Strides for Success

Tag: back in the saddle

  • How to Make Horse Riding a Priority Again in Your Life

    How to Make Horse Riding a Priority Again in Your Life

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    If horse riding has fallen down the priorities ladder in your life, you may – like many riders – want to push it back up the list.  You know, get it back up somewhere near the top so that you can really feel like it is truly something that defines ‘you’ again…

    Unfortunately, making horse riding a priority again can be one of those ‘easier said than done’ things for many lapsed riders. Especially when you consider what your ‘mind’ is telling you! 

    And, let’s face it, if it is not a real priority, it won’t last.  Sure, you might have enough willpower to push through for a week or two, maybe even a month or two.  But when the rubber hits the road and resistance begins to show up, you will continue to uphold the true priorities in your life.  And everything else will, eventually, fall by the wayside. Which is why it’s important to take the time and do this right.

    Do Affirmations Work?

    I’m going to be very honest with you and tell you that, in my experience, not very often.  And I think the reason for this is because the sentence that is being affirmed is just too big a jump from where that rider is right now in their unique set of circumstances.

    For example, if you keep telling yourself “I am a confident equestrian who rides 4 days a week” when, in reality, it’s been 3 years since you’ve sat in a saddle; your mind is NOT going to believe that – no matter how many times you say it! 

    I think the key when choosing to tell ourselves something different is to first of all notice how it physically feels in our bodies when we say the thing.  If your mind thinks that statement is a great big ‘porkie’, your body won’t feel good when you say it. Notice and pay attention to what your body is telling you.

    Choosing New Statements That Feel Good

    However, if you were to rather say something along the lines of “In the past, horse riding was a very important part of my life, and I am actively working each day to make that a reality again”… That will have a different feeling because it’s not an outright ‘lie’.  It is a statement that your mind can get behind. And this is important.

    I think that well-structured affirmations are a good way to begin building trust with yourself. Especially when you then follow through and take action on what you are telling yourself! 

    And this trust is important because if you want to make horse riding a priority again, it is this ‘trust’ that will help you begin to develop other things. Like resistance and perseverance.  Because, let’s be completely honest here, it won’t be sunshine and roses every day just because you chose to begin riding again.  Life will happen!

    Sharing the Journey

    From here, I am going to suggest finding another equestrian to share this journey with.  Whether or not you already know this person does not matter.  What matters is that you both commit to each other to ‘pick up the slack’ when ‘those days’ roll around.  You know the ones where the baby didn’t sleep for 3 nights in a row.  Or you were given extra responsibilities and a short deadline at work.  Maybe even the days when the weather has you seriously reconsidering your whole commitment to regular riding again!

    Until you have developed a lot of trust in yourself, you can use the support of someone else to help get you over the days when things are less than ideal. 

    And this person can help in a lot of ways.  It could just be a voice note check-in to say, “yes, I rode today”.  Maybe it’s some ‘cheerleader style’ revving you up to do the work.  Or a little tough love!  This person is also someone who you can share the ups and downs with.  Celebrate the good.  And review, laugh, or cry about the not so great!

    Making Horse Riding A Priority

    Remember, your goal here initially is that it is A priority.  Not necessarily YOUR priority initially.  It is only by building that trust with yourself, feeling and celebrating the good times, becoming excited about what’s to come, and getting out there and actually doing it that horse riding will become a priority for you again.

    If you would like some support, accountability, training, guidance, and a roadmap for your back to regular riding journey, make sure that you check out Returning to Riding. 

    In there, I will become ‘that person’ for you as you begin down the path of regular riding for you and your horse.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Returning to Riding

    9 weeks to get your basics onto autopilot so that you can make the transition from passenger to ‘rider’ for you and your horse. We will work together, using easy-to-follow audio horse riding lessons and weekly video reviews to help you transform your riding.

    Experience how you will go from feeling ‘floppy’, unbalanced, and lacking confidence in your abilities when in the saddle, to gaining control of your body and aids, practicing clear communication, and actually improving how your horse goes while being ridden. 

    With 9 weeks of private, 1 to 1 coaching with me over a secure video, voice, and text app, you will have all the support you need – and a proven program you can re-do with your horse time and again to polish both of your skills.

    Make sure you check out Returning to Riding today for all of the information.

    Get Going Again in Your Riding:-

    Daily Strides Premium is back! The first and original audio horse riding lessons you can use to improve your riding, train your horse, keep things interesting, have fun… Even if you don’t have a trainer or coach

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Getting Back in the Saddle After a Fall

    Getting Back in the Saddle After a Fall

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    As riders, we all know that falls are part and parcel of the whole riding experience. However, getting back in the saddle after a fall can be a sticking point for many riders. This can be due to fear, a lack of understanding, or just the realization that falls can and will happen!

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I will lay out short actionable steps you can take to get you back in the saddle after a fall from your horse.

    Why Did You Fall?

    Understanding why you fell in the first place is usually pretty important. And it can also be a moment of truth for many riders. Especially those who want to lay the blame squarely at their horse’s hooves! Now, let’s be honest, sometimes it can be something that the horse did that caused the fall, such as tripping or losing balance.  However, even then, there are usually ways that you can improve your chances of staying on.

    Identifying the reasons for the fall, both internal and external, will allow you to begin to make changes so that the chances of you coming off again are less.

    If the reason was more external, such as a bag blowing in the wind and spooking your horse, you can begin to make changes to lessen the chances of this happening again.  Not riding on a windy day.  Cleaning up around the arena or riding space.  Riding a different route, etc.

    And you can work on increasing your own balance, posture, position, suppleness, independent aids, and response when in the saddle as well. All of these will help increase your chances of staying on next time.

    Groundwork is Your Friend

    Before getting back in the saddle after a fall it can be helpful to spend time working with your horse on the ground. Especially if you are experiencing anxiety about mounting up again.  Groom, lead, and engage in groundwork exercises to rebuild trust and establish a strong connection with your horse.

    Following a groundwork plan will allow you to increase your confidence in your own abilities and in your horse as well.

    And, if done correctly, will set the two of you up for better communication and aids when you do eventually mount up again.  Make sure you check out my Groundwork for Riding Program where we go deep into all of this. From here, when you are ready to get back in the saddle again, there are a few key considerations and steps.

    Select the Right Horse

    Choose a calm, well-trained, and reliable horse for your first few rides back. A horse with a willing and gentle temperament; and a history of being safe for riders! This can play such an important role in boosting your confidence.  Now, I get that you might be limited here by location, however, if necessary, maybe research a riding school that can really give you this type of horse for your first time back in the saddle.

    I also think having a ‘helper’ on the ground can lower your stress levels all around in this situation.  When you have someone who is considerate, knowledgeable, and trustworthy, it can boost your confidence a little more.

    This helper doesn’t necessarily have to be a ‘horsey person’.  Just someone who is willing to be there for you, keep the conversation flowing and borrow you a little of their more relaxed feelings when you need them.

    Short & Sweet

    For your first time back in the saddle, keep it short and sweet.  3 to 5 minutes is perfect.  Enough time for you to get on, feel the discomfort, and then also feel it dissipate a little.  This is important when we think of changing your current ‘go to’ feeling of anxiety or fear.

    From there, begin making each ride a little longer until you have built up to 15 or 20 minutes riding time.  This is long enough to begin ‘working’, but not so long that you end up exhausted (mentally or physically). 

    I also think that it is really important to be consistent with your riding.  The more of a rhythm you can create with how often you are getting back into the saddle, the more positive momentum you will create.  Even if it’s just a couple of minutes at a time.

    Get Back to Basics

    Once you can begin to actually mount up without feeling paralyzed by anxiety, I would strongly suggest getting back to the basics of your riding. Focus on really developing and correcting your seat, position, and posture.  From here, your aids and timing your aids will be important to creating better communication with your horse.

    A big part of building confidence as a rider is to believe in your own abilities when it comes to your riding.  How well you can effectively communicate with your horse is a big part of this.

    By getting all of your basics working for you (so being correct) and then putting them onto autopilot, you will begin to feel more and more at ease in the saddle.  And soon, getting back on after a fall will no longer be a worry for you. Because, I think this is important to keep in mind, you will most likely fall again in the future.  It really is just part and parcel of riding horses.

    Returning to Riding

    Remember that rebuilding confidence after a fall takes time and patience. And every rider’s journey is unique.  It’s important to listen to your body and emotions.  Don’t simply disregard your fears as being ‘stupid or silly’.  You feel that way for a reason.

    Understanding why you feel that way will have a far longer-lasting effect on your overall success with getting back into the saddle.  

    And, if at any point you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, it’s okay to take a step back.  Find the place you feel comfortable and begin again from there.  I realize that telling you to get ‘professional help’ in the form of a trainer or instructor is also correct.  However, I also know that so many riders simply cannot do this due to location or time challenges.

    You can get back in the saddle after a fall.  It is definitely do-able.  The question is, are you willing to invest the time and feel all of the uncomfortable feelings to make it a reality for you?  I hope so! 

    If you would like some step-by-step help and training with this, make sure you check out Returning to Riding.

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Back in the Saddle After a Fall

  • What’s Stopping You Getting Back in the Saddle After a Break?

    What’s Stopping You Getting Back in the Saddle After a Break?

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    What stops riders from getting back in the saddle after a break? Returning to riding. I mean, if it was as easy as simply mounting up, everyone would do it, right? And yet, everyone doesn’t.
    In fact, so many riders sit on the sidelines of their proverbial horse-riding dream, forever wishing and waiting for the day to arrive when they will mount back up again. But that day, for many, never arrives.
    And for those who somehow do make it happen, the ‘return’ is often short-lived. A few initial rides. All motivation and inspiration. Rah rah excitement… Only for the whole dream to fizzle and burn out before it ever really got started.
    Getting back in the saddle after a break can seem daunting. However, understanding what’s blocking you and why can often highlight the way for riders to not only get started but to keep at it as well.

    Having No Space

    It’s funny how, as soon as you create ‘space’ in your day or your schedule, it gets filled up immediately with other stuff! This is due to a combination of being in the present and doing what you want to do, life happening, and the never-ending to-do list. However, for many lapsed riders, this can become the reason they struggle to get back into the saddle.
    The ‘space’ that riding used to occupy in your schedule or timetable is now filled with other activities, responsibilities, and commitments.
    And having to say no to these things to begin creating the space once again can feel uncomfortable. So it never gets done! Life goes on, time continues to pass, and you never find the time to get back to doing something you once loved – and now yearn to do again.

    Things are Different

    Circumstances will change. You are not the same person today that you were yesterday. Change is inevitable. And yet, when we think about doing something we used to do, we are often afraid of those changes and how they will impact the experience.
    Things will be different when you’re getting back to riding after a break. It could be the yard, the horse, the instructor, or your jodhpur size… You’re different.
    However, just because the circumstances have changed, doesn’t mean that you can’t have equally as fulfilling experiences riding this time around. If this hits close to home, I am going to suggest really thinking about what makes you uncomfortable when you think about getting back in the saddle. Identifying this can help you to really question how valid a fear it is…

    I’m Afraid…

    So we have said that things change. But for many ex-riders, it is the changes within their own bodies that hold them back from riding again. Whether it be that they are 30 years older now. Maybe there are health challenges. Or perhaps it’s lack of fitness or weight gain… Knowing, as you do, how physically taxing riding can be on the rider’s body can cause all of these circumstances to seem like a huge roadblock.
    Becoming older or less fit and supple can cause us to question our own abilities. Why not turn the question around and ask ‘How can I make horse riding work for this current version of me?’
    The irony of this particular challenge is that, very often, horse riding will actually become a catalyst for beginning to dedicate more time, care, and attention to your body. And while you will never be the same person you were when you first became a rider, you can begin to live more comfortably within the current body that you have.

    Getting Back in the Saddle After a Break

    I think that the key takeaway here is that things have changed. And when you eventually do (and I have all the faith in the world that you will ‘do’) get back in the saddle, things will be different.
    The horse may have changed. Maybe the yard or barn as well. And you will have changed. So why can’t the actual ‘horse riding’ change too?
    Rather than seeing getting back in the saddle after a break as being a challenge; why not see it as an opportunity? An opportunity for you to reimagine what horse riding is for you at this point in your life.
    Why not try a different discipline? A different style of riding even? And what’s to say you have to begin with riding at all; perhaps you will discover a love for groundwork or lunging. Natural horsemanship or therapy with horses.
    If you have been thinking about getting back in the saddle after a break, I am going to urge you to stop thinking and take action on that desire… https://returningtoriding.com
    Happy Riding
    Lorna
  • Want to Get Back to Regular Riding Again? Read This First…

    Want to Get Back to Regular Riding Again? Read This First…

    Ready to Get Back to Regular Riding Again?
    So, you’ve been out of the saddle? And now – you’re ready to get back on the horse. Firstly, congratulations! Whether your time on the ground was due to the pandemic or due to some other life circumstance, returning to riding is a great feeling and time in your life.
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    I personally felt a buzz of anticipation when I got back into the saddle after both of my boys were born.  I made the decision not to ride during each pregnancy, so finally getting back felt great. But there were a few challenges along the way.  It definitely was not ‘plain sailing’.
    Today I want to help you navigate a few of these potential sticking points so that you can make this transition back to regular riding as enjoyable and resistance-free as possible.

    1. Lower the Barrier to Entry

    There is always a barrier to doing something or getting started with something. Some barriers have higher than others. But accepting it is there and working with it, rather than allowing it to stop you, is a key element to keeping frustration out of your first few rides.
    What can you do, right now, to make getting back in the saddle easier for you?
    This could be getting all your tack and equipment ready.  Or maybe finding and preparing your own clothes and ‘gear’.  On a side note; that word always reminds me of my Mam (the house is full of horsey gear was a regular comment when I was grown up! But, seriously, having all your bits and bobs ready will help you to feel excited and literally smooth the path to mounting up.
    You have an opportunity now to shape the conversation going forward with your horse. Do everything in your power to feel good, relaxed and ready before you mount up. 

    2. Easing Back Into It

    Think back to the last time you went on holiday or traveled. I can bet that when you returned to your ‘normal’ routine, it felt a lot better to have a ‘settling in’ day or two to start you off?  Diving straight into the nitty-gritty is no fun for anyone.  And if often leads us to become frustrated, tense, and looking for ways to avoid it.
    If horse riding is to be fun and enjoyable for you going forward, start it off that way.  Allow yourself a day or two just to simply ride.  No expectations.  
    As someone who has ridden before, there will be a temptation to ‘get back to normal’ as quickly as you can.  Resist it! I am going to suggest that the most important intention you can set for yourself for the first few rides is to simply enjoy them and have fun. No improving aids.  Or responsiveness.
    Allow yourself the gift of letting fun be the only consistent you are looking for in your first few rides.  Trust me, it will help you to really make riding a high priority in your life again going forward. 

    3. Focus on You and Your Riding

    You’ve heard the saying ‘slow down to speed up’.  The first week or two of being back in the saddle is a really good example of how this can apply to your riding.  I am going to suggest that you allow your focus to sit squarely on you.  What you are doing in the saddle.
    Start with noticing how your body moves.  Then begin seeing the correlation to your horses movements.  
    Timing is a big part of horse riding.  And beginning to understand what is happening when underneath you is key to developing your skills at timing your aids.  This all begins with begin able to identify how it ‘feels’ when your horse does a certain thing.
    And keep in mind that anyone can see what is moving.  The exercise here is to begin ‘feeling’ what is moving.  Being able to identify a specific movement by how it feels in your body.
    Start with what you can see, the shoulders and front end.  Then challenge yourself with what you cannot see, the hindquarters and back end. 

    4. Making Peace with What You Can Control

    So many riders are control freaks when they get in the saddle.  They want to micro-manage every little element of the ride, every minute of the ride.  It is exhausting for them, and equally so for anyone watching them.  It also ‘caps’ your horse and his development; which will long term, cap your riding progress as well.
    Repeat this out loud 5 times before getting into the saddle:- “The only thing I can control is myself; my thoughts, my feelings and my actions.”
    Realizing this and then focusing your efforts on something that is actually in your power is a game-changer.  So, rather than shortening up your reins, over and over again in order to control your horse.  Think about controlling your position so that you are in the best possible place to communicate with your horse. And instead of micromanaging every step your horse takes to keep him ‘straight’.  Use your focus to set up the best possible set of circumstances to allow your horse to become straight.
    I think that this needing to control everything is where a lot of confidence issues stem from.  Riders feel ‘less than’ because they cannot control their horse.  NEWSFLASH:- Your job is not to control the horse! That is impossible. 
    Your horse has a mind of his own.  HE has thoughts of his own.  You can only ever hope to influence him into coming along with you for the ride, so to speak.

    5. Anxiety versus Excitement

    Think about how each of these emotions makes you feel in your body.  The physical response your body has to anxiety or excitement.  They’re pretty similar, eh?!  In fact, they are almost the same.  It is simply how we choose to think about them that makes it different.
    Your thoughts are directly influencing your actions.  They are also what produce your feelings.  
    And if confidence has been an issue for you in the past, this is a key element to recognize.  It all comes back to recognizing what you can control, and then focusing your efforts or attention there.  Initially, it might feel hard.  It can even feel a little daunting when you realize just how much your thoughts are ‘straying’ into territories you’d rather not have them go.  Start with some simple questions.
    How do you feel about your riding?  What thoughts are producing those feelings?  How can you change the thought to produce a better or more positive feeling?
    When you are not feeling confident, your posture will reflect this.  Shoulders closed down.  Ribs sitting on top of your hips, meaning your seat cannot move with your horse.  Blocking, resisting, bouncing, digging…  And all of this caused by a simple thought.  I have seen enough riders to know this is true – trust me on this.

    6. Returning to Regular Riding

    Your body, your muscles, and your mind are now wide open for new ways of doing things.  The break you have had is now your opportunity to make things even better than they were before.  You can reprogram the habits or patterns that no longer serve you.
    In order to take this opportunity and make the most of it, you need to get intentional about what you want to create and achieve.  
    Then simply be consistent in staying true to that intention in order to get there.
    This is such an exciting time for you and your riding!
    Enjoy it.
    Lorna

    The Original Returning to Riding Program

    Are you looking for a way to get back into confident regular riding again? If so, I have a step by step, day by day plan to help you make this a reality that works with your existing lifestyle.
    The Original Returning to Riding Program is an audio program, that plays from a podcast that you subscribe to on your phone.  Each day, new training or lesson is available for you to use as you make the transition from ‘grounded’ to regular riding again. You can find out more about it HERE

    Other Resources to Help you:-