work today. And, the best part? You don’t need any fancy or special equipment. All you need is your phone and a willingness to look.

    Step 1: Record Yourself
    Prop your phone up in the arena for just 5 minutes. No need to be fancy, this is for your eyes only.

    Step 2: Watch Like a Coach, Trainer, or Instructor
          When you replay it, don’t just admire your horse. Watch yourself critically, imagine coaching another rider.

    Step 3: Ask yourself a few critical questions
    Where am I positioned?
    Am I giving my horse the chance to say “no”?
    What’s my body really doing when I ask for something?

    Step 4: Make One Small Change
    Pick just one thing to adjust in your next session. Then record again and compare. Use the video as feedback, not judgment.

    Free Resource: Start Using Video Today

    Recording yourself might feel daunting, but it’s the simplest way to identify your blind spots. That’s why I created a free step-by-step guide to help you get started with just your phone.  What if recording yourself for 5 minutes could change everything?  Get the guide to doing this easily and effectively HERE

    I’ll walk you through exactly how to set up, what to focus on, and how to use the footage to improve your riding.

    Restart & Reschool: The Fast Track to Change

    Of course, sometimes it’s hard to see your own blind spots, even on video. That’s where having a coach makes all the difference.  Inside Restart & Reschool, I’ll work with you and your horse to help break out of frustration and into clarity. Get all the details HERE or at https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

    You’ll not only get live virtual lessons (like the riders mentioned above) and exercises, but also real-time feedback that helps you spot the small tweaks that lead to big results.

    Imagine stepping into 2026 with a horse who understands what you’re asking and the confidence that you’re on the right track.  That’s what Restart & Reschool is designed to do: deliver your next riding breakthrough.

    Your Challenge This Week

    Before your next ride, set up your phone and record for 5 minutes. Later, when you are reviewing your video, ask yourself:

          • What am I really doing here?
          • How is my horse responding to what I’m actually asking?
          • What one tweak could make this better?

    Then, the next time you ride, make the tweak and try it again, applying what you’ve learned from your new perspective.  You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More Resources & Posts on This Topic:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

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  • From One Ride to Many; Turn Your Win into a Winning Streak

    Have you ever had one of those rides where you dismount, smiling from ear to ear, thinking: “This is what I’ve been missing.”? They are amazing, eh?!  Maybe it was your first ride back after a break. Or perhaps you tried something new with your horse and felt re‑inspired.

    That burst of excitement feels amazing; the proof that ‘yes, I can still do it!’.  But here’s the challenge… that initial enthusiasm? It fades quickly! 

    If you want consistent progress in your riding, you need to stack more wins on top of that first one. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to do exactly that so you and your horse keep moving forward week after week.

    Why That First Win Matters; But Isn’t Enough

    That “best day ever” ride is a moment in time. It can rebuild your trust in yourself, re‑ignite your passion, and even strengthen your connection with your horse. But on its own, it’s just that; a single event!  To see real transformation in your riding, you need to repeat that feeling over and over, mixing it into a rhythm of time and consistency.  The problem?

    Most riders rely too much on that spark of motivation. Motivation is a great starting point; but it won’t sustain you! 

    Especially when life gets busy or the weather turns! Not to mention the days that you and your horse are just not reading from the same sheet! And motivation won’t help if you fall into the trap of expecting too much too soon. Perhaps going from riding once a week to trying to ride every single day, or cramming ten new exercises into one week…

    The Key to Turning Wins into Streaks

    So, instead of riding the motivation wave until it crashes, you need a plan to capitalise on that first win. This means building in recovery and rest, tracking progress, and using repetition strategically.

    1. Build in Recovery Days

    Athletes know they can’t push at full intensity every day. They plan the days that they will go ‘all out’ and then alternate those with days where they focus on lower‑intensity sessions. This allows their body and mind to recover, adapt, and grow.

    The same is true in riding. If you’ve had a physically challenging, emotional, or high‑intensity session with your horse, follow it with an easier day.

    A ‘more gentle’ day might look like a short groundwork session or a relaxed hack. It could also be a light schooling ride, focusing on something simple like transitions between halt and walk.

    It’s tempting to try to repeat a great ride the very next day, but over time, that approach leads to burnout, for both you and your horse.

    2. Track What Matters

    Tracking isn’t just for elite athletes. Simple tracking creates awareness, shows you patterns, and keeps you honest. It also makes it far easier to see your streak building, which is motivating in itself.  You could track things like:-

          • Ride frequency – Mark each ride on a monthly or quarterly calendar. You’ll quickly see if your rides are evenly spaced or clustered.
          • Easy start days – How quickly can you get tacked up and riding? If you’re losing an hour to faffing around the yard, this is worth tracking.
          • Confidence score – After each ride, rate your confidence out of 5 or 10. Over time, you’ll see trends you might otherwise miss.

    The key is to track something that’s currently getting in the way of or slowing down your progress. Once you can measure it, you can improve it!

    3. Use the Spacing Effect

    Teachers know that spaced repetition is more effective for learning than long, intense cram sessions. The same applies to riding.

    Remember, you are your horse’s teacher – whether you think of yourself that way or not!

    So, instead of trying to work on everything in one ride, pick one or two specific skills or exercises per ride. Then repeat them every few days, blending them into different rides.  This allows you and your horse to absorb the learning before building on it.  And this approach creates steady improvement without overwhelming you or your horse.

    An End‑of‑Ride Habit That Builds Streaks

    This part might just be the game-changer you’re looking for. I do this myself regularly (and not just with riding) and have found it to work so well.  And it’s so simple. Because you will ‘know’ the answer already based on what has just happened…

    Before you dismount, literally before you take your feet out of the stirrups, decide on your next ride’s focus.

    Ask yourself ‘What went well today that I want to repeat?’ or ‘What could we do slightly better next time?’. Then write it down or record a quick voice note. That way, you’ll never waste time in the arena wondering, “What should I work on today?”

    Short & Sweet :)

    My final piece of advice to begin your winning streak is to think quality over quantity. So many riders think they need long sessions to make progress. 45 minutes doing something! But I’m going to encourage you to ride short, targeted chunks of time. This will be far more effective, especially when you’re building a streak!

    Fifteen minutes of focused work is far better than an hour of unfocused meandering.

    Short sessions also lower the barrier to getting started, reduce fatigue for both you and your horse. And make it easier to repeat skills more often. It’s a win-win. And I also find that the concentration is better for horse and rider as well.

    Create Your Winning Streak

    So, the next ride you have, let’s turn it into the first of a string of rides that work for you and your horse. Most riders who make consistent progress aren’t winging it. They know what they’re working on, and they’ve built a rhythm that works for them and their horse week after week.

    Capitalise on your next ‘best ride ever’ and turn it into a streak using recovery, tracking, and spacing. Then build on it by incorporating short, focused, quality training sessions with your horse. 

    Wins feel good. Streaks change your riding. Start stacking your wins today, and you’ll be amazed at where you and your horse can be in a few short months.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Need Inspiration for Short Sessions?

    If you’re out of ideas or feeling uninspired, my 15 Minutes or Less guide is a great place to start. It’s packed with quick, focused ideas you can do with your horse in all sorts of categories, from groundwork to schooling to fun hacks.  Grab your copy at https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

    More on This Topic:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

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