Strides for Success

Tag: goals

  • Why You’re Still Not Riding Like You Want To (And What to Do About It This Week)

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    There’s a moment I see over and over again with riders. And if I’m being honest, I’ve been there myself more times than I would like to admit! Maybe you can relate… It goes a little like this: you’ve got a horse and you’ve got the tack. You’re even lucky enough to have access to a place to ride… And yet, you’re not actually riding the way you want! Or even, not riding at all!

    Every week that goes by, you find yourself muttering the same old question on repeat in your head, “I know what needs to be done. So why am I not doing it?!”

    If that sounds even a little bit familiar, take a deep breath, because this post is for you.  Let’s dive into what’s really going on… And how to break that cycle this week and get you on the road to regular riding the way you want it to be!

    Motivation or Clarity

    After years of chatting with riders who are feeling stuck, I can tell you that less to do with being lazy, undisciplined, or uncommitted… Nope! So often, riders are not riding how they want because they don’t actually know what to do next! They have been stuck in the same way of doing things (riding or not riding) for so long that there appears to be no clear way out!

    Not riding the way you want is less to do with ‘getting motivated’, and far more about becoming crystal clear on what you’re working towards with your horse, what’s getting in your way, or where to begin.

    Instead of taking the time to honestly assess these things so that you can make a clear decision, you’re doing the opposite. Spinning your wheels with hours of aimless time in the saddle… Or, worse, you avoid riding altogether!

    Here’s a simple process to break out of the fog and start creating real momentum again, one tiny step at a time.

    What Do You Actually Want to Be Able to Do?

    Let’s fast forward to 6 months from now. It’s the end of the year (or whenever it is 6 months from when you’re reading this post). What do you want to be able to say you and your horse did?  And I’m not talking wishy washy things… So no ‘ride better’ or ‘feel more confident’ type answers!

    I want you to come up with something tangible, specific, and visual. Something that anyone would be able to see you do if they were watching. Something that can’t be disputed over whether it happened or not!

    Here are a few examples to get you thinking about what might be possible for you and your horse, depending on where you are in your journey together:-

          • Ride a full trail loop at your local nature reserve or along your local bridle path without issues
          • Compete in a walk/trot class at a small local schooling or practice show
          • Canter in a balanced 20m circle on both reins (with correct lead) without breaking
          • Ride a simple gymnastic grid with confidence
          • Compete in an in-hand showing class at a local show
          • Work through all three gaits with rhythm and softness

    It can be big or small, mounted or in-hand. The details will depend on your unique situation.  However, it does have to be crystal clear! And once you have identified ‘your one thing’, write it down! Seriously. Pen and paper! I personally love going to a local hardware store, getting some of the paint sample colour cards in colours I love, and writing on them. Then I pin them in places where they will be seen daily… Sounds odd – but, for me, this works!

    The Gap Between “There” & “Here”

    Once you know where you’re going, the next step is to look at where you are now and spot the differences! What’s missing?  Or what’s changed? It is so important to get as detailed as you can here. Yes, start with the big picture. But then hone in and really look for the little things that, right now, are not aligned.

    How are the ‘there’ situation and circumstances different from where you are right ‘here’ and right now?

    There are so many different ‘differences’ you might identify. Most of these will depend on, again, your unique situation. Start big. Look for the obvious differences, and then chunk it down. The smaller the ‘chunks’ or steps, the more ‘doable’ it will become for you to move from ‘here’ to ‘there’.
    Here are a few examples of what you might notice as being ‘different’:-

          • Your horse’s fitness (can’t hold a canter or gets tired fast)
          • Your consistency (you ride once a week, if that)
          • Your confidence (you feel anxious mounting up)
          • Your horse’s training (rushing, ignoring your aids, lacking rhythm)
          • Your riding skills (you can’t yet ride sitting trot or tell your diagonals)

    The key here isn’t to get overwhelmed by the list. It’s to get honest.  If you’re still struggling, imagine putting a video of you riding now or of your current situation side by side with the video of what you want. If you’re struggling to see yourself in the ‘there’ video, put current you side by side with a video of someone who’s already doing the thing you want… And remember, the key is to ‘spot the difference’; not berate, shame, or guilt yourself!

    When you can clearly identify the gaps between where you are and where you want to be, you can finally stop guessing what to do, and start actually doing something :)

    One Action in the Next 3 Days

    Okay, so now you’ve got a specific goal. And you have a list of the current gaps that need to be filled in order for you to make that goal a reality in your riding. The next step is to choose one tiny action that begins to close one of those gaps.  Tiny is the key word in that sentence! In fact, the smaller the action (remember, chunk it down), the greater the chance of you actually getting this done.

    This is where many riders fall into the trap of thinking that creating a plan is the action. Nope, it is not! Neither is making a decision. I want you to physically DO something. Take action. And, you’re going to do this within the coming 3 days. Here are a few real-world examples:

    For the Horse:

          • Fitness gap? 10 minutes working on halt-walk-trot transitions in the arena
          • No rhythm in trot? Similar; work on transitions between walk–halt–walk with focus
          • Spooks on trails? Lead your horse past 1 “scary” object this week
          • Breaks in canter? Practice trot-canter-trot transitions on the lunge.
          • Won’t move off the leg? Do 10 mins of in-hand responsiveness exercises.

    For the Rider:

          • Don’t know diagonals? Sync your ‘up’ ‘down’ with the forward and back of your horses outside shoulder in the walk. Do this until you can literally glance and know if you’re correct. Then try in trot
          • Too unfit? Commit to a 15-minute walk on foot each day this week
          • Feel anxious? Mount up. Sit or walk for 30 seconds. Then dismount. Done
          • No plan? Write down 1 intention and one exercise for your next ride, just one!
          • Not riding enough? Groom your horse 3 days this week, even for 10 minutes. Work on creating the rhythm first

    This doesn’t need to be dramatic. It just needs to be done. And done inside of 3 days from reading this blog post or listening to this episode! You’ve 72 hours to make it happen. And if you’re thinking that there’s no way you will get this done in 3 days, go smaller. Chunk it down some more so that the resistance between here and there (there in this case being the other side of your action) is minimal. Tiny. A step!

    Get Moving So You Can Get Clear.

    I see riders kid themselves over and over by believing this sneaky thought. The “I just need to get a little more confident/motivated/organized… And then I’ll get going.”. If you tell yourself that – stop! This thought is what’s holding you back. It’s the handbrake that’s keeping you stuck in the cycle of not riding how you want.

    You have to begin taking action when you don’t feel ‘ready’.  That’s what will build your confidence and clarity. Doing one small thing will move you out of indecision and start building your positive momentum.

    This can be as small as a 5-minute groundwork session. Or finally pulling out your planner and scheduling two rides this week.  It can be marking out 2 different school movements to ride tomorrow in the arena. Or it can be mounting up and walking to the gate and back.

    You have already identified what you can do. That smallest of small action steps. Now it’s your responsibility to get it done. Within the next 3 days. 72 hours. No excuses ;) 

    Review & Planning Call

    So if you’re reading this and thinking,“Okay, Lorna, I hear you… But I still don’t know what my action should be…”Then I want to personally invite you to join me this Friday inside the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community on Facebook for a free live call.

    I’m going to walk you through:

          • Clarifying your 6-month goal
          • Identifying the real gaps in your horse’s training
          • Choosing one action to take in the coming 72 hours or 3 days

    It’ll be fun, low-pressure, and practical, and it might just be the spark that sets your next 6 months on fire! So make sure you join me there (or get the recording if the call has already happened).

    Personal Coaching to Get You Riding

    And if you feel that you want a more personalised approach, my private coaching program Restart & Reschool will give you just that. Every quarter, I work privately with a small group of select riders. If you would like to find out more, you can fill out an application HERE. There’s no obligation or pressure. Just clarity on whether this is a good fit for you right now in your riding.

    If you’ve been telling yourself for months now ‘I just need a plan. I just need someone to help me make it happen’, this is the help.  This is the plan, and it’s your next step.

    Make It Happen for You

    Okay, if you have been feeling down about not riding the way you want or as much as you want, you now have a plan to change that. You don’t need more time.  And, if you’re honest with yourself, you probably don’t need the new equipment or whatever it is you’ve told yourself you can’t possibly do without. If you do, your ‘next step’ is too big! Make it smaller!

    You just need to take one action that moves you toward the rider you want to be.  And then the commitment to yourself and your horse that you will go take it.

    I am so excited to hear what you do with this. You’re always welcome to email me lorna @ stridesforsuccess . com. Or, come join me inside the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Online Community. I’ll see you inside the group on Friday, and maybe even inside Restart & Reschool.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on This Topic:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Stuck? Your 90-Day Riding Reset Starts Here!

    Let’s be honest — getting stuck in your riding or horse training journey can feel downright defeating. You’ve tried different approaches, experimented with new techniques. And you’ve even questioned if you’re the problem (hint: you’re not). And yet, nothing seems to be working. You’re on a plateau, staring at the same old view, wondering what the heck to do next.

    I’ve been there. And if you’re nodding along right now, this post is your sign to hit reset — with intention, structure, and a clear plan. I want to introduce you to something that changed everything for me: a 90-Day Reset.

    Not a vague “new start.” Not a burst of motivation that fades in a week. A proper, intentional 90-day commitment to shift the momentum in your riding, your horse’s training, and quite honestly, your life.

    Why a 90-Day Reset?

    There’s something powerful about committing to a timeframe that’s long enough to see real change, but short enough to feel achievable.  In my own experience, things had been spiraling a bit. October had arrived, and instead of celebrating progress, I was stuck deeper than ever. I felt exhausted, frustrated, and painfully aware of everything that wasn’t working.

    So, I made a decision: for 90 days, I would commit to a fresh start. I would set up boundaries, create a couple of rules. And I would show up – even on the days I didn’t feel like it.

    That 90-day commitment changed more than just a few routines. It changed my mindset, my energy, and the way I approached everything.  And I bet that if you take this same approach, you can use this to transform your riding as well.

    The Power of Simple Rules

    When you’re making a 90-day plan, the key isn’t to change everything overnight. First of all, that is not fun, and it will more than likely lead to burnout. And you are not actually following through. Instead, focus on simple, clear rules that move you toward your goal.

    These rules must be completely non-negotiable. This way, they will give you something to lean on when motivation is in short supply! My rules kept me moving forward when the initial excitement wore off (and trust me, it always does).

    You need the same kind of anchors in your riding.  What would your version of those rules look like?  3 schooling sessions each week, no excuses.  One groundwork session every 10 days.  No riding without a clear plan.  Weekly video review to track progress….   Whatever it is — choose it, write it down, and commit to it for 90 days.

    Resistance Will Show Up

    Here’s what nobody tells you when you commit to change: the resistance is part of the process.  There were days I wanted to quit. Days when sticking to the plan felt pointless, especially when I was not seeing initial results.  But I didn’t quit. I really do put this down to creating and following my rules!

    I was actually close to 6 weeks in before I saw any measurable improvement.  And then, on my birthday, a little past the halfway mark, things shifted!  I could see the progress, even if it wasn’t ‘great’. It was definitely there.

    And after sticking with it through thick and thin, that renewed sense of possibility is the magic of a 90-day commitment. It was like a burst of inspiration in the middle :)

    And you’ll get there too, but only if you don’t quit when it’s boring. Or hard. Or inconvenient. You’ve got to stick with it.  And those rules will help you to do that. Remember, it’s only for 90 days…

    For You & Your Horse

    We often think riding plateaus are about us.  Our motivation, our skills, our mindset. And that is somewhat true… But if you’ve been stuck for a while, chances are your horse is stuck too. He’s picking up on your frustration. Your inconsistency. Your lack of clarity.  Imagine what a 90-day reset could do for both of you.

    When you start showing up with intention, your horse responds. When you follow through on your plan, your horse learns to trust you again. You start to speak the same language. Progress becomes inevitable.

    Your 90-Day Plan: How to Start

    If you’re feeling inspired but unsure where to begin, start here:

        1. Define what “progress” looks like
          What do you want to be true by the end of these 90 days? Be specific. “Feel more confident” is too vague. Try “ride a full schooling session in the arena 3 times per week without freezing up” instead.

        2. Choose 3-5 rules that support that goal
          Make them clear. Make them simple. Make them non-negotiable.

        3. Write it all down — and put it somewhere visible
          Better yet, share it with someone who’ll hold you accountable. More on that in a second.

        4. Expect resistance, and plan for it
          What will you do on the days you don’t feel like riding? Or when the weather is awful? Have a plan.

        5. Celebrate milestones, not just the end result
          Track your progress. Reflect weekly. And give yourself credit for staying the course.

    You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

    If you want support while you work through this, I can absolutely help you with that. My Restart & Reschool Private Coaching Program is designed specifically for riders like you: those who are training on their own, without a regular instructor, and are ready to get things moving again.

    Here’s what’s inside:

          • Weekly virtual private horse riding lessons

          • Video reviews of your rides

          • Private 1 to 1 chat

          • Tailored training plans based on your horse and your goals

          • Flexible scheduling that works for real life

    This is about more than progress. It’s about confidence. Connection. Clarity.  If you’re ready to commit to your own 90-day restart and want guidance, reach out to me directly or visit www.stridesforsuccess.com.

    Share Your Riding Reset

    We have a wonderful (and supportive!) group of riders inside our private community at stridesforsuccess.com/group. If you’re planning your own 90-day reset, I’d love for you to share your rules and goals inside the group.  Maybe you’ll inspire another rider to do the same.

    Because here’s the truth: You don’t need another “tomorrow.”  You need structure. You need clarity. You need a finish line.  And, if you choose to, that can start today. Yep, right now! 

    Your 90-Day Riding Reset

    A 90-day reset won’t solve everything. However, maybe yours can be the catalyst for a complete shift in your riding and training.  It will create a container, a framework for you to work inside (there are those rules again)!

    This is a time for you to get honest, get focused, and get results.  If you’re stuck, see this as your invitation to begin again.  Make the plan. Set your rules. And, most importantly, commit to showing up. Especially when things get hard, you’re not seeing results, and you simply don’t feel like it.

    I’m cheering for you, and if you want a coach in your corner for the next 90 days, you know where to find me. Let’s make this quarter count.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Related Resources, Links, and Topics

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

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  • 5 Reasons You’re Struggling with Lunging – Part 1

    Hands up if, at some point in your riding journey, you’ve been guilty of thinking that lunging was a simple matter of your horse going in circles. Don’t feel bad, I’ve been there too. Most riders have, and so many still are!

    Lunging is so much more than just running in circles. It is an amazing way to connect with your horse and compliment or continue with your training when riding. 

    Like most worthwhile things, it takes time, practice, and improving your skills to get the most from lunging. It’s not something that just magically ‘happens’. Between getting tangled in the lines to missed communication between you and your horse, lunging is an art. It’s like riding. So when you approach it that way, you can begin to improve :)

    In this episode and post, I will focus on 10 common challenges that riders have when it comes to lunging. Now, Obviously, I say riders; I mean ‘lungers’, as in you on the ground in the circle with your horse trying to lunge :)

     1. No Plan or Purpose for the Session

    Ah, the old ‘no plan’. Just like riding, if you are hoping to use lunging as a tool to improve your work with your horse or your horse’s training, you need a plan! It’s when you show up in the arena with no clear intention or focus for the session, that it can very quickly become ‘running in circles.

    Just like your riding, if lunging is to benefit your work with your horse, you need to take the time to create a plan that connects to your goals or vision for your horse’s training and your riding. 

     2. Getting All Tangled Up!

    Is there anything as frustrating as trying to explain something to your horse, while also trying to get ‘untangled’ from the lunging line?!  If you are going to use lunging as a tool to help you and your horse improve, you must learn how to use the lunging equipment! And it’s not just the lunge line. This extends to the whip, cavesson or bridle, boots, bandages, and all of the other things you can use to make the experience better and safer for you and your horse. ,

    If you feel awkward and overwhelmed about using the lunge line, it will transfer to your horse through ineffective, stiff, and muffled communication.

     3. Wrong Position & ‘Cues’

    Your position as it relates to your horse when lunging is as important as your seat when riding. It is the foundation for everything. And it is also one of the biggest struggles riders have when lunging! They find themselves blocking the horse by being too far forward, or driving the horse when too far back.

    And because your horse is in almost constant motion when lunging, your position in relation to your horse must be constantly adjusted to reflect what you want to communicate to your horse. One wrong move and you are having an entirely different conversation! 

     4. Struggling with the Whip…

    Before we begin, I STRONGLY believe this artificial aid has the wrong name. It should be called a pointer. Or an ‘extender’. Because that’s what it does. It ‘points’ to areas that you would like your horse to focus on, or it ‘extends’ your aids (which is its primary role when lunging). Unfortunately, there are so many riders who do not know how to lunge correctly and, therefore, rely far too much on the whip or use it incorrectly. And you don’t necessarily need to ‘whip’ the horse to do either of those things…

    Incorrect or overuse of the whip is never a good thing and, however well intended, will usually result in excessive tension, anxiety, or confusion for the horse. It’s an aid that must be used with your other aids for positive results

     5. No Link between Lunging & Riding Goals

    And finally, it all comes back to planning and becoming clear on your vision.  If you want to really strengthen your training and your partnership with your horse, you have to begin seeing everything you do together holistically – instead of lunging being a completely separate activity.

    Almost everything you can work on or work towards while in the saddle can be worked on in some way while on teh ground. And so often, it is the different perspective that really cements the concept for both you and your horse…

    Stop Struggling with Lunging!

    I can go on and on about the things that riders struggle with when it comes to lunging. These are just a few of the ones I hear about from riders on a weekly basis. And the sad part is that these challenges, which can make lunging feel frustrating or unproductive, can all be easily remedied or changed.

    With some clear guidance, you can really transform your lunging experience into something special for you and your horse. I have created a free 3 Days to Successful Lunging audio program you can use today to start you on your journey. Get it for free by CLICKING HERE
    .

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on this Topic:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • The Right Type of Consistency in Your Riding & Training

    The Right Type of Consistency in Your Riding & Training

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    What would happen if you went ‘all in’ on one specific area of training or developing with your horse for the next 90 or so days?  If you laser focus every interaction to support and strengthen the thing you want to improve or make happen? As I’m writing this, there are about 90 days left in the year, which ties in nicely with goals, etc.

    However, whenever you’re reading or listening to this, I want to encourage you today to begin your own 90-day journey with your horse… Starting today.

    Two things are absolutely essential for successfully training and developing horses and riders; time and consistency. 

    90 days is the timeframe for this particular focus or intention. Consistency is how you show up and the actions you take, over and over again. And if consistency is a challenge for you, remember that you are almost certain to be consistent with things. It’s just the wrong things or actions that you’re being consistent with!

    But You Struggle to be Consistent!

    Is this something you believe about yourself? I did too, however, I was wrong. Let me explain… Lately, I’ve noticed that I have been telling myself more and more that what I am lacking is consistency and discipline in my daily routines and life. ‘But I’m just not the type of person who enjoys consistency’ is something I regularly hear coming out of my own mouth during conversations! And I honestly believed this. For YEARS! Until I began to tear it apart… Was this true?

    What I discovered is that I actually am fairly consistent. I do tend to do the same things and think the same thoughts.  My challenge is not consistency – my challenge is being consistent with the ‘right’ things. 

    And I’m wondering if you’re a little the same? When I looked back over the past 3 or so months, I can definitely see there has been a lot of consistency in my actions, words, and thoughts. It’s just that most of those things do not, in any shape, way or form, help me to get closer to what I actually want. Now, obviously, this is not the easiest thing to admit publically.

    But I feel that just realizing this about myself now gives me the power to change it. And I’m hoping that it will help you too…

    Is it the Right Action?

    Once this new truth dawned on me, I began to get really clear about what I wanted. To be honest, my vision had not changed much. It was just my actions to get there that had. So, I began thinking about what I could ‘swap out’ regarding my actions, words, and thoughts that would get me there faster. Staying in bed until the very last minute each morning was one of them (I think I may have gotten consistent with this one while we were at home in Ireland recently!).

    If I really want to start my day off in a way that would set me up for a great day – right now, that will involve getting out of bed BEFORE everyone else. And being consistent about it. 

    When I think of my horses, if I really want to make riding on the beach once a week with my horse a reality, I am going to have to take action to bring the horses to THIS farm. Not driving 45 minutes to go to them at the other farm. And if I want to work on my mare’s learned habit (she was used in the riding school for the year I was in Ireland) of rushing at poles and fences, I am going to have to clean up the arena here and start retraining.

    I can bet that you already know exactly what you need to swap when it comes to what you’re being consistent with and how it’s impacting your riding and training with your horse… 

    Be Consistent This Week

    So once you are clear on what you want and you have begun to notice your current consistent actions; change them. I want you to focus on something you can change THIS WEEK that will start you off in the right direction. Maybe it’s booking a lesson with a trainer so that you have to turn up and ride. Or it could be organizing a babysitter so that you can spend an extra hour with your horse without feeling rushed. It could be focusing on your straightness, posture, and position in the arena, instead of hammering on your horse all of the time…

    The key here is to identify something you’re doing consistently that is not serving you and then intentionally change it to something more aligned with what you actually want as a rider. 

    And the magic is that once you notice the first thing, thought, or action that needs to change, others will begin to show up! Trust me, transforming your riding and your horse’s training comes down to doing a few basic things well and consistently.  You just need to figure out what has to be tweaked for both of you to get going on your journey.

    Prove Your Consistency

    I’m hoping that you’re on board with giving this a go in your riding. If so, I suggest writing all of this down in your riding journal. Write what you previously had been doing and what you’re planning on swapping that out for. Then use your riding journal to track yourself.

    Begin proving to yourself that you’re not only consistent, but you’re consistent in the ‘right’ things. The actions, thoughts, and words that move you and your horse where you want to go in your training together. 

    Think along the lines of “Previously had been spending 60+ minutes grooming and tacking up with only 10 minutes riding. Will work on being groomed and tacked up in 40 minutes so I have 30 minutes of riding. (I know lots of riders who are guilty of this one, hence me including it here!). 

    When you begin to see an actual written ‘log’ of you doing the right thing, it begins to develop your discipline in doing it more often. You’ll begin to see yourself as a consistent rider. And, hopefully, because these actions are aligned with your goals, the results will speak for themselves.

    Use Personal Voice Notes

    My final bit of advice when it comes to knocking it out of the park with a single goal for the coming 90 days or 12 weeks is to support yourself! I use voice notes for this purpose, so I’m encouraging you to do the same. I have begun using them again for a whole host of different things. Especially things that there is a good chance I’ll either become distracted, get sidetracked, or feel too tired to actually get around to doing.

    If you struggle with consistency in your riding or training, use voice notes! Simply record a voice note that lays out, step by step, what you want to accomplish with your horse for that session. 

    Do it BEFORE you work with your horse and go into as much detail as you can.  What’s amazing about this is that, as you are then later working with your horse, you’ve created the ‘map’ of that session already. Meaning that as soon as you begin to go ‘off track’, you’ll notice. And can then take consistent actions to bring everything back to where you want it.

    Your personal voice notes to yourself will help to train you to become more consistent with your riding and your work with your horse… And they are 100% private. Delete them after if you want :) 

    90 Days From Now…

    So, are you willing to go all in with one thing for your riding during the coming 90 days? Remember successful training requires time and consistency. Use the 90 days and find the few actions, thoughts, and words that you can use consistently to transform you and your horse.

    And if you would like more help with this, make sure you join Daily Strides Premium. It could just be the best $22 you spend on you and your horse ;)

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on This Topic

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • 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:-

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  • Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian?

    Who Will You Follow in 2024 as an Equestrian?

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

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

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

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

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

    The Pitfalls of Distance and Divergence

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

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

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

    Values Matter…

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

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

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

    Age Related Considerations…

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

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

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

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

    Feeling ‘Stuck’ in Your Riding

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

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

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

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

    Who Will You Follow in 2024?

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

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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

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