Strides for Success

Tag: confidence

  • Are You Bracing when Working with Your Horse?

    Are You Bracing when Working with Your Horse?

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    As riders, we tend to get to a point in our riding where we would much prefer it if our horse did not anticipate the upcoming movement or question. This is usually because it causes a lack of suppleness; physically and mentally. However, as riders, we are actually doing the same thing more than a lot of us are willing to admit!

    Have you ever found yourself expecting something to go wrong before it even happens? Well, whether you realise it or not, in that moment, you’re probably bracing!

    In this post, I want to explore the idea of bracing vs. embracing (rather than just relaxation), and how it is having a huge undercurrent on all of the training and work you’re doing with your horse. I also want to argue for embracing the moment and how this could be the single biggest shift you can make in your training this year.

    What Is Bracing?

    Bracing is a contraction.  It’s that tightening, restricting, protective posture we automatically shift into when we expect impact. And so often, we do this without even realising it!  Physically, it might look and feel like a clenched jaw, tight shoulders, locked elbows, gripping with your thighs and knees (turning into a clothes peg on your horse’s back!), or holding your breath.

    But bracing isn’t just physical. It also shows up mentally and emotionally, especially when you expect the worst, worry about the consequences or results, and try to control EVERYTHING! 

    It’s a fear or anxiety-based response that is so often linked to a past experience that didn’t go well. This past experience might not even be to do with horses. However, your mind and body ‘braced’ and this worked in that situation. So, you now believe that “this keeps me safe.”

    But when bracing becomes your default response to uncertainty, challenges, or a specific situation, it stops helping and starts hurting your progress.

    Why Bracing Becomes a Problem

    So aside from expecting the worst, there are other issues with bracing when working with your horse. Lack of feel, softness, and connection are the three big challenges! And when you work with your horse, whether on the ground or in the saddle, these qualities are essential to develop and improve.

    Your horse reads your body language like a book. Which means that when you ‘brace’, your horse feels it. And because many horses are masters at mirroring, they’ll often respond with tension or resistance.

    Which is often the key reason that the ‘worst thing’ you were has the potential to begin playing out! And remember, not because of your horse, but more to do with the energy you brought to the moment! Your bracing ends up becoming a self-fulfilled prophecy!

    This can play out in so many different areas of groundwork and riding. Upward transitions are often a great example of this. A rider asks for trot or canter, but as soon as the horse responds with energy, the rider braces! It’s like saying ‘go’, but then immediately changing your mind and shouting ‘no’! They tighten the reins, lock their back.  And the horse says, “Hold on… Didn’t you just ask me to go?”

    Confusion sets in, tension rises and the rider becomes frustrated. All while, over time, the horse becomes resistant.

    What Bracing Blocks

    Okay, so let’s be honest – bracing is literally you avoiding some sort of a perceived collision or interaction with someone or something. It is you ‘backing off’ whatever it is you think is coming. So when you brace, you block all of the good things that are necessary to ride ‘through’ something. Things like:-

          • Energy
          • Flow
          • Connection
          • Rhythm
          • Suppleness
          • Trust

    This is why bracing becomes a bigger problem over time, especially when your horse learns to anticipate your bracing. When your horse begins to expect that response from you. Horses are really good pattern-readers. This is how we work with them by setting expectations.

    Except when your horse begins to expect a block every time you ask a specific question…  He is soon not going to respond the way you want but rather the way you ‘expect’. 

    So, if everytime when you’re out on a hack, another horse whinny’s in the distance, and you clamp the reins, your horse begins to learn that this ‘hardness’ is your response to this. Obviously, this is a reaction from you. But your horse sees it as a response.  Soon, you’ll find that you’re not just riding the horse; you’re riding the pattern you’ve both unknowingly created.

    What’s the Opposite of Bracing?

    Now, most instructors will say “relaxing.”. And I myself have also said this for years. “Try to relax a little more as you ask for the transition into canter” is something I know I have repeated on many occasions! And yes, relaxation is important. But it’s not the real opposite of bracing.

    The true opposite of bracing is embracing. To actively remain open, stay present and curious, and to remain connected. To be self-aware enough to go with the movement and the moment. 

    Think about the last time you physically embraced someone or something. Maybe it was a hug, a smile, a decision to walk through the door instead of run! You weren’t trying to control it, but rather allowing the moment to unfold.  That’s the energy we need to bring into our riding and interactions with our horses.

    Embracing When Riding

    So, instead of gripping with your legs, you soften your calves, knees, and thighs, which allows the energy to flow and the movement to work forward. Instead of locking down your elbows, you allow your hands to follow your horse’s movement.  Rather than white-knuckling the lead rope because another horse is showing off in the field nearby, you breathe and say, “It’s okay. We see it. But we’re still here.”

    Embracing doesn’t mean you like everything that happens.  It means you’re willing to meet what’s happening and respond with awareness and curiosity, rather than anxiety and fear. 

    For many riders, this habit of bracing often shows up before they even get into the saddle!  Maybe you’ve noticed that when you’re walking out to the field thinking, “this is going to be a 45-minute chase”. You’re preparing for the worst, and because of this you’re probably not really giving off ‘I’m fun to be with’ vibes!

    Maybe you’re tacking up already anxious about how the ride will go, or you’re holding your breath while mounting, literally waiting for something to go wrong. Your horse feels this. All of it. Your energy matters before the work begins. It sets the tone.

    Start Embracing Instead of Bracing

    This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware. So, next time you ride, pay closer attention to your actions, thoughts, and feelings. Actively begin noticing where you are potentially bracing. Is it while preparing for or during transitions? Maybe it’s when you’re leading? Or, as I mentioned, it could be as early as when you’re out catching your horse?

    Once you notice it, breathe. A deep breath is often enough to begin shifting your response. Then soften one part of your body. Your hands, jaw, hips, shoulders, elbows, fingers, knees… Then become curious.

    Ask yourself, “What would happen if I embraced this instead of bracing against it?”. And then simply begin to practice this every ride and every interaction you have with your horse.

    You can even put it into practice in your day-to-day life. Maybe it’s something someone says, or a report on the radio that you hear. I think if you are bracing, it is probably not only happening on your horse. Begin looking for opportunities to practice everywhere, and see each opportunity as a chance to choose differently.

    Is Bracing Ever Okay?

    Look, there will always be moments when bracing is the exact right response for that particular situation. It might keep you safe in a sticky situation. Or it might help you stay on board during a particularly hairy moment! And that is more than okay.

    However, for the most part and especially in your everyday riding, the habit of bracing will more than likely work to keep you stuck as a rider and an equestrian.  So why not make this a mini-project for yourself? To shift your awareness and your energy when working with your horse. To learn to embrace.

    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:-

  • Enjoyment v’s Perfection; Release the Pressure!

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    Have you been allowing your goal of ‘doing things right’ to suck the joy and fun out of horse riding for you? Maybe you’ve been wanting to get back into riding after a long break, but you stop yourself because things are not 100% perfect. There’s a time and a place for perfection. Every single moment that you’re interacting with your horse is NOT that time!

    Today, I want to encourage you to let go of perfection. Release the pressure you’re putting on yourself and your horse for everything to be amazing. And just be present and enjoy the moment – warts and all! 

    Have you ever watched children playing and noticed how much pure fun they usually have? They are not worried about ‘playing the correct way’ or ‘doing it the right way’. They are simply there, at the moment, enjoying it as it all unfolds before them.

    Here’s how to begin approaching your riding and interactions with your horse the same way…

    Perfection Leaves Little Room for Fun!

    Years ago, I worked at a yard exercising horses. One of those horses was, in my opinion, really special. I absolutely adored working with him and riding him. After about a year, that same horse came up for sale. I was delighted and immediately made a plan and bought him. And then everything changed…

    Within a week I was falling off more than staying on! Things that were simple before felt impossible. Until I gave up! I admitted defeat, made the decision to sell him, and just stopped trying. And like magic – things were amazing again!

    You can work on improving yourself – AND have fun while doing it. So can your horse. If frustration, disappointment, or even avoidance make up a big part of your riding – you need to learn to release perfection. 

    Back then, I had been trying too hard with my new horse. I had placed so much emphasis on making everything perfect and right, that it was actually ruining everything!  Now, I’m not telling you this to say ‘give up’, but to show you how perfection can really and truly ruin so much in your riding.

    The Rider You ‘Used to Be’

    Another way this shows up for many riders who have been at this for a while is comparisonitis. These riders are comparing their current self with the version of themselves that used to ride 20 or 30 years ago. You’re not that person now. And this applies even if ‘that person’ was you only 3 months ago.

    You have to understand that the level of progress you make now is what’s possible for the rider you are now. Does this mean you must accept this as the be-all end-all going forward? No – you can definitely improve. But that will take a strategic approach, consistency, and time.

    You can only be as good as you are right now. This version of you. And if you want to be better, pinpoint things you can do to begin improving – and remember to give this version of you, right now, grace in the moment. 

    What Do You Enjoy?

    So there’s the comparison between past you and present you. And then there’s the trap of comparing yourself to others. Usually strangers. Who are willing to post their ‘highlights’ on social media for the world to see. Watching other riders, if you do it long enough, will almost always leave you feeling ‘less than’. Trying to reach that perceived standard of ‘perfection’.

    Keep in mind that every rider has their own journey. And it’s all of your experiences in life that makes up your riding style (not just equestrian experiences). This goes for other riders as well. So there is no way to compare. 

    So rather than trying to squeeze yourself into a style (think of it like an outfit) that belongs to someone else, find your own. What do you enjoy? Yes, you can try on different things that you see others doing or using. And if you like them, you will then blend that specific element into the rest of your style. The key here is to enjoy it all. Like what YOU do and are.

    And rather than it all being ‘perfect’, start looking for little things that feel good. Small pieces of the ride or interaction that you’re proud of. And focus on repeating those more often when you’re working with your horse

    What Is Success for You?

    Recently I was working with a rider online and I could see that frustration was creeping into her work with her horse. She was definitely aiming for some form of perfection. This was a horse she had recently purchased from someone she knew. After the lesson (our virtual private lesson – more information on that HERE), we got more into the nitty gritty of what was going on.

    It seems that she was trying to ride to ‘be like’ the horse’s previous owner. This owner was more experienced, about 6 inches taller, rode 6/7 days a week, and had a full-time trainer… It was like chalk and cheese! And there was no way that my rider was going to ‘win’ using the points she was comparing herself to! The perfection she was aiming for was just not realistic for her.

    So we worked on figuring out what a great ride would look like for her – at this exact point in her training and riding journey with this exact horse. We bantered around a few different versions until she eventually identified something that she both enjoyed and felt excited about doing. 

    Now, when she rides, she first spends time visualizing what’s possible for her at the place she is right now in her riding. And she works towards that in her ride. I can see both she and her horse enjoy themselves a lot more with this approach!

    Enjoyment v’s Perfection

    Another way to enjoy more about your riding is to become aware of the marker or measurement you’re using when working with your horse. Unfortunately, as adults, we can train ourselves to judge how ‘good’ something is by how much we achieve by doing the thing. And, in riding, this often revolves around competitions.

    At the beginning I mentioned how children love playing because they love playing. There’s no ‘winning’ or ‘result’. They are simply enjoying the moment. It is absolutely okay to ride because you love riding. 

    Yes, you can work on improving your relationship with your horse, but this should be because you want to develop the bond or partnership more. Not because you think you ‘should’. Or to win some competition (official or in your head).

    If you have been struggling with perfection in your riding, I challenge you to have at least one ‘pressure-free ride’ each week. The goal is simply to enjoy being with your horse and to remain present throughout the session.

    Enjoyment; How Did ‘WE’ Feel Today?

    As you move through this week with your horse, try to notice where you are being a little hard and rigid with yourself or your horse. When you notice excessive tension creeping in; stop what you’re doing. Notice how it feels in your body and then try to work back and find the thought that triggered it.

    Once you’ve discovered this thought (which is probably on repeat a lot in your head), challenge yourself to come up with something different to think…

    “Did I do that as well as Barbara does when she rides?” can become “How did that feel for me?”. Or if you find yourself thinking “Why can’t I do this now – I could do this 7 years ago!”, stop and turn it into “That’s interesting; I wonder how I can approach this differently?”. Or even “Do I have to do this at all?”…

    Spend 30 days prioritizing developing your bond or partnership with your horse over achieving perfection in what you’re doing. You can still work on the thing – but you’re approaching it through a different filter. 

    5 Prompts for Your Riding Journal

    If this is something you find yourself doing over and over again; use any of these 5 prompts and begin working on enjoying your rides and your time more with your horse.

          1. “What unrealistic expectations am I placing on myself as a rider, and how can I adjust them?”
          2. “If I took away all expectations and pressure, what would my ideal ride feel like?”
          3. “What are three ways I can measure success in my riding that don’t involve performance or outcomes?”
          4. “What would a joyful, pressure-free ride look like for me?”
          5. “What fears or worries come up when I think about my riding, and how can I reframe them into something more positive?”

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on This Topic:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • 5 Reasons You’re Struggling with Lunging – Part 2 Your Horse

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    If lunging is just not working for you and your horse, there is a whole element that you are missing out on when it comes to your training and your work together. In the previous Daily Strides Podcast episode and post, I spoke about 5 ways that you, the person lunging, might be struggling. In this post, I want to explore this from your horse’s perspective.

    Riding is a team sport, lunging is the same. If your horse does not understand the concept, the questions, or the expectations around lunging, he will struggle… And you will most likely as well!

    Here are 10 reasons that your horse might be struggling with lunging and why this is blocking any progress for you both in using this method in your work together.

     1. What’s a Circle?!

    For so many horses, up to the point where we introduce lunging, they have always worked with either their ‘rider’ beside them or on their back. So it makes sense that standing 6 or so meters or yards away from them is a completely new concept! Couple this with the idea of staying on a consistent track, or circle… It’s easy to see how things can go wonky! Corners are cut, horses turn in, or drift out…

    Your horse needs to understand that even though you are ‘further away’, you are still asking questions and expecting certain responses from your horse. This will take time, consistency, & patience on your part. 

     2. Consistent Rhythm & Balance

    Many horses become familiar with their rider’s always being there to ‘correct’ things. However, when working on the lunge, your horse must now begin to take responsibility for maintaining and correcting himself a little more.  Add to this the challenge of being on a constant bend or curve! Also keep in mind that this can be due to a lack of development or fitness if young, green, or coming back to work after a break.

    Is your horse struggling with maintaining a consistent rhythm or tempo, or is regularly unbalanced while working on the lunge? If so, it’s important to give him time to understand how to begin taking more responsibility for this himself. And to develop physically and mentally. 

     3. Doesn’t Understand Your Aids

    So often we ‘think’ or ‘assume’ that everyone understands everything we say or mean – only to find out that they don’t! Lunging, just like riding, is about communication. And your horse, just like you, needs to learn what everything means and how to communicate this way together.

    If your aids are unclear, misunderstood, or contradictory, lunging will not happen the way you want it to! Take time to explain your aids and check that your horse understands them.

    4. Anxiety around the Whip

    I’ve spoken about this in the previous post, how often riders are misusing (whether intentional or not) the whip while lunging. Unfortunately, many horses already have anxiety about the whip due to past experiences with other riders, so this may not be your fault. help your horse to understand that a whip is a tool to either ‘point things out’ or ‘extend your aids’.

    If your horse associates the whip with a negative experience, rather than removing it from your training,work on desensitizing your horse to it. It’s neutral. And in your hands, it’s not going to hurt him. 

     5. Too Much or Too Little Energy

    The final challenge we will cover today is either the lack of forwardness or motivation some horses tend to have. Or the rushing, overly excessive energy other horses have when working on the lunge. Both will make it extremely difficult to create quality work. And both will require your horse to think and act differently going forward.

    Just like riding, relaxation is a key requirement for you and your horse when lunging. And when it comes to horses, relaxation is another way of saying ‘managing tension’. The right amount for the current focus and job.

    Help Your Horse Enjoy Lunging

    Our horses can’t ‘talk’ to us. They often communicate through their behaviors. It’s important to take the time to try and understand why your horse is reacting or responding the way he is. When you can figure out what’s going on, you can help him to understand lunging.

    Addressing any of the struggles that show up will require clear, consistent communication, patience, and commitment with time to building your horse’s confidence and understanding. This way, lunging can become a really helpful part of both of your journeys.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on this Topic:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Building a Connection with Your Horse

    Building a Connection with Your Horse

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    As a rider, I bet that part of what you love about being an equestrian is the bond that you have with your horse. However, this bond, for many riders, takes time to develop and strengthen.

    This is because building a connection with your horse takes more than just time in the saddle. It requires attention. As well as understanding, patience, and a deep respect for the unique partnership you’re creating.

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I want to give you some practical steps you can use to strengthen the connection with your horse.  I think that the beginning of building a connection with your horse starts with understanding your own expectations. From there, you can begin to create a clearer plan for deepening the bond.

    1. Understanding Your Expectations First

    It seems like such a cliché, however in order to really understand your horse, you must first get to know yourself better. When you can take a step back and assess your own expectations, it allows you to become much clearer about what you’re truly looking for when it comes to your connection with your horse. .

    What do you hope to achieve with your horse? Is your focus on competitive performance, building a trusting partnership, or simply enjoying your time together? Every ‘goal’ or desire will require a different approach.

    As we know, horses are incredibly intuitive animals. And they often respond to the energy and emotions we bring into our interactions. In fact, many of the ‘issues’ or challenges we come across with our horses can actually be traced back to this.

    Before you begin each interaction with your horse, take the time to first become self-aware about how you’re feeling and what thoughts, emotions, and beliefs you’re bringing to the conversation. 

    I find that setting a clear intention for each interaction helps to keep things on track. Use your intention throughout each session to keep you present and focused on your horse.

    2. Trust Through Consistency

    Once you’re clear on your expectations, your horse can also begin to trust and rely on what he can expect when you’re working with him. This builds trust. Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and it’s no different with your horse. Horses are creatures of habit, and they thrive on routine and consistency. So by becoming intentional about developing consistent aids or a consistent riding schedule, you will build your horse’s trust in you.

    Simple, consistent actions—like grooming, leading, and even how you tack up—can have a huge impact. Your horse will start to feel secure in knowing what to expect, which leads to a more relaxed and willing partner.

    3. Your Horse’s Feedback

    Connection is a two-way street. Just as you have expectations, your horse has their own way of communicating what they need or feel. When you’re open and attentive to your horse’s feedback, you are able to make the small tweaks in your approach that make all the difference. These can be physical cues like ear position, tail movement, or changes in gait, but can also show up as resistance, behavioral issues, or a reluctance to engage.

    Horse riding is a team sport. Part of that means that it’s your responsibility to listen when your horse is trying to tell you something and then respond accordingly. Knowing that he’s being heard builds trust. 

    4. Ground Work

    Groundwork is absolutely essential when we are working with and training horses. There are always things to be done before you mount up and then after you dismount. However, so many riders only want to focus on their connection in the saddle; the irony is that groundwork will actually improve that as well. So, whether you’re leading your horse, lunging, or practicing liberty exercises, once you and your horse are aware of the other presence, the conversation has begun.

    Become intentional with your body language. When you listen to your horse’s feedback, you can improve your aids immediately through tweaking your body language.  Groundwork also helps to earn your horse’s trust and encourages him to respect your leadership

    Groundwork also helps to clarify expectations, explain and reinforce boundaries, and learn how to communicate using slight, subtle cues. Many of which you can then take into the saddle with you. 

    5. Consistency, Patience,  & Time

    Finally, while immediate ‘ah-ha’ moments will happen and are possible, building a connection with your horse will take time. It’s rarely a ‘one and done’ thing! Practice patience… Especially when approaching something new and different. Just like you, your horse needs time to grow in trust and understanding. If you rush the process, you may end up with a horse that feels stressed or disconnected from you.

    Take the time to enjoy the journey. Be present for each ride, groundwork session, and interaction with your horse. And extend your patience to yourself as well. You and your horse are learning and growing together.

    Building a Connection with Your Horse

    For many riders, building a strong connection with your horse is the most fulfilling aspect of being an equestrian. If you have not invested time and focus into doing this, I strongly suggest that you begin today.  I will link to other groundwork posts below this article. And you can also check out the Connection Partnership Program to help you with this.

    You and your horse will only train to the level that you trust each other. Begin taking time today to build and grow your connection with your horse in a meaningful way and experience the changes in your well-being, and in your riding and training.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other Episodes on This Topic

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Tailoring Your Aids to Your Horse

    Tailoring Your Aids to Your Horse

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    Just like us, all horses are different. They all interact with the world in their unique way. Their reactions and their responses. What would happen if you tailored your interactions with your horse specifically so that your horse can best understand and follow along? If each ‘horse conversation’ was a special one? If you could tailor your aids to your horse?

    When you begin to become mindful about tailoring your communication to your horse; your training, partnership, and skills will improve much more quickly

    So it makes sense to begin studying your horse – and figuring out what he really listens to in your riding. Especially if you’re noticing that your horse is not focused when working together. Or you’re just not getting the results you want in your riding.

    Become Self Aware

    The only thing you can control or really change is yourself. And then by controlling or changing yourself, you can have a different influence over your horse. So start with you.  What are you ‘doing’ that your horse is responding to, and what are you ‘doing’ that he is not?

    When you pay close attention to what you’re doing – and what your horse is telling you based on that – you can begin to tailor your communication to what your horse responds to. 

    The Balance of Aids

    So you know that you have a whole host of aids at your disposal when it comes to working with your horse.  You have your natural aids (they are part of you and go with you everywhere you go!). And you have your artificial aids (you can leave these down or behind in the yard).

    From here you also have ‘obvious aids’ that anyone can see you use or interact with your horse.  And you have subtle aids, which are either ‘invisible’ or can only be noticed by someone who knows what to look for…

    Imagine a pie chart, and each individual aid having a portion of that chart. These portions will differ in size depending on your horse, what you’re asking, the circumstances, etc. One of your responsibilities as a rider is to figure out what is the best proportions of the aids for that exact moment with your horse. This is the ‘balance of aids’. 

    Notice What Works

    Once you can start to see what your horse responds to, you can start using your aids in different ways that put more emphasis on what your horse currently responds to. In order to truly ‘train’ or ‘develop’ your horse, you need to begin in a place where you can both ‘speak’ to each other. You must really adapt your aids for your horse.

    Try actually speaking out loud what is working for your horse. Actually talk to your horse… It helps to bring your awareness to your own actions and helps you hone in on your horses responses. 

    By noticing what works, you can then set a foundation. And from that foundation, you can refine things even more.  You may find that your horse doesn’t really respond to your voice aids for example. But is very responsive to your position (whether on the ground or in the saddle).  As you discover more about your horse, you can ‘balance’ or adjust your aids and approach accordingly.

    Tailoring Your Aids to Your Horse

    So if all horses are different, you’ll often find individual horses who just don’t enjoy being ‘spoken to’ in a certain way.  And rather than forcing a conversation that the horse has no interest in being part of… Learn what that horse does respond to and become ‘good’ at conversing that way.

    Your horse is an individual, just like you. And I can bet that when someone takes the time to focus and speak to you in a way you respond to, the conversation flows. Your horse is the same…

    Start today by noticing what you’re doing, and if it gets a response or not.  From there, simply notice and tweak as you learn more about you and your horse.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More Help for Riders:-

    Equestrian Fitness Challenge ’24

    Work on improving your overall strength, fitness, and stamina as a rider. The all-new and free 2024 Equestrian Fitness Challenge is a great place for you to do this.  It is walking and yoga-based (no workouts), so it will ease you into becoming a better version of yourself in the saddle gently. You can sign up HERE or by visiting https://equestrianfitnesschallenge.com/24 
    There will be a daily walk, a 10 minute daily yoga practice, and lots of tips, ideas, exercises, and ways to improve so that you can show up as the best version of you – for you and your horse.
    Sign up today and let’s transform your riding – one stride at a time! 100% FREE 2024 Equestrian Fitness Challenge

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  • Confidently Assessing Walk on a Different or New Horse

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    Whether you’ve just purchased a new horse, or the opportunity to regularly ride a different horse, the first few rides can feel a little daunting. Especially if you are coming back to riding after a break or you’re used to riding another horse. One of the best things you can do is to begin assessing where you are both at in terms of training and communication. This episode is the first in a week of 5 lessons called ‘First Rides for Confidence on Your New Horse’ which are available now inside of Daily Strides Premium. 

    Those first few rides have to happen and if done right, can set a positive tone for both of you as you work together going forward.

    And these rides are the perfect time to really pay attention, assess where you both are in your training together and then build your relationship together.  In this episode, I will walk you through an exercise you can do while in the saddle to begin figuring out where you both are in your training.

    Finding & Stacking Wins

    Wins are not just for the competitive riders in the world.  All riders can find and ‘stack’ wins when working with their horses.  The key is to really notice them. So often we take the little things for granted.  However, it’s these little things, when accumulated and put together; that make the partnership great.

    Each time you have a set expectation of your horse, and your horse meets it; that’s a win! Especially true when it’s a new horse that you’re not really sure of or familiar with.

    The more ‘correct answers’ your horse gives you, the stronger the understanding between both of you becomes.  See it like a list of boxes that your horse must check.  Anything he doesn’t understand must be worked on – and will be.  But it’s also important to appreciate all of the ‘checks’ he did get. This will build both of your confidence in yourselves and in the partnership as a whole.

    1. Assessing the Shoulders

    Begin in walk with your new horse and pay attention to your horse’s shoulders.  How well are they moving?  Are they covering the ground or are they a little ‘choppy’ or ‘short’? It’s important not to lean down or over to do this.  Just ‘glance’ down with your eyes. You may have to move or plait/braid your horse’s mane if it is hiding or covering the shoulders.

    The shoulders are something you can ‘see’ when you are riding. And you are going to use this to assess what you can’t see.  The hind quarters.  

    Once you can identify the shoulders moving, begin to tie that into the feeling in your seat.  The movement of the shoulders will coordinate with the swing of your seat as your horse walks. You’ll notice both a backward and forward swing to your seat. And also a ‘left to right’.  The left to right is created by your horse’s barrel or rib cage moving as the horse walks.  And this will correlate with his back legs…

    2. Engaging the Hind Quarters

    The reason your horse’s barrel is swinging left to right is simple; it must move to create room for your horse’s back leg to come and step in underneath it.  So, if you’re not feeling that left-to-right swing through the barrel, there’s a good chance your horse is not using his hind quarters.

    Think of ‘engagement’ as being a committed relationship between your horse’s back end and the front end. No committed relationship; no engagement!

    If your horse has training and development under his belt, you will also see that the distribution of his weight has changed slightly so the front end is not so heavy.  However, even if your horse is very green or unfit, the ‘engagement’ we are talking about is a connection or relationship.  The energy is flowing through from the back to the front.  And all horses can do this, regardless of where they are in their training journey.

    3. Balance Through Corners

    A great way to assess this with your new horse is to pretend you’re a marble, ball, or egg! If your horse’s back is a tray and you are on the tray, what would happen while you’re riding on the straight? So down the long side of your arena. Is the tray tipping slightly to one side of the other?  Or is it perhaps tilted to favour the back or the front?

    Ideally,  you (the egg or ball) will remain nicely balanced in the centre of the ‘tray’, both on the straight and as you ride through corners and bends. 

    Often we don’t feel when our horses is tilting or tipping.  Especially through corners and bends.  However, play this game the next time you’re in the saddle.  Close your eyes if you can (and it’s safe to do so). And feel if you are ‘tipping’ somewhere you shouldn’t be!

    4. Noticing Relaxation / Tension

    Building from the previous exercise, you can then begin to add your use of the half halt before and during the corner into your assessment.  Does your horse respond to your half halt? And if so, does this have an impact on any of the previous elements of the ride?  How his shoulders are moving, the swing of the hindquarters, or you ‘rolling off’ the tray that is his back?!

    When riding a new horse, moments of incorrect tension will be pretty frequent and normal initially.  You are both getting used to each other…

    The important takeaway is to notice and begin refining so that the smoothness is maintained more easily.  I also suggest riding a 20m square when doing this work, as it will allow the corners to ‘come more quickly’ for you and your horse. And you will get more opportunities to work on improving it the next time.

    5. The Ears of Your New Horse

    My final idea for assessing the walk with a new horse is to watch his ears.  I realise this seems like a strange one, but bear with me! As you are riding the square or the rectangle in walk, and doing the above exercise with half halt and corners, do the ears change?  Do they get higher, indicating that he may be ‘hollowing out’ through is back? Or maybe they are dropping lower; possibly bracing against you? Or are they tilting (one higher than the other), showing a lack of straightness?

    When you are riding a different or new horse, the best thing you can do early on is to assess exactly where he is right now in his training. Then use this to create a plan to improve. 

    As the rider of the new horse, your job is to see how you are both getting along from the beginning.  And it is often so much easier to do this using what you can actually ‘see’.  Such as the shoulders and ears. Couple this with what you can feel, you’ll get a pretty good idea of how the ride is going.

    First Rides for Confidence on Your New Horse

    If this is something you would like more step-by-step help with, I am encouraging you to join us inside of Daily Strides Premium. You will get 5 episodes of audio horse riding lessons to use that will help you and your horse from the very first ride.  And they are not only for ‘new horses’.

    These lessons are also great for riders and horses who want to figure out what to work on next in their training and work together. Especially if working alone without a trainer or coach.

    So if you have your new horse, or you are getting to know a different horse to the one you are used to, let me help you both.  Those first few rides are really important ones; for both you and your horse… In this group of lessons you will steadily move through the different gaits with your horse, in a way that will build your confidence; and allow your horse to get used to you as well.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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    Get Going in Your Riding:-

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