Strides for Success

Tag: Aids

  • Why Self-Carriage Matters More Than Most Riders Realise

    Why Self-Carriage Matters More Than Most Riders Realise

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    There are certain things riders hear about and mentally check out – assuming they are for ‘other riders’. Self-carriage is one of them. I think from years of misinformation, many riders think it sounds too technical, or ‘dressagey’. Just too fancy or advanced – and because of this, perhaps a little intimidating!

    But self-carriage is not just for dressage riders. It is not just for horses working at a high level. And it is definitely not something you only need to think about if you are chasing a prettier outline or a more impressive way of going.

    In fact, self-carriage matters to almost every rider because it is the backbone of so many of the things we do every day with our horses. Or that we ‘want’ to do and have every day! The light contact, balanced transitions, flow through corners.

    If the majority of your rides are leaving you feel exhausted, is it because of a strange feeling that if you take your mind and effort off for even a second, the whole thing will unravel? If so, self carriage is a great place to begin working!

    Because, if we get down to the nitty gritty, self-carriage is really about one simple question: can your horse organise their own body without you micromanaging every stride?

    The Real Problem Most Riders Are Feeling

    A lot of riders think they are chasing better transitions, lighter contact, or a horse that feels more “together.” And yes, those things matter. Of course they do. But so often, underneath all of that, there is a bigger issue.

    The horse is not yet truly taking responsibility for their own balance. And that is just not how ‘team work’ comes together!

    If you are the one constantly micro-managing, that gets tiring very quickly! Micro-managing can look like balancing, correcting, slowing down, steering, reminding, adjusting, gathering, etc. So many ways for us to ‘helicopter ride’ our horses! And, let’s be honest, when it gets to this point, often riding starts to feel like more work than it’s worth! Not necessarily bad. Not always dramatic. Just hard, heavy, and often not as enjoyable as it could be.

    What Self-Carriage Actually Means

    In plain English, self-carriage is when your horse is able to carry themselves with a reasonable degree of balance, rhythm, and responsibility – and without needing you to constantly hold them there! Now, this does not mean that you are perched up there having a holiday and allowing your horse to pick up all of the slack! Nor does it mean that everything is perfect.

    What it does mean is that your horse begins to contribute more to the partnership. They become an active team member who is working with you to achieve something together.

    They are not leaning on you for balance or falling onto the forehand the second things get a little harder. They are not relying on your hand to hold them up or your leg to keep everything from weaving or wandering across the arena. Instead, they are organising their own body to suit the level of the work involved.

    This is one of those things that can be easier to feel than to define. A horse with more self-carriage often feels lighter, and there’s more ‘flow’. The contact is an agreement by both parties, and they can maintain a good quality rhythm without constant correction. Smoother transitions, movements, and just an overall way of going. They are also much more adjustable and have ‘manoeuvrability’.

    It is not that everything suddenly becomes ‘easy’. It is that they begin taking more responsibility for their share of the work, the partnership, and the outcome.

    Self-Carriage is Not…

    Unfortunately, we sometimes get a little carried away with the idea of self-carriage – and our desire to make this happen in our riding and training! Not a good thing because this often leads riders to becoming ‘stuck’. Self-carriage is not how your horse is carrying his head, or a ‘frame’ that you hold your horse in.

    Head carriage and ‘frames’ are a result of developing self-carriage – they do not help to produce self-carriage!

    A horse can look more put together than they really are. They can appear ‘on the bit’ while still leaning on the rider, bracing through the body, or depending on the rein for balance. The outline may look better, but the feel underneath it is still one of management rather than true organisation and that distinction matters. A horse can still manage to ‘look’ good but still feel heavy. Just like a horse that appears ‘put together’, but still falls apart the moment the rider softens.

    That is why self-carriage must be properly understood and worked on as a rider. That it is a shared responsibility and developed balance, rather than just the appearance on the outside.

    When self-carriage improves, things often do look better. But they look better because the horse is now actively working on their own way of going. Not because the rider has arranged something to create an overall prettier picture!

    Ask Yourself This Question…

    Next time you are working with your horse, take the time to ask yourself the following question:- “If I softened or allowed a little here, would my horse maintain or would things begin to fall apart?”

    It is such a simple question, but what you learn can change everything! And I would suggest asking this throughout your ride, not just at one good moment! So, for example, would your horse remain balanced on that circle if you softened a little? Would they keep the same rhythm in trot, or would they get quicker, longer, heavier, or wobblier? Would they go through a transition and come out the other side still balanced, or would everything have fallen like a sack of potatoes onto the forehand?

    Would your horse be able to maintain what the two of you had built together, or would it all fall apart the second you stopped actively managing every piece?

    That question can tell you far more than a pretty photo ever will. And, worth repeating, this should be asked at lots of different points throughout the ride. Maybe your horse can stay organised in walk, but not in trot. Or perhaps they can hold things together on a straight line, but not on a circle. Your horse may find the upward transitions are fine, but downward transitions are just too much.

    And, potentially, you’ll get two or three good strides before it beings to unravel. If so, good – that is useful information, because now you know where the work actually needs to happen.

    Self-Carriage in Everyday Riding

    Now, before you become completely bored or intimidated about the work that lies ahead in your training, I have a few different points to consider. Firstly, as mentioned, this is not just about schooling in an arena.

    A horse that has developed some self-carriage is generally more rideable. And rideability matters whether you are hacking out, doing polework, jumping, retraining an ex-racehorse, coming back into riding after a break, or simply trying to enjoy your horse more.

    When a horse can carry themselves better, the contact feels lighter and transitions become clearer. Any adjustments that do have to be made don’t have to be so dramatic. Corners stop feeling like wheelbarrow exercises. And turning starts to feel more like turning a nimble little speedboat and less like a desperate attempt to redirect the Titanic!

    There is also less nagging and that matters more than most riders realise. Because when the rider is constantly correcting, reminding, and just holding everything together, the horse can easily begin to feel nagged as well. The ride becomes mentally tiring for both horse and rider. Everything starts to feel a bit over-managed!

    As self-carriage improves, the aids can become lighter, clearer, and more meaningful. You are no longer doing the horse’s job for them every second. You are communicating, not compensating. This is team work!

    Start with Lunging…

    Lunging is one of the most overlooked ways of helping your horse to develop self-carriage. Which is a pity because in my opinion, it is hands down one of the best places to begin. When you are working with your horse on the lunge, you can see what is really happening. You get the trainer’s perspective, rather than what the rider ‘thinks’ they feel.

    Lunging allows you the luxury of no longer sitting in the middle of the horse’s movement, trying to interpret everything from feel alone! Now you are seeing the actual feedback from your horse.

    You can watch the rhythm, pinpoint where any rushing begins, notice when the circle gets smaller because they are falling in, or if they begin drifting out and start leaning on the line for support. There is also the advantage of observing the transitions more objectively. And you can see whether the horse is maintaining a steady tempo or needing constant help to maintain the basics.

    And you can begin supporting your horse without, accidentally or not, holding everything together in quite the same way as you might do in the saddle. Your horse has the space to figure things out.

    That matters because many riders, usually with the best of intentions, tend to take on too much responsibility! They want to help and they want to get it right. For their horse to feel supported. But sometimes that support becomes so constant that the horse never really learns to carry their own share.

    There has to come a point where the horse is allowed to, with support, patience, and compassion, begin doing more for themselves. And that is where real development starts.

    Doing The Work

    So, if you have now realised that there may be work to do, this is where I am going to invite you to come and spend this month with us inside of Connection. The theme is Building Self Carriage on the Lunge and I think that you will love it, especially if your horse feels heavy in the hand. Or if transitions are exhausting and if each ride regularly leaves you feeling as though you were responsible for absolutely everything… Let’s do the work together. Not because self-carriage is glamorous. And definitely not because it sounds impressive!

    But because a horse who can organise their own body is a horse who becomes lighter, more responsive, more adjustable, and more enjoyable to ride.

    You should not have to hold your horse together every second of every ride. That is not the goal. The goal is a partnership where both of you come to the party.

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Want Support While You Do This?

    Inside Connection, we are dedicated to working on the 5 essentials, the keys to refining all the training elements we just talked about.  It’s exactly where your progress begins again.

    If this episode made you squirm a little, and wonder “…is she talking about me…?”, then Connection is exactly where you need to be!  Join us inside today:- https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

    Online Training & Coaching

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Letting Go to Level Up – The Messy Middle

    Letting Go to Level Up – The Messy Middle

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    There’s always that rub when you realise that what got you here is not the thing that’s going to get you there. The big issue is usually that what got you to this point, here, now feels comfortable and familiar. Easy even. And so many of us, myself included, just want to double down on these things to get further. Now, sometimes that works, you will see a little progress… But almost always that progress will stall – and you will inevitably find yourself beginning to go backwards as you ‘effort’ even harder!

    Learning to identify what needs to change is really important in riding and in life – and becoming okay with the concept of letting go, no matter how uncomfortable that feels, is often the key to allowing the change to happen. 

    The initial burst of enthusiasm and motivation we feel when we decide to move to the next level as a rider will, unfortunately, be short-lived. However, when you are honest enough with yourself to understand that there will be a ‘messy middle’, you can be more self-aware when you get there, so that you can consciously navigate it with the least hassle possible.

    Letting Go to Level Up

    Any time you set yourself a goal to reach a new level as a rider, there will be a gap between where you are and where you want to be regarding skills, level, knowledge, abilities, resources, etc. It’s that gap that you have to close to reach your goal. And in order to close that gap, you will need to do something differently. Which seems fine when it’s said like that, right?

    The challenge arrives when we begin to believe that the thing or situation we are currently experiencing or have is essential – and we become unwilling to think or do anything different. 

    But it makes sense that changing or dropping things is the key. For example, if you were a novice rider who found that using the more ‘obvious aids’ of legs and hands made your communication with your horse easier… It would make sense that you would think this is the way to continue to reach the next level of your riding and your horse’s training, right? Wrong! To reach the next level, you will need to refine your aids from the obvious to the subtle – seat, weight, mind, thoughts, etc.

    You will have to let go or be willing to change what worked up to this point, to reach the new point in your riding – and that can feel scary, uncomfortable, and counterintuitive! 

    You’re Not Just Adding Skills

    Imagine that each new skill you learn as a rider is a package. When you began riding, you had no packages. Your arms are wide open, keen to begin collecting these packages that will make all the difference to you and your riding. And as you progressed, you began accumulating packages. Soon, you will reach a point where you have quite a few packages. Which is fine – until it’s not.

    Because when you want to level up, you need new skills. New packages. And this will require you to put a past package or two down so you can pick up a new package. Swap an old ‘method’ or belief for a new one.  

    Here’s a good example. I bet that earlier in your riding journey, you realised there was a direct correlation between the degree your heels are down and the frequency you fall off. More down usually equals fewer falls! So, it makes sense that you will work to get your heels down and keep them there! However, forcing your heels down might just be what’s holding you back from reaching a new level of skills…

    And because you were so committed to doing something one way, means that it will feel uncomfortable or ‘different’ when you suddenly begin doing it a different way. Welcome to the messy middle! 

    Using Self-Awareness to Win

    This is where your level of self-awareness will play a big role. If you simply hurtle along through your riding journey, with no real understanding of what’s going on, it will take longer and feel harder than it needs to be! But if you already know, when you make your decision to level up your skills, this makes the transition period much easier.

    When you know to expect a ‘messy middle’ on your way to levelling up, you can begin to put systems and ‘rules’ in place to help buffer for it when it comes. You can also work through it much more quickly. 

    So how will you know when you’re in the thick of the ‘messy middle’? The following might begin to happen or start happening more frequently:-

          • Your horse’s way of going is not as ‘pretty’ as it was
          • Your abilities seem to have gone backwards
          • The communication between you and your horse is jumbled
          • You feel frustrated at not being able to do something
          • You feel like you’re ‘trying harder’ but getting nowhere
          • The overall standard seems to revert back to a previous version!

    For many riders, when they hit this part of the journey but don’t realise it, they throw in the towel and give up. However, when you know that it is coming, you can plan for it. Find the right people to help guide you through the challenges. Maybe that is a trainer, coach, group of riders, or online community…

    You can also notice the specific places the challenges are showing up – the triggers – and learn more about what needs to be uplevelled from this. 

    What Are You Holding Onto?

    So, back to the original concept for this episode, letting go to level up… Have you experienced this in your riding and training? And if so, what did you do? Hold on (and remain stuck)? Or allow yourself to embrace the messy middle and use it as insight into what needs to shift in your riding or approach to riding?

    Letting go can feel scary. But remember, you can always go back if needs be. However, if you are to really allow your nervous system to upgrade to the new level you want to ride at, learning how to be ‘okay’ with letting go is a big step towards that!

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Want Support While You Do This?

    Inside Connection, are dedicated to working on the 5 essentials, the keys to refining all the training elements we just talked about.  It’s exactly where your progress begins again.

    If this episode made you squirm a little, and wonder “…is she talking about me…?”, then Connection is exactly where you need to be!  Join us for the Half Halt Training at:- https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

    Online Training & Coaching

    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. 

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Why Your Half Halt Isn’t Working

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    Have you ever felt as though the concept of the half halt is a memo every other rider, except for you, somehow received? If so, you’re not alone! There was no memo, and there are more riders than you can imagine out there who also just don’t ‘get it’!

    Which is strange because the half halt is one of the most widely referenced tools in riding! And yet it remains one of the least understood!  Today, I want to simplify it for you. We’re going to look at what the half halt is, what it isn’t, how to tell if yours is working, and what to do when it’s not.

    My goal is that by the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of how this small moment of communication between you and your horse can genuinely change how you work together.

    What ‘Is’ The Half Halt?

    Let’s begin with the simplest explanation. The half halt is a tiny moment of rebalancing. Nothing dramatic, nothing forceful. Just you and your horse pausing, ever so slightly, to redistribute weight, reorganize, refocus – and then continue on together with more clarity.

    Think of it as a gentle invitation to reset the balance so that the next stride, transition, or movement feels more together.

    And while on it’s own, it’s extremely powerful, it’s also worth noting that a half halt is rarely a “one and done” situation. Because it’s such a small moment, you often need a few of them close together to make a noticeable difference. That’s normal. The half halt is subtle by design. That subtlety is its power.

    Why Does it Feel Complicated?

    The confusion around the half halt usually begins because people make it sound far more complicated than it needs to be. There is this idea that half halts belong to the world of very advanced riding. That they exist on a mystical plane occupied only by the Top 1% of riders – and maybe some unicorns! That is not the case.

    You can begin using half halts today, no matter where you are in your riding journey. Like everything, you will refine it over time, but you do not need to wait until you are “ready” to begin.

    The real key to understanding the half halt is recognizing that it is not just one aid. It’s a blend of a lot of your aids working together, almost simultaneously. If you take nothing else from this, please take this: your hands come last. Most riders begin with their hands, and that is where everything falls apart. The reins are not the half halt. They are only one final part of it.

    Riding the Half Halt

    A correct half halt begins with you. Your seat and posture come into play first. Think of it as ‘carrying’ yourself so that you’re modeling what you want for your horse to follow. You should become an example of the ‘self-carriage’ you’d like your horse to adopt.  Then your leg is there to maintain the forward energy. Only once that energy is present do you close your fingers briefly to collect and channel what you’ve already created.

    The hand does not create anything. It only gathers what the seat and leg have already put into place

    This is where many riders struggle. They go first with the reins, hoping to “make something happen,” but there is nothing there to collect. They are trying to grab and hold energy, rather than wait for the energy to be ready to be gathered.  When the reins come first, it either stops the forward flow completely or it creates tension that blocks the possibility of connection. Either way, the half halt simply cannot work.

    Did It Work? (the big question!)

    So how do you know if your half halt actually had a positive influence? One of the clearest signs is a lightening of the forehand. When the weight redistributes, you can usually feel the horse lift slightly in front. The balance improves, and the energy begins to feel clearer. It becomes easier to direct. Everything feels a little more organized underneath you.

    You may also feel the rhythm settle. If things were starting to get fast or slightly scattered, the half halt helps to bring the horse back into a more relaxed, consistent tempo.

    You and your horse become more together. That’s what a half halt is supposed to achieve: a sense of working with one another rather than against.

    What you should not see is a big, dramatic change. If the horse slows considerably, hollows, or becomes tense, that wasn’t a half halt. That was just pulling! A correct half halt is barely visible. You almost have to feel it more than see it. When a horse and rider are working well together, you won’t see big corrections. The rider uses quick, subtle adjustments before things go wrong. The half halt becomes part of that quiet conversation.

    Why Isn’t My Half Halt Working?

    If your half halt isn’t producing these kinds of changes, there are a few likely reasons. The first is, like I’ve already mentioned, too much hand. If the rein aid is too strong or too early, everything falls flat. Another common issue is the lack of your supporting leg. If your lower leg swings forward, or if it’s simply doing nothing, the energy disappears before it can be gathered!  Timing is another factor. Many riders hold the half halt too long.

    The whole moment should take only the space of a single footfall, not an entire stride. If you hold too long, the energy becomes blocked – and the conversation becomes stuck! 

    And sometimes the horse simply doesn’t understand yet. That’s not a failure. It just means there is more training to be done, and more clarity to establish between you. The half halt is a conversation that grows and develops over time.

    All Half Halts are Not the Same…

    One of the most important things to remember is that the half halt is not fixed. It changes depending on the day, the horse, what you are doing, etc.  Even though both of you feel physically and mentally can have an impact on the quality of the half halt. You cannot approach it as a formula where two plus two always equals four. Some days your horse is supple and forward-thinking, and everything responds easily. Other days, the response is delayed or dull.

    Your half halt must remain supple and adaptable. You adjust your approach to meet the horse where they are.

    Practicing the ‘Feel’

    If this feels overwhelming, try to relax. The best way to learn the half halt is through simple, consistent practice. The next time you ride, begin by organizing yourself. Focus on your self-carriage first. Then, feel your horse through your seat. Allow your core to quietly stabilize. At the same time, your legs come on just enough to encourage the energy to keep flowing forward. Once that energy is there, close your fingers briefly. Then release. That release is just as important as the gathering.

    You can practice this every six to eight strides to begin. Simply remind yourself what you’re about to do; then, sit tall, feel, gather, release. Notice how it feels.

    Does the balance change? Does the rhythm improve? Do you feel slightly more connected? These changes may be tiny at first, but over time they accumulate. Each half halt builds on the last.

    If Your Half Halt Isn’t Working…

    Learning to ride a good half halt is not an overnight achievement or a quick fix. It requires dedicated and intentional time working on it in the saddle. It also takes consistency and a willingness to listen and respond to your horse. Notice the feedback your horse gives you. Notice how the balance shifts when you get the timing right. Notice the small improvements.

    The half halt, more than anything, it requires an openness to feeling. You cannot learn feel from a book or a video or even a coach. You learn it by doing. That is why this is an invitation to experiment. 

    If you find you would like support with this, we are dedicating October, November, and December 2025 to working through the half halt inside Connection. October is focused on half halting on the lunge, and then through November and December, we will bring those principles into the saddle.

    With weekly live training sessions, audio riding lessons, and ongoing support, Connection may be what will help you and your horse.  You can find the details at stridesforsuccess.com/join.

    For now, take this simple explanation with you to the arena. Practice it. Play with it. Pay attention to what changes. That is where you and your horse will truly begin to both understand and respond to this tool.

    And, with time and consistency,  the half halt will become something natural, fluid, and fantastically effective for you and your horse!

    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:-

  • 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:-

  • 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

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  • Why Basics Aren’t Just for Beginners

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    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:

        1. 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.
        2. 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

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