Strides for Success

Tag: 30 day rider fitness challenge

  • 3 Areas that Can Change Everything In Your Riding

    3 Areas that Can Change Everything In Your Riding

    3 Keys to Changing Everything in Your Riding

    So how do you become a ‘better’ rider?  What should you be focusing on in order to make progress regarding your communication skills in the saddle?  I believe there are three specific areas that, if you work on, you can really begin to see a difference in your riding. 

    There are a lot of areas in riding that you can’t control.  Your horse’s mood or attitude is a good example.  In fact, one of the reasons riders stop making progress is that they focus their attention on the things they can’t control, rather than what they can. 

    The simple truth is that by working on these three core pieces that you can actually control, you can have a much greater positive influence over the things that you cannot. 

    You can never really control your horse.  You can simply influence him… So with that out of the way, let’s get into those three things that I suggest you begin working on today. 

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1115-3-Areas-that-Can-Change-Everything-in-Your-Riding.mp3″ title=”3 Keys to Changing Everything in Your Riding” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Imagine if there were just three things for you to work on, that had the potential to change everything in your riding… There are…” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    1 .  Your Physical Abilities & Fitness Level

    I am going to ask that, rather than flicking away from this blog post, you hear me out on this.  I know, it seems too simple.  So simple, in fact, that we can actually fail to see how important it actually is.  And, trust me, it is important!

    How fit you are will dictate how well you can control your body while in the saddle.  How well you control your body will dictate how clear you are when applying your aids.  This decides if your horse understands or not…

    I see time and again the hours riders dedicate to creating and implementing fitness and conditioning programs for their horses.  Hours spent planning every little detail of the week.  What food their horse is going to eat.  How many calories.  How long they get to socialize.  And planning their rest time as well.   This is great; don’t get me wrong.  However, this is only 50% of the team.  

    However you want to look at it, you cannot get away from the fact that you make up the other 50% of the team.  Failing to ‘condition’ and ‘increase fitness levels’ for yourself is letting your horse down. 

    Fitness and Suppleness

    There are a few different elements when it comes to your personal fitness.  How fit you are as a rider is a big one.  A few simple ‘tests’ can help you to get a clearer picture of just how ‘riding fit’ you are.  In fact, in the 2020 Equestrian Fitness Challenge, I will be helping you measure your riding fitness levels.  But being Riding Fit is not the only way you can improve your physical efforts while riding.  

    I am a big believer in ‘cross-training’.  Doing a few other types of exercise, out of the saddle, that will compliment your efforts while in the saddle.

    However, like all things there can be a downside to becoming too fit elsewhere.  I have noticed that runners, for example, often struggle with suppleness through their lower backs. Which affects their seat and how they are influencing their horse using their seat.  

    Now, obviously this does not apply to every single rider who also runs.  However, it is just something to be aware of. Suppleness is often seen as something only for horses.  It is equally as important for the rider as well.  

    The energy that moves through the horse, must also move through the rider.  Suppleness is the measure of how easily this energy can move.

    Increasing Your Fitness Will…

    Improve your life!  And of course, help you to become a more skilful and responsive rider as well.  You will find that your coordination will improve.  This, of course, helps with your aids, which is how we communicate with our horse.  

    Your balance will begin to improve, often dramatically.  This is great for staying on initially. However, later it also helps when you are working on improving your horse.  Your balance will help your horse to remain balanced. 

    Your energy levels will increase.  How many times have you been riding and find that before you have even finished warming up, your legs are feeling heavy?  You’re out of breath. Or you simply cannot respond appropriately to those ‘critical’ situations or moments.  

    How many times have you missed out on a great opportunity to just enjoy the canter because you were trying to catch your breath?!

    2 . Accepting Responsibility 

    This is the one that so many riders seem to struggle with.  Looking for things to blame for perceived shortcomings.  The irony is that if they could just accept the responsibility, they could begin to change the outcome!  Responsibility for your own actions.  Your thoughts and your words.  

    Also, accepting the responsibility that the progress you are making is probably being heavily influenced by how you are showing up, in and out of the saddle, for your horse…

    As a rider, you have a certain unique ‘style’ of riding.  That ‘style’ is how you actually teach or train your horse to respond to you.  If you are intentional about it, it will work for you.  If not, it can potentially work against you and your overall goals for your riding.  Taking responsibility for your own unique style is essential if you are to become a better rider. 

    When you are responsible for something, you are then able to make tweaks or changes that will result in a different outcome.  Actively look at ways you can take responsibility for your riding.  It has the potential to change everything!

    3 . Your Mindset

    This is how you are showing up and how you think about things.  Your beliefs and how you ‘do you’.  Your mindset can be easily identified through your stories.  Think about it; if I was to ask you why you are doing something a particular way, you will probably respond by telling me a story to explain why.  

    What is great to note here, is that we actually create our own stories.  This is usually to either make us or someone else, feel a certain way.

    It could be to feel less responsible for our own perceived shortcomings.  To make someone feel pity for us.  Or to make us feel validated.  Maybe to make us feel happy, sad, successful, busy, stressed, energized, anxious… So many feelings!  The important thing is to identify the ‘feeling’ you’re going for and then ask yourself why you’re going for it.

    Your mind will look for ways to validate your beliefs.  A great example of this is the rider who ‘believes’ that they are going to fall off…  Each time they think it or say it, their body aligns more and more with that belief.  

    When I’m in the arena with a rider like that, I can see the physical adjustments the body makes, in order to ‘make it happen’.  Of course, then the rider does indeed fall off, their first words are usually ‘I knew this was going to happen’… Ah, congratulations, you have proved yourself right, yet again!

    Working on Improving You in Your Riding

    I realize that the three topics I covered above seems so simple.  However, doing the work will not always be easy.  It will take time and diligence in order to successfully begin rewiring your body and mind in order to change how you think, feel and act in the saddle. 

    It is ‘do-able’.  Very much so.  But it will require a commitment from you in order to begin making it happen.  

    How soon will you see any changes?  Immediately.  Changing how you think, will change how you feel.  This will change how you act.  When you begin showing up differently, your horse will begin to respond differently. 

    It is as simple as that ;)
    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Other resources to help you with this topic:-

  • Enjoying Yourself and Learning as a Mature Rider

    Enjoying Yourself and Learning as a Mature Rider

    Enjoying Yourself and Learning as a Mature Rider

    What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-

        • Realizing that you, as a mature rider, have changed
        • Cultivating a support team around you
        • The benefits of starting at the beginning again – even if you think you don’t have to
        • The importance of maintaining your physical fitness

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1029-Enjoying-Yourself-and-Learning-as-a-Mature-Rider.mp3″ title=”Enjoying Yourself and Learning as a Mature Rider” tweet_text=”Are you finding that things are different because you’re a mature rider? A few ideas on how to excel…” hashtag=”equestrian” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Are you trying to navigate the equestrian world as a mature rider?  Are you feeling that a lot of advice, ideas and activities don’t really align with you where you are right now?  Does it feel like a lot of what goes on in the global equestrian community is catered more towards younger riders?

    Today I want to talk specifically to the more mature rider in my audience; a group of riders that I love working with.

    Realizing That You Have Changed

    What is your ‘story’ as a mature rider?  Your story is your mindset – what you tell yourself and others day in and day out.  Is your story aligning with your current lifestyle?

    It is important to understand that mentally you have grown, or that you are growing.  The considerations that you may have had a few years ago probably look a lot different from the thoughts that weigh on you now as a mature rider. Disregarding this and trying to gloss over it won’t work.  These things are always there, in the back of your mature rider mind.

    Your responsibilities are constantly changing and evolving.  Looking after yourself becomes a little bit more of a priority now that you are a mature rider. 

    When you are younger you don’t have that same weight of responsibility regarding looking after your body and keeping healthy and fit.  You know that, for the most part, you will repair and your body can handle a lot of the knocks and bumps that will show up in your experience as a rider.

    However, as you begin to get a little older, falling off and breaking something is a very real and present consideration.  It presents a lot more of a challenge now than what it would have presented years ago.

    Recognize this, allow it to be there, and validate it.  This way your decisions become a little clearer and easier.  Rather than making decisions from a very ‘fear-based’ place, you are doing so from the realistic circumstances you find yourself in.

    What decisions are you making?  A lot of people get into the rut of doing the same thing that they have always done.  And yet, as we have just said, you have changed as a rider.  You are now a mature rider.

    You have grown.  You have evolved. You have shifted mentally. What you believed back then is not going to be the same set of beliefs you have now.

    Of course, physically you will also have changed.  It is important to recognize that and to recognize that perhaps your riding also needs to change to facilitate these changes, particularly in order to keep it enjoyable for this new version of you.  Being open to these changes is important as a mature rider.  This does not necessarily mean that you should change discipline. Perhaps it is the type of horse you would normally ride.  Maybe it is where ride.  Or the type of Instructor you are riding with.

    Sometimes, you don’t have to change anything at all as a mature rider.  However recognizing, realizing, and coming to terms with this ‘new’ you are going to make all the difference in going forward in your riding.

    Cultivating a Support Team Around You

    A good support team can be a great help, particularly if you are returning to riding when resistance shows up.  You will most likely have plenty of people who are your cheerleaders and praise you.  But there is often the odd one or two – you know the ones – that will give their little niggly comments every now and then.  Rather than allowing those one or two comments to overshadow your enjoyment of riding, listening, and focusing on your ‘supporters’ will help you ignore the ‘naysayers’.

    The right Instructor is part of that support base.   A supportive Instructor will sit down with you and figure out what you want.  They will not try to force you down a path of what they think you should want. 

    However, if you are not currently taking lessons, the role of an instructor can, potentially, be replaced by a group of other like-minded and experienced riders.  Again, the important thing to look for is that you feel ‘built-up’ after chatting with them, rather than negative and lacking confidence in your abilities.

    Having the support of your husband, partner, significant other, perhaps children or good friends, is also important.  If they are constantly telling you that you are crazy to go back to horse riding, it is going to have an impact on that mindset that we spoke about earlier.

    I believe that if you approach this from a responsible point of view, which comes back to understanding and recognizing that things have changed, and then trying to plot a new course for yourself.  This is going to make all the difference.

    The Benefits of Starting at the Beginning Again (even if you think you don’t have to)

    I would also suggest at some point, going back and starting at the very beginning when it comes to your riding and your training.  Why?  Because as your body and your mindset are changing as a mature rider, you may find that how you do things change as well.

    The half-halt for example; the physical changes in your body may mean that the balance of your aids is now a little different as it was before.  Riding is a constantly evolving process, so too is the half-halt – so it makes sense to revisit it from time to time.

    Starting at the beginning gives you a fresh clean slate.  It allows you to recognize and realize what is going on inside of your own, mature rider, body, and inside of your own, mature rider, head.  If you can be mindful of how you are changing as a rider, you now have a platform from which to work from.

    Remember, if you are trying to do the same thing that you have always done – even though you have changed; can you imagine how confusing it must be for your horse?!  

    He probably has no clue what you are asking for half of the time!  So give yourself the luxury of starting back at the beginning, and rediscovering your aids, your feel, and your general basic knowledge of the what’s, when’s, and hows in the saddle.

    I actually suggest this practice to all riders – go back to basics, master the basics.  You will see that any very successful riders spend 80% of their time doing the basics.  Day in, and day out.

    The Importance of Maintaining Your Physical Fitness

    The final thing, and of course we must bring it up as a mature rider, is your physical body.  One of the (many) things which change as we age is our body.  It can potentially become a lot less supple.  A lot less strong, physically.

    You need to manage it and maintain it regularly.  I would suggest that you begin to add a simple, basic routine off the horse that is going to compliment and support you when you get on your horse.

    Strength is so important.  Start thinking about where you could make changes today, that would incorporate a little bit of strength training, which will really and truly complement your work in the saddle.

    You can join the free 30 Day Rider Fitness Challenge HERE

    Finally, I personally think those mature riders are an inspiration…  Keep doing what you are doing and, most importantly, enjoy yourself.

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Returning to Riding

    Are you returning to riding?  Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with it all?  I may just have the thing to help you get back into the saddle – and enjoying yourself there again!

    The Original Returning to Riding Plan is a complete step by step audio program that takes you from ‘not riding’ to regularly riding and enjoying yourself again.  The plan is laid out over 6 weeks, however, you have lifetime access to go over it again and again as you want in the coming weeks, months, and years.

    You can find all the details HERE.  And I wish you all the best in making your ‘Returning to Riding’ as enjoyable and successful as you dreamed it would be :)

    Links mentioned in the episode:-

  • The Direct Relationship Between Your Fitness and Your Riding

    The Direct Relationship Between Your Fitness and Your Riding

    The direct relationship between your fitness and your riding

    What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-

    • How your fitness impacts your enjoyment levels when riding
    • The whole ‘staying on the horse’ element
    • Why it improves your communication with your horse
    • Fast-tracking your progress and breakthroughs

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1323-REPLAY-The-Direct-Relationship-Between-Your-Fitness-and-Your-Riding.mp3″ title=”The Direct Relationship Between Your Fitness and Your Riding” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Still on the fence about improving your fitness levels? This will inspire you” hashtag=”horseriding #fitness” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Do you find yourself huffing and puffing after a couple of rounds of canter with your horse?  Or perhaps you feel exhausted after only 20 minutes into a lesson?  You find yourself wanting to do or give more effort, but you just can’t…

    My goal for this episode today is to inspire you to have even better communication with your horse by improving your overall fitness in the saddle.  It really has absolutely nothing to do with your horse at all.  This is all down to you, and what you can do to become a better team leader, for “Team You and Your Horse”!

    Rider fitness is a topic that a lot of people seem to avoid or overlook its importance to the overall effectiveness of how the horse goes.  Many riders spend hours planning out fitness, feeding, and conditioning programs for their horse, but fail to pay attention to their own fitness.

    Riding is a team sport, you and your horse.  I believe it is unfair and irresponsible, for you as the rider not to try to be the best version of yourself in the saddle.  The best version of you is one that can respond quickly and effectively and this comes down to your fitness levels.

    Focusing on improving your riding fitness levels will have benefits in so many areas of your riding.

    1.  You Will Enjoy Yourself More

    Have you ever experienced physical tiredness when riding?  It causes a slight lag in the relationship between your brain thinking something and your body doing it.

    When I returned to riding after a break, I both understood and experienced this a lot.  There were days when I felt mentally fine after riding, but physically I was exhausted.  That next day and the John Wayne Walk that it brought with it was not fun!

    In order for me to fully enjoy riding, I realised that I had to begin focusing on my personal fitness journey.  

    2. The Whole ‘Staying On’ Element

    One of the biggest benefits for many riders, when they begin improving their fitness levels, is the fact that they usually feel they can stay on a little easier!  Who doesn’t want that?

    The fitter you are, the better you will be able to cope with any unexpected movements that your horse may throw at you.  As riders, we know that when it comes to horses, things can sometimes be unpredictable.   The fitter you are, the better able you will be to control your body.

    Improved fitness simply means you can control your response; as opposed to just reacting, and trying to hang on for dear life.

     3. Improved Rider Fitness Improves Communication with Your Horse

    Personally, I feel that this is the most important reason for improving a rider’s fitness levels.  As an instructor, I often see how after twenty minutes into a lesson (usually the warm-up), tired riders begin to carry or hold themselves differently.

    A further ten minutes into the actual lesson, where real focus and concentrating are called for, they are pretty much exhausted.  The riders become frustrated because they want to do more, and mentally their brain is telling them to push on through.  But the reality is that their body is just not able to respond.

    Those slow responses, and sometimes even wrong responses ends up muffling the whole communication between the rider and the horse.  This in turn leads to even more frustration – not only for the rider, but for the horse as well.

    Imagine, if you were riding fit, how much more you could accomplish in your schooling time.  Physical fitness also lends to mental fitness.  So, when you are physically fit you will find that mentally, your concentration levels also improve.

    Again, from my personal experience, when I returned to riding I often found that my mind would start to wander after a while – obviously from fatigue.  It led to me being less than one hundred percent focused on what I was doing.  But as my fitness improved – so did my focus and my concentration.

     4.  Fast Tracking Your Progress and Breakthroughs

    Which do you think would help you and your horse get quicker and more consistent results?  An hour of ‘so-so’ work or twenty to thirty minutes of focused, quality work?  When it comes to riding horses, quality definitely outweighs quantity.

    Building your riding fitness will ensure that when you are finished, both you and your horse have enough in the tank to actually enjoy the cool-down, and enjoy each other’s company.  It feels like ‘celebration time’ together; you achieved a good quality workout.

    Imagine finishing each riding knowing that you both gave it your best, you gave it your all, and you had breakthroughs.

    Your becoming a better version of yourself fitness-wise, is going to directly impact the breakthroughs that you have in your riding.  The truth is that when a rider is unfit, they spend so much of their time in the saddle playing catch.

    When you are fit, you can focus on what you are communicating to your horse and how you are communicating it to your horse.  This allows you to respond in such a way that your horse is able to gauge exactly what you are looking for from him in the saddle.  It is only natural that this ‘better communication’ will have a direct positive impact on your progress and the speed of that progress.

    Now, bear in mind that I am all for having relaxing rides on your horse, the two of you enjoying yourselves together.  But wouldn’t it be great if you could get the same point across to you horse in, for example, 7 minutes rather than hammering away for 30 minutes and perhaps still being unsure whether the communication was clear?

     5.  Imagine What Your Horse Would Say…

    Hopefully, I have inspired a little something inside of you today to make your personal fitness a priority in your riding and your life.  If not, here is one final ‘nudge’ that might just help get you off the fence and onto the exercise mat…

    Imagine this … you are finished riding, and you put your horse either in the field or in his stable – either way back with his friends (the other horses).

    What would your horse say about you and about the ride as he experienced it? 

    If you are thinking (even a little), ‘oh thank goodness he can’t speak, or even if he can, thank goodness I can’t hear him’ – perhaps that is a sign that you should be doing a little bit more on focusing on your fitness.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Links mentioned in the episode:-

    Equestrian Fitness Challenge ’24

    Let’s walk together for 21 days and have a chat about how you can do much more than you think you can as a rider and an equestrian… I am so excited to bring you along on this journey for the 100% FREE 2024 Equestrian Fitness Challenge
    There will be a daily walk, a 10 minute daily yoga practice, and lots of tips, ideas, exercises, and ways to improve so that you can show up as the best version of you – for you and your horse.
    Sign up today and let’s transform your riding – one stride at a time! 100% FREE 2024 Equestrian Fitness Challenge
    Have a super day
    Happy Riding
    Lorna

     

    Connect with Lorna online:-

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