Strides for Success

Tag: Alignment

  • Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian?

    Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian?

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    Right now, more than ever before, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to who we can learn from in our riding and horsemanship training. The internet allows us to follow other equestrians from all walks of life, disciplines, and methods. And, for the most part, it is fantastic!

    However, the internet can also create the possibility that the equestrians you see daily in your feed while you scroll might not be the best ‘fit’ for you and your present situation…

    Because that method or that particular person is ‘popular’ with the algorithm, it is easy to become influenced by techniques, experiences, or people who may not be in the same geographical location or share similar values and resources as you.  And this matters.

    The trouble starts when you begin to see yourself or your horse as ‘less than’ or ‘a failure’ because you cannot replicate what you see online.  But in truth, this is often because that particular method, technique, or person was never suited to you and your specific situation, to begin with… 

    As we hack on into 2024, the equestrian community is more connected than ever, with millions of trainers and fellow riders sharing their insights, techniques, and experiences online. However, I believe that there is one often ignored question for novice equestrians that needs to be answered… “Who will you follow in 2024?”

    The Pitfalls of Distance and Divergence

    The challenges of choosing the right mentors and navigating the diverse equestrian landscape can be daunting. The sheer amount of available information and the variety of trainers accessible through online platforms is mind-boggling! And while the internet has undoubtedly helped to level the playing field when it comes to equestrian education, it has also created a conundrum for riders seeking guidance.

    Trainers and equestrians from various corners of the globe offer insights that may not necessarily align with your local practices, available resources, or what’s possible based on weather, age, horse, training, facilities, etc.

    Imagine following a trainer whose methods or training plans work in a climate drastically different from your own…  Or an equestrian who has unlimited access to facilities or resources that you lack! The geographic and resource differences can create confusion and frustration for riders attempting to turn advice into practical training for themselves and their horse.

    Values Matter…

    Moving past just resources, I think it is so important for you, as an equestrian, to intentionally align with the values and principles of your chosen mentors. I think it’s fair to say that methods, techniques, beliefs, and training philosophies can vary significantly from person to person.

    Following a trainer or equestrian whose values do not align with your own can lead to internal conflicts, which often causes riders to lose confidence in themselves.  And this, of course, has a knock on effect on the horse as well. 

    For instance, if your values prioritize your horse’s welfare and a strong partnership with your horse over all else, then following a trainer focused solely on competition success probably won’t make for the happiest of outcomes!  Similarly, if you are a rider who aspires to compete at the highest levels, well you will probably find it frustrating if you are following a trainer who emphasizes a more laid-back approach to horsemanship and riding!

    Age Related Considerations…

    One of the things I love about horses and riding is that there’s something for everyone.  Regardless of age or physical abilities.  However, I also think it would be a little fool-hardy not to at least be aware of age-related risks, and how they can manifest in various forms when working with horses.  Age can and often does impact both the physical and the mental aspects of riding.

    Go into 2024 being mindful of the potential consequences of following advice or methods that do not consider age-specific challenges…

    For younger riders, the temptation may be there to push boundaries where progress is concerned. This can lead to injuries, overtraining, or burnout. This is often why so many horses and riders have ‘gaps’ in their basic training.  The goal is to get to the ‘fancy’ stuff as soon as possible!

    On the other hand, mature riders may face unique physical limitations that require a more measured and tailored approach to training. And these same riders often have more responsibilities and commitments that need to be addressed when creating a training plan. Following a trainer or rider who does not consider these age-related nuances can result in more injuries, and hindered progress.

    Feeling ‘Stuck’ in Your Riding

    One of the greatest consequences of following the wrong person, advice, or method is the impact on your overall confidence. We know that horse riding is as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one.  Mindset makes all the difference when it comes to both riding and training horses.

    When novice riders follow advice that does not resonate with their instincts or align with their goals, a loss of confidence will often follow suit

    The danger lies not only in the potential for a decline in skill, which will put both horse and rider backward on their progress journey.  But also in the almost paralysis that can accompany misalignment. Riders can find themselves “stuck” in their training, unable to progress due to conflicting guidance or a loss of belief in their abilities.

    Recognizing the signs of misalignment and having the courage to reassess and redirect your horse riding journey is crucial as an equestrian.  Suppleness is both mental and physical!

    Who Will You Follow in 2024?

    So as we prepare to step into the new year, or whenever you are listening to or reading this, start asking yourself this question.  Who or what is showing up regularly in your life?  By gaining clarity over your values, your goals, and what you enjoy as a rider, you can begin to create a bank of equestrians who will positively influence you and your horse while on your journey together.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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  • Applying the ‘Click Your Fingers Rule’ to Your Position While Riding

    Applying the ‘Click Your Fingers Rule’ to Your Position While Riding

    Applying the Click Your Fingers Rule to Your Position While Riding

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

    • Use this simple ‘rule’ in your day-to-day riding
    • Know ‘when’ to apply this rule in your riding
    • Begin to take responsibilities for your own balance in the saddle
    • Make the necessary transition in your riding, from passenger to rider

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    Imagine if there was something you could actively ‘do’ every moment you’re in the saddle that would almost guarantee that you’re in the ‘right place at the right time’..  There is. And it involves abiding by a non written ‘rule’ regarding your position.

    This episode of the Daily Strides Podcast is all about that rule and how you can use it, beginning today, in your riding.  Your position is so important

     What is the ‘Rule’

    Well, imagine we (you and I) were in the arena together. You are travelling along on your horse, whether that be in walk, trot or canter.  In fact, you could even be jumping, halfway through a transition – it makes no difference what you are doing.  So, there you are, riding along and then I apply this ‘rule’ to you and your riding…

    I ‘click my fingers’ and make your horse vanish.  Yes, disappear into thin air from underneath you.  Gone.  The question you have to ask yourself is: “would I land on my feet?”.

    Now, obviously this is not going to happen.  I’m good, but I’m not that good!  However by imagining the horse is suddenly not there, the questions becomes ‘where and how would you land?’.

    If the answer is on your face or on your bum, it simply means that you are depending on your horse for balance, rather than being responsible for your own balance.

    Who Are You Depending on For Balance?

    When we start out riding initially, we do tend to rely a lot on our horses for balance. Thank goodness for all the school horses and ponies in the world with their endless patience! But in order for your riding to progress, this is something that you have to begin accepting responsibility for.

    You are responsible for your own balance in the saddle.  Applying this ‘rule’ to your riding will help you achieve that.

    Relying on your own body, and therefore your own actions and responses, for balance will allow you to begin developing independent aids.  Independent aids lead to clearer communication with your horse.  They also lead to an independent seat.  This ‘rule’ regarding your position will help you start working towards all of these things in your riding.

    Applying the Rule

    There is are two simple ‘checks’ you can do every time you’re in the saddle to begin effectively applying this rule to your position and your riding.  The first to make sure that you are indeed sitting correctly in the saddle.

    Use your seat bones for guidance. Are they directly underneath you, pointing straight down? Many upper body issues and lower leg issues are due to this basic principle being wrong or missing.

    The second ‘check’ applies to the ‘lines’ to your position. Particularly the line that should run through your head, shoulder, hip and heel.  If these elements of your body are aligned, you are usually ‘carrying’ yourself, which means that you are, for the most part, assuming responsibility for your own balance.

    Being aware of the ‘rule’ will allow you to consistently reminding yourself to apply it to your riding, regardless of what you’re doing.

    When Does This Rule Apply to Your Position?

    The simple answer is ‘all the time’. Yes, really! Regardless if you are walking, trotting, cantering and even galloping.  Or if you are riding on the flat, up or down hills.  It is all the same. You are responsible for your own balance.  Even when you are approaching a jump, starting the jumping effort, landing or a stride or two after the fence, this rule will apply.

    If the horse was to vanish at any given point, anywhere in your ride, you should land on your feet.

    Applying this to your Position & Riding

    I’ve already mentioned checking your seat.  Is it truly ‘underneath‘ you?  From here, focus on keeping your legs under you at all times. A weak lower leg will swing, meaning that it can often be too far ahead of you, closer to your horses elbow or shoulder. Or too far behind you, closer to your horse’s flank area.

    Neither of the above scenarios would result in you landing or standing on your own two feet if your horse was to vanish!

    The final suggestion I have for consistently implementing this ‘rule’ in your riding regards your body when in the jumping position or two point seat.  Think of your torso as being almost like a traditional weighing scales. Your shoulders are one end and your ‘bum’ is the other. Use your bum to keep your shoulders balanced.

    A straight back is essential for this to happen, and this is where your core strength will really be essential to your overall balance.

    Making the Transition in Your Riding

    The ‘click your fingers rule’ is one that will, when applied consistently, change your riding.  You will literally go from being dependent on your horse for support, to being able to actually support your horse when he needs it.

    That is where you really begin to make the transition to being a true ‘rider’ in the saddle.

    I am hosting a free, live online training for riders looking to begin making that transition in their riding; from passenger to rider. You can find out more and register HERE

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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