Strides for Success

Tag: confidence

  • Tips When Trying Out a New Horse

    Tips When Trying Out a New Horse

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1327-Tips_When_Trying_Out_A_New_Horse.mp3″ title=”Tips When Trying Out a New Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    Finding your perfect new horse, for many riders, can also mean having to ride a lot of horses in order to find ‘the one’.  It is a decision that will have repercussions for years to come.  This is true for you, the horse, and also everyone who has to work closely with the two of you!

    So it makes sense that there can be quite a bit of pressure on riders to make the ‘right’ decision after trying out a new horse.

    But for this episode, let’s stick to a few good, old-fashioned rules of thumb when it comes to trying out a new horse for the first time…

    Be Realistic of the Potential

    ‘Potential’ is a funny thing.  We are all absolutely brimming to the top with it.  And all of our horses are too! However, there are very few humans or horses who actually live up to and experience their fullest potential.  I say this because, often, when we are trying out a new horse, we can either become oblivious to or we can get too caught up in the horse’s potential’

    So before you go trying out every and any horse you see, be clear on what exactly you are looking for – you probably won’t need the best horse in the world; you’re looking for the best horse for you right now…

    Be There to Groom & Tack Up

    For time’s sake, many sellers will have the horse already tacked up and waiting for your arrival.  I would strongly suggest phoning ahead and requesting that this is not the case. And this is especially true if you plan on keeping the horse on your property.  Experiencing the horse on the ground is important.  Knowing that you can safely groom and tack up the horse, especially if it will be staying by your own home, is essential!

    Watch for first impressions as well; when you reach the stable door what does the horse do? Walk to greet you or turn it’s business end to you? 

    Horses Respond to the People Around Them

    Keep in mind that the horse will be responding to the people who are currently working with it.  And will almost certainly change when they are with their new owner or rider for a few weeks or months.  There are certain things that can sometimes be overlooked.

    Horses will do what they have been trained to or allowed to do by the people who work with them.  Bad manners and lack of boundaries are just two of the ways this can show up…

    Your ability to retrain your horse will depend on your confidence and your horsemanship skills.  Trying out a new mount is not the time or the place to begin this work! But this point is an important one to keep in mind when looking at one.

    Honesty is the Best Policy!

    Be honest with the seller about your current riding level and commitment.  This includes time, facilities, trainer, etc. However, do keep in mind that, whether intentional or not, the seller can sometimes make what they are selling sound like it is perfect for you when it’s clearly not!

    A great way to avoid this is to first ask lots of questions about the current rider and what they are currently doing with the horse. “Why?” is your friend here… Keep digging! 

    Once you have a clear picture in your mind about the current rider and how they get on with the horse, then share about yourself. Tell them not only where you are at right now, but also your plans, goals, and ambitions for going forward.  If the horse hates trail rides or hacking out alone, but your 1-year goal is an overnight solo trail ride, this is probably not the right one for you!

    Mounting Up & Trying Out…

    Watch the horse being ridden first. This is important and something we can often fail to do due to sheer enthusiasm to ‘get in the saddle’. Hold your horses, practice a little patience, and slow down.  Rather stand back and watch how the current owner or rider handles the horse. This is true both before they mount up and when they initially mount up. If there is a reluctance on their part to get into the saddle and they have not mentioned anything to hint at why… You’ve got yourself a bit of a red flag.

    After watching them ride the horse, I love to have a rider I personally know who has come with me ride the horse. Knowing how that rider rides, I can better see from the ground how the horse goes… 

    And after all of that, then and only then, do I suggest mounting up yourself.  If you’re feeling happy and that this is a ‘match’, well test that theory out by spending time riding the horse. Keep in mind that this is not the time or place to have a lesson from your trainer, or to practice that nifty new movement you’ve been working on!

    And It Might NOT Be a Match!

    Okay, so if at any point prior to gently lowering your bum into the saddle, if you feel any sort of hesitation or ‘niggling feeling’ about mounting up; stop!  Simply tell the seller that you’ve seen enough and this is not the horse for you. Thank them for their time and be pleasant. You never know, they might even know of a more suitable horse for you… Very possible! And don’t feel bad…

    Most sellers would rather ‘save’ the horse for a more suitable potential buyer than have someone onboard who is not a fit from the get-go. And if they are genuine, they will remain respectful and pleasant.  No harm done! 

    Unfortunately, trying to sell a horse that was not a match for you from the beginning is very difficult.  Many people will blame the horse for the partnership not working out.  And, in my experience, these unfortunate horses tend to have untrue labels and names attached to them that become VERY difficult to change.

    Prepare Yourself for a NEW Horse…

    The final point I want to make here before I finish is that if you have had a horse for years and years and now, for whatever reason, are looking for a new partner… Give yourself a little grace! To go from having ridden and connected with the same horse for years… To suddenly jump on the back of a new horse and hope it all works out might be a little naive!

    If you have only had experience riding one horse for the past 2+ years, before trying out a new horse, book in for some lessons on a ‘different’ horse first.

    This way the ‘lesson’ horse can be the one you feel that initial discomfort of things being ‘different’ on. This will leave you better prepared to be more honest with yourself about the horse you are actually trying out when the time comes.

    Happy Riding!
    Lorna

    A Simple Plan for Trying Out a New Horse

    This episode is the first, taken from a week of lessons inside Daily Strides Premium. They are all about what to do when trying a new horse.  And while this is the first lesson, and a quick overview of the dos and don’ts of trying out a new horse, the following 4 audio horse riding lessons are the actual riding plan!

    A selection of simple exercises and movements you can use when trying out a new horse.  You will also learn what I suggest looking for at each stage of the ride. 

    These are all available right now inside of Daily Strides Premium. Audio horse riding lessons are delivered straight to your phone so that you can use your own time and your own arena to help you and your trusty steed.  Daily Strides Premium is back! You can use the first and original audio 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

    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

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • What is Stopping You From Riding More? Part 2

    What is Stopping You From Riding More? Part 2

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1313_Whats_Stopping_You_From_Riding_More_Part_2.mp3″ title=”What’s Stopping You From Riding More – Part 2″ social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]
    So many riders ‘say’ they want to ride more.  But making it happen is an entirely different matter altogether.  Identifying why you are not riding more is key to overcoming this.  And by ‘identifying’ I mean going deeper than those initial reasons or excuses that simply scratch the surface.
    This is Part 2 of exploring this topic for you and your riding. If you have not already, make sure you go back HERE and listen to Part 1, which is focused more on external factors.  In today’s episode, we will dive into more specific internal factors that may be causing you to complain that you’re just not riding anymore…

     1. Wrong Horse & Rider Combination

    This can be a tough one to admit to.  And then, once you have admitted it, taking action can feel mentally and emotionally uncomfortable for many riders. I think we often become conditioned to believe that if we create a partnership with a specific horse, that partnership must last forever.  We have all come across the term ‘forever horse’.
    However, if we think about relationships, partnerships, and friendships that we have with other people in our lives, we will see that only the rare few will truly last a lifetime. The majority will work for a period of time until either one of the people or the circumstance changes.  And we are, for the most part, okay with that happening.
    Often intentionally allowing a particular relationship to change and breakdown is a good thing as it creates space for someone new and more aligned with present-day you to enter the picture.
    If you have become aware of a lack of alignment between yourself and your horse, and it’s begun to prevent you from getting into the saddle and riding, maybe it’s time to reassess the partnership.
    This does not have to always mean ‘selling’ your horse. However, by acknowledging this and then actively looking for more suitable partners for both of you, things can begin to move forward for both of you again. Both in the training and simply riding as well.

     2. Lack of Confidence

    When new riders join the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community, I ask them a few simple questions – just so that I can get the lay of the land and where they are at in their riding. One of the questions is about naming the biggest challenge currently in their riding.  Hands down, ‘lack of confidence’ is the biggest issue.  And while I sometimes feel that this is more of a symptom pointing to the above point, about ‘wrong horse and rider combination’.  I also see that it can also have its roots elsewhere…
    In the previous episode, Why Are You Not Riding – Part 1, I touched on facilities often being a factor.  I mentioned the challenge of having arenas that are too large or too small.  And if your horse is at a boarding yard or barn, often the majority of riders who will be at the farm will suit the arena.
    When we are talking about the arenas being too large and open for you to feel confident and safe, the constant presence of riders who are further along in their riding journey can begin to erode your confidence.
    Acknowledging that you are struggling with confidence is a key step.  From there, begin looking at how you can better support yourself and your horse to overcome this and move forward in your riding.

     3. Boredom or Repetative

    This is the reason I initially started Strides for Success and, specifically, Daily Strides Premium.  I was seeing and hearing from riders who simply had no idea how to keep things interesting day in and day out with their horses. Having a coach or trainer in the arena working with you will 100% keep things interesting.  However, the vast majority of riders do not have access to this – and especially every single time they mount up!
       Which opens the door to a whole host of other challenges and problems down the road!
    This is where planning becomes so essential in your day-to-day riding.  When you have a goal that inspires you and you then take the time to step it out, ride by ride, it will help to keep you both motivated and inspired.  And you and your horse will learn things along the way as well. If this is something you’re struggling with, make sure you check out Daily Strides Premium.

     4. Lack of Progress – Hit a Plateau

    There is always this wonderful sense of achievement when you reach a point in your riding that you have been working towards for some time.  Maybe it’s clean canter transitions.  Or riding for 5km on the trail without anyone else accompanying you.  However, once you and your horse settle into this ‘new normal’, the novelty will soon begin to wear off… And, again, boredom can set in!
    Plateaus in your progress and training are great in the short term.  It allows you both to rest a little, regroup, and ‘calibrate’ the new training or achievement into the rest of your skills and communication.
    The problems start when you become a little too comfortable and stay there, on the plateau, for too long… And, for the most part, this is because you are not willing to change, let go of, or begin something different or new. 
    In order for you to begin ‘climbing’ again, you will have to choose something to work on and change. And accept that as you are working on this, the ‘climb’ will often be uncomfortable.  But you can rest again when you reach the new plateau…

     5. Nothing to Work Towards

    This leads me to the final reason I think riders are not riding when they say that they want to.  They have absolutely nothing to work towards! If you have found yourself thinking “I don’t know what to do”, or “It all feels the same, every ride”, of course you are not going to bother pushing on through and getting out there into the saddle.  Why would you?! There is nothing at all to motivate or inspire you.
    I think riders can often fall into the trap of thinking that goals or outcomes in riding must be competition-related.  And, maybe not having any desire to compete, they then feel a little flat when it comes to actually creating a goal for their riding…
    Goals can be so, so much more.  They can have to do with building and developing trust.  Riding with friends.  Going on holidays with your horse to participate in riding trails, attending a clinic, or taking part in a riding workshop. A goal can be groundwork-related or lunging-related.  It can also be long-line related.
    The sky is the limit when it comes to finding something that you and your horse can get excited about and then begin to work towards.
    If you need help making riding a reoccurring activity in your life again, make sure you check out Returning to Riding; a way that we can work together to get you back in the saddle and back on track to enjoy horse riding again.
    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Get Going 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:-

  • Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian?

    Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian?

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1307_Who_Are_You_Following_in_2024.mp3″ title=”Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    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

    Similar Topics:-

    Get Going 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

    Start today:- https://stridesforsuccess.com/dsp

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Question:- Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination

    Question:- Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1306_Question_Is_there_Any_Hope_for_a_Green_Horse_and_Green_Rider_Combination.mp3″ title=”Question:- Advice for a Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    On the face of it, pairing a young horse and a beginner rider can seem like a great idea.  Both get to learn and grow together.  However, this is not a partnership I would intentionally advise anyone to get into.  When you have both horse and rider in the same boat, lacking knowledge and experience, it can create some ‘interesting’ detours on the training journey!

    I received an email from a listener of the Daily Strides Podcast asking for advice about this exact situation. 4-year-old gelding and a beginner/novice rider.  I do think that every situation is different and, in this particular case, I feel that this can work – if the right approach is taken.

    One of the biggest challenges riders come up against in this situation is loss of confidence.  This is in themselves, their abilities, and in their horse as well

    In this episode, I give my opinion on what to do in this particular situation.  This rider is fortunate to have a trainer that they work with and this plays a big role in how I answered this question for this particular rider.  However, if you find yourself as a beginner rider and working with a young or green horse, I do hope that you will find a nugget or two in this episode to help you as well.

    Get Your Question Answered

    All horse and rider partnerships are unique.  It is important to keep that in mind when seeking advice or following advice that is not tailor-made for you and your situation.  If you have a question about your riding or your horse’s training, send me an email, lorna [at] stridesforsucess [dot] com.  And I will answer your question here on the Daily Strides Podcast as well.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other Resources to Help:-

  • Question:- My Horse is Too ‘Spicy’; Help!

    Question:- My Horse is Too ‘Spicy’; Help!

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1302_Question_My_Horse_is_too_Spicy_Help.mp3″ title=”Help! My Horse is Too Spicy!!” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    What a great way to describe a horse!  As I read this rider’s email and plea for help, I could almost picture what was going on for them when working together. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I answer a listener’s question:- My horse is too spicy; please help! I feel that many riders may be struggling with this particular issue, so let’s dive into it.

    My Horse Is Too Spicy

    In this particular situation, the horse is bucking, a lot! And this is both on the lunge, and while being ridden.  The bucks are showing up in walk, trot, and canter. And, working alone with her horse, this rider is beginning to doubt her ability to really cope with this in the long run.

    So, what can you do when you’re faced with trying to work with a horse who, for whatever reason, is coming to the conversation with too much energy?

     1. Call in the Professionals

    My first thought was to make sure the horse is happy and healthy.  This particular rider assured me that the horse is not ‘sore’ and that everything fits.  But I think that often there are things that can be picked up on by a professional (because they have spent years training and have years of experience) that riders can miss. S

    o, my first piece of advice is to call in the professionals.  Vet, chiro, bodywork therapist, farrier, dentist, saddle fitter, etc.  Once you have covered all of your bases there, then (and only then) continue on…

     2. Gaps in the Training

    My second thought was about how the horse has been developed.  If everything else is good and happy, I would begin to question the basic training and how well the horse understands it.  In this case, relaxation may have either been skipped completely, or not fully understood by horse or rider (or both!).

    Basic training is so important when you are setting expectations.  This is for both horse and rider.  And remember, different riders have different expectations, so there also may be a retraining issue…

     3. Natural Enthusiasm and Excitement

    Some horses are just naturally more expressive when it comes to their enthusiasm for certain things they enjoy. Often this level of ‘happiness’ and excitement won’t be matched by the rider about the particular situation!  If this is the case, it is important to realize that your horse is a unique individual with their own quirks…

    This is where you have to begin to set expectations and manage energy a little better.  And it could also be the deciding factor as to whether or not you are both going to go forward with your partnership… (more on that just now). 

     4. Assessing the Rider

    Your way of riding is completely unique to you.  Yes, there are some riders who will ride in a similar way, but you are you and you are unique!  This is great – and it can be an issue when a horse is used to someone else’s way of riding! As a rider, it is important to be realistic and honest about your capabilities, your habits, and your knowledge.

    My suggestion to begin exploring if this is, potentially, the issue would be for the rider to ride other horses and see what happens there. 

    Ideally, these other horses would not be ones that the rider will always ride and be comfortable with.  Just random other horses… If there’s a pattern, it will become noticeable very quickly!   And remember to take videos of yourself… So, so important especially when working alone.

    You can also put a different rider onto the horse and see if the horse is too spicy with someone else in the saddle.  Again, it’s about looking for patterns and seeing the changes as they occur.

     5. Be Honest about the Partnership

    My final suggestion is to honestly ask if this horse is the ‘right horse’ for you and if you’re the ‘right rider’ for this horse… This is often a difficult and uncomfortable thought for many riders. Especially if they have an idea about a ‘forever horse’ in your head.

    Let’s be honest, if neither of you is happy with the other, I think it is best to call it a day and find a new partner (and help your horse to do the same). 

    This does not mean ‘passing the buck’ – literally – to someone else.  If your horse needs help (physical or training-related) it is the responsibility of the rider to provide this for him.  But often this help may be beyond what a particular rider can offer.  This or a mismatch of personalities can often bring you to the point where you will look for another rider or owner for your horse.

    Get Your Question Answered

    I do hope that this will help any riders out there struggling with too much ‘spice’! If you have a question about your riding or your horse’s training, you can send me an email, lorna [at] stridesforsucess [dot] com.  And I will answer your question here on the Daily Strides Podcast as well.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other Resources to Help

  • Getting Back in the Saddle After a Fall

    Getting Back in the Saddle After a Fall

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1301_Getting_Back_in_the_Saddle_after_a_Fall.mp3″ title=”Getting Back in the Saddle After a FAll” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    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