Strides for Success

Tag: Mindset

  • Declutter Your Riding and Watch What Happens…

    Declutter Your Riding and Watch What Happens…

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    I bet that you still remember the day you made your first ‘big’ equestrian-related purchase.  Whether that was a helmet, a saddle, a horse, or a property, it’s a special time for all riders.  And of course, all of the ‘big ones’ that come after that are equally as memorable.

    The same applies to your riding.  That feeling when you ‘finally’ understood the canter and how to move with your horse – rather than bouncing against!  Or the first clear round you and your horse worked together to achieve.

    Big moments that, just like physical things, usually lead you on the path to your next ‘big thing’.

    And as riders, we also tend to collect a whole lorry load of smaller things as well.  The amounts of which tend to correlate to the amount of time we’ve considered ourselves as ‘riders’.  The daily essentials that, over time, we find we have 7 or 8 of each one (hands up who has a whole cupboard of brushes in the tack room!).

    Clearing Out the Clutter

    This is why, I believe, a good clear-out is essential for your progress as a rider. So many of the things you have collected over the years are probably not in regular use anymore.  And sure, some of them are things you only need every now and again, but are handy or essential when you need them.

    However, other things are simply sitting there taking up space. They are part of a past version of you as a rider and no longer complement the version of the rider you are today

    This can be certain equipment or training aids.  It can also show up in the form of healthcare, supplements, lotions, or ointments.  How often have you purchased something, usually on the recommendation of someone else, only to find that you really don’t enjoy using it?

    Often the reason we don’t throw things out or give things away is that we paid ‘good money’ for them…  Yet, if these things are reminding you of bad purchases every time you arrive at the barn, they’re not really helping you to enjoy your time with your horse, are they?

    Creating Space for New Things

    Of course, once the clutter has been cleared, you will begin to see all of the space you’ve created.  And because there are only things that you actually love and use there, you get to feel more aligned with your ‘stuff’ as well.  This often helps us to feel more comfortable while with our horses.

    With the space that you have created, begin to ask yourself what the current version of you as a rider would have there. And what would ‘future you’ begin to look for?

    By asking yourself these questions you will automatically begin to future-pace yourself a little.  This is not just inspiring at the moment, but also a continual reminder that you are growing as a rider.  It will help you to create more confidence in yourself as well because you can clearly see how far you have already come.

    Applying This to Your Riding

    Just like the physical things you accumulate along the way as a rider, you also will collect mental clutter.  And riding habits.  Lots and lots of habits! These habits are everywhere; how you groom, tack up, mount up, warm up, ride, cool down, untack, pack things away, etc.

    Habits are things that you’ve learned and then, whether intentionally or not, put onto autopilot in your day-to-day riding and interactions with your horse. 

    For the most part, they usually serve you well… Until they don’t! And this can be where many riders find themselves stuck or plateaued when it comes to making progress.  They are doing all of the things, riding all of the time, but just not getting anywhere.

    It is amazing how often riders discover that by changing one simple thing they are doing, often on autopilot, they immediately get unstuck and begin to grow again in their skills and mindset. 

    Declutter Your Riding Aids & Methods

    I’m always wary of people who are unwilling to consider different methods and ways of doing things. I think one of the hallmarks of a great rider and trainer is to always be of the mindset that you have so much more to learn.  And that this knowledge can show up in the most random of places!

    Having had The Daily Strides Podcast for 10 years this year, I am pretty confident that some of the things I’ve said are things I no longer align with 100% now.  

    And this will also be true for you in your riding.  How you stopped a horse the very first time you got onto a horse and how you halt today are, I’m hoping, two very different things. And so, the same applies to everything else.  How you use your aids.  The combination, timing, weight, pressure, etc.  What you know about how your horse moves.  And your actual beliefs about yourself, your abilities, and those of your horse as well.

    The only way you will continue to progress as a rider is to regularly allow yourself to be very present with what you’re doing on autopilot… And tweak, change, replace, stop, or start where necessary.

    The old adage of ‘what got you here won’t get you there’ applies to this.  So it’s well worth taking the time this week to dive into your equipment and your riding and begin making space for the next best version of you as an equestrian.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

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  • Developing More Patience as a Rider

    Developing More Patience as a Rider

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    A lack of patience is something that many riders feel shame about. I was one of those riders for many years, so I know full well how it feels. The initial frustration, the following swift judgment or potential explosion, and then the guilt that happens afterward. Let’s be honest, coming out the other side from losing your patience is rarely a good place to be!
    And yet, for years I simply believed that I was not a patient person. Like it was something that you are either born with – or not
    Now, I do think that some people have naturally more tolerance and more patience than others. However, I also now believe that patience can be developed – in all riders. It is simply a matter of believing you can, and then committing to doing the work required.

    Developing More Patience is Work

    I say this because let’s be honest, it probably won’t be easy initially. If you’re a rider who struggles with patience, there’s a good chance that there is a pretty well-formed habit or reaction that occurs each time you feel impatient! This is different for all riders.
    Lack of patience can show up as anything from excess tension through the jaw, right the way to becoming physically aggressive with your horse or those around you
    I think many riders also lack patience with themselves. When I’m working with riders in the arena, I often see this play out. The rider is ‘trying’ to do something. And they are trying and trying… Each attempt is with more tension through the body – which usually results in the rider moving further away from where they need to be in order to ‘ask the question’ with clarity.
    As you work on developing more patience, keep in mind that it’s really worthwhile developing it for both yourself and your horse
    And that this will take both time, consistency, and accepting that there will be a lot of speed wobbles along the way. Times where you don’t respond as you would like. But, unfortunately, find yourself playing out the old, learned, reaction or habit… It’s going to happen, accepting it before you begin the journey will make things much more enjoyable for you :)

    1 . Have You Set Clear Boundaries?

    So, before we begin working on your patience levels, I think that it’s worth noting what you are currently allowing. And what you’re not. These are your boundaries. So often, it is a lack of numerous boundaries that eventually leads to the rider losing patience.
    Remember, if you have not specifically communicated with your horse about what’s allowed and what’s not… It is essentially your own fault when things don’t go as you would like
    Another issue I often see is a rider who has not established firm and supportive boundaries on the ground. The horse will keep overstepping the mark while being groomed and tacked up, resulting in the rider’s patience becoming ‘worn down’ before they ever even make it into the saddle.
    Part of developing more patience as a rider is knowing what you want and what you don’t. What’s acceptable and what’s not? Then let your horse know – and enforcing where necessary

    2 . Set Clearly Defined Goals

    Once you know what you want, you can now begin to shape or mold each interaction with your horse to work towards that. Meaning you will now have a clear picture of ‘where we are right now’ in relation to ‘where we want to be’. This gives you both acceptable ‘wiggle room’.
    Knowing the differences between ‘here’ and ‘there’ will clearly define what is still acceptable as far as training, manners, skills, etc. are concerned. This gives you space – and removes pressure
    So, for example, if your goal is to canter a 20m circle on the left rein, but you are both still struggling to pick up the left lead on the transition into the canter. A good ‘expectation’ for your next ride would be to begin developing flexion to the left. Even if it’s only in the walk for now. By doing this, you will have taken the pressure off; allowing space for more patience with that process.
    Or if your horse is currently walking in circles and pushing you around when grooming and tacking up, your end goal might be that he stands still. However, in your next interaction with each other, you will decide ahead of time what your response will be to correct him each time he pushes you around or over. Implement this first… And you will soon be working towards the real goal, standing still. And, this way, your horse will also be more likely to work with you as he will respect you a little more.

    3 . Become More Self Aware

    This was a key step to developing more patience for me. I simply began to notice myself more. Initially, I was only able to do this after the fact. So after I had ‘lost my patience’. But over time, I was able to do it mid ‘patience losing’! And now, thank goodness, I can catch myself right at the thought that triggers the whole avalanche!
    Where ever you can, simply stop focusing on your horse, and really – REALLY – feel what’s going on in your body. Where is there excessive tension lurking; and how does it physically feel?
    And then just sit with it. It can feel REALLY mentally uncomfortable to notice and then simply allow the feeling of excess tension in the body. However, this will actually result in it dissipating. Meaning you can get back to ‘true calm’ much more quickly – and without doing or saying anything you may regret.
    When we ignore the feeling of excess tension in our bodies or pretend it’s not there, we simply mask it for a while. However, it will usually pop up again, with even more ‘vuma’ soon after
    Another way I have found to be really effective in becoming ‘self-aware’ is to imagine that I am being videoed. And thinking about, at that moment, what I look like in that video. It almost instantly causes me to ‘drop’ the tension and relax. It also causes my mind to think about something else. To move away from the initial thought that was triggering the lack of patience.

    4 . Remind Yourself Of Why You’re Doing It

    So, in the spirit of honesty, sometimes implementing self-awareness is not enough to reverse the feelings and thoughts inside of your body and your mind. Sometimes, you may feel ‘justified’ in reacting the way you either are, did or want to. And this is where I find giving myself a reality check works well.
    Simply answer the following question; “why did I decide to do this in the first place?” Usually, the answer is ‘to have fun’ or ‘feel good’. Then, ask a second question, ” How can I begin to turn this current situation into that?”
    Again, it’s at this point I often just laugh at myself! Laughing is a great way to allow the excess tension to work its way out, and cause no harm (emotional or physical) to yourself or those around you! Realizing that you are busy with a reaction that in no way aligns with your purpose for being there is usually pretty sobering. A great wake-up call.
    Another way I find really useful to turn the situation around is to ask “How is my horse/the rider/my instructor possibly feeling right now? Are they confused, tired, frustrated, or fearful… If so, how can I help change that to something more positive?”
    When you can intentionally put yourself into the other person’s (or your horses’) shoes, the different perspective is often enough to change the energy of the situation

    5 . Be Willing To Fail – A Lot!

    Finally, when you are on the road and committed to developing more patience as a rider, there will be speed wobbles. Lots of them! You’ll have days where your physical feelings will get in the way. Tiredness and hunger are two of the big ones for many riders! You’ll also have days where you will feel pushed for time. And then there are the days when other people will have an influence over how you’re showing up and feeling.
    The key to consistently growing and developing your patience is to catch yourself, as close as possible, to the original thought that triggers it all. Some days you’ll have more success than others
    One of the biggest challenges we have as riders (humans) is gaining authority over our own minds. Being able to notice thoughts, and not emotionally respond or react to them is the first step.
    Being able to cultivate thoughts that produce more desirable feelings and outcomes is the next step, and this will take time and commitment
    Remember, no matter how many times you find yourself on the other side of another ‘lost my patience speed wobble’, remind yourself that’s all it was. A momentary speed wobble.
    Then pick yourself up, apologize to whoever may have been affected, and continue trying. Some days it might be better to call it a day, for that day. And there’s also no shame in that either.
    In the beginning, it can feel almost impossible, but over time, trust me, it becomes so much easier.
    Happy Riding
    Lorna
  • How to Become a Better Rider in 90 Days

    How to Become a Better Rider in 90 Days

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    It’s probably safe to assume that you want to improve as a rider, right? That, if becoming a better rider in 90 days was guaranteed, you’d probably follow the plan and do the work?  Well, the good news is that, regardless of where you are in your riding right now, you can indeed improve over the coming 90 days (or 3 months).  However, it will involve a little planning, preparation, and commitment in order to make it all happen.

    Using the previous 90 days in your riding to create a plan to improve over the coming 90 days is a fantastic way to continue to make progress as a rider.

    However, it will require a little work upfront in both reviewing and planning.  Looking back at what happened and then using that information to make better decisions and take better actions going forward is where it all begins.  So that being said… Let’s dive into your past 90 days and see what you can learn that will kickstart the coming 90 and help you become a better rider.

    Reviewing Your Previous 90 Days

    How deep you go here is entirely up to yourself.  Many riders simply state the facts.  I am a big fan of doing this, initially.  And initially is a keyword in that sentence. Having numbers is a great place to start, however, if you want to really power into the coming 90 days in your riding, I feel it’s important to go deeper.

    Why are those the numbers you have in front of you? What circumstances, situations, and happenings led to them being there? And, most importantly, are you happy with them?

    Now, you’re probably thinking ‘what numbers?’.  Good question, let’s begin there.

        • How many days did you ride?
        • What was the average length of each ride?
        • How long did you, on average, spend tacking up and cooling down?
        • And, from that, how long on average did you spend actually working your horse?
        • How many of those interactions or sessions were intentional with a specific focus or plan?
        • And, how many were groundwork related (groundwork, lunging, long lining)
        • How many were just riding-related?
        • What was the number you actually wanted to reach regarding days working with your horse?

    Okay, once you’ve got all of your ‘numbers’, let’s go a little deeper into how you feel about all these numbers.

    What You Wanted Versus What You Got

    We all have an idea of what we want the outcome to be when starting something.  Otherwise, why bother starting? The challenge for many riders is that, over time, that ‘ideal desired outcome’ becomes lost in what their day-to-day reality looks like. And without that vision or goal to work towards, the day-to-day becomes a monotonous, never-ending cycle of just ‘riding’.

    It is so important to keep working towards something in your riding. It will help you to regain inspiration when things feel tough – and help keep the relationship between you and your horse developing and deepening. 

        • So, with all that being said and done; what was your ideal outcome for the previous 90 days?
        • Was that outcome in alignment with where you are in your life right now (was it doable)?
        • What parts of it, looking back, were clearly make-believe?
        • And, what parts of it were possible for you to make happen from your current situation?
        • What needs to be changed/dropped/postponed?
        • And, from what’s left, is that what you truly want in your riding?

    It can be hard to let go of dreams and ambitions.  Yet, if your current life and situation have clearly shown you that those things are not realistic right now, surely making a change would allow you to feel less tension and frustration?

    What ideal goal or desire could you work towards in the coming 90 days that’s both in alignment with your current situation and inspires you? That is probably something to begin working towards… 

    Creating a Plan for the Coming 90 Days

    Once you have your ideal desired outcome or goal, I feel that the best place to start is by working backward from it. Imagine it is 90 days from now (roughly 3 months from today’s date).  Imagine you are at the barn or yard, with your horse, and you have achieved the goal or outcome.

    Ask yourself, what did I have to do or change in order to make this possible?  Ask the question from the place of already having achieved the outcome (looking back) rather than from where you are now – looking forwards. 

    By asking this question from the place of already having achieved what it is you want, the differences become a lot more clear.  These differences are the obstacles you need to overcome to get from ‘here to there’.

    Be Realistic About Your Riding Skills

    Many riders, at this point, will begin to feel uncomfortable.  All of the differences can seem overwhelming.  And, maybe, this is the time to either make a longer timeline for your goal or to adjust the goal slightly to better suit where you are riding now in your life. However, having come this far, don’t give up!

    Remember that each of the things you need to change/remove/upgrade is now the actual focus points for your work with your horse going forward. 

    Meaning that, by putting these things into order of what needs to happen first, second, third, and so on, you have created the actual roadmap to get you to where you want to go in your riding. You can clearly see what needs to be worked on when you are planning out the days, hours, minutes of training, and interactions together.

    So assuming you were realistic about your current situation, your skills and resources, and the divide between where you are and where you want to be; congratulations – you’ve just figured out your plan going forward :)

    Deciding on a Timeline that Works for You

    From here, simply begin filling in your calendar.  What days can you ride this month? And, on each of those days, what will you commit to working on with your horse?  When you know what you are working on, you will know what you need to do in advance.  For some riders, this may look like learning a little more or improving their knowledge of the subject.  For others, it may be setting up exercises, riding spaces, or sourcing equipment.

    I am a great believer in building ‘wiggle room’ into your plan.  Suppleness is a real thing when it comes to working with horses – both in planning and in riding!

    Remember to build fun, partnership, and training into each week.  The ratios will vary depending on your goal or desired outcome and the season in your riding.  But all three are important to build into and touch on when it comes to really round out and deepening your relationship with your horse.  (You can find links to all of these below).

    From here, simply follow your plan!  If you are diligent and committed, you will see results in 90 days.  How exciting!

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Related Resources, Links, and Topics

  • Improving Your Effectiveness as a Rider

    Improving Your Effectiveness as a Rider

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    Hours and hours… This is how long most riders devote each week to developing and training their horse. And yet, many riders fail to realize that they are the ‘cap’ on their horse’s further progress.

    Eventually, your effectiveness as a rider will determine what your horse can actually do with all the training you devote to him or her…

    So it makes good sense to spend time each week thinking about, planning, and then taking action on your own development. Your own conditioning, training, fitness, nutrition, social time, rest, and all of the other things that we plan for our horses.

    Why Do You Ride?

    I think to answer this, we first have to get clear on why we are riding our horse, to begin with… Most, if not all, riders are in the saddle because they have a certain outcome in their head that they want to achieve. This could be a feeling, such as relaxation or enjoyment. It could be a certain task, like getting a clear round or qualifying for something.

    Whatever the reason, it is worth remembering that you are taking time from your life to try and produce that outcome each time you mount up.

    Unfortunately, many riders often fall short of reaching the desired feeling, goal, or outcome. And, many times, this can be due to their horse not actually understanding what the outcome is that they are working towards. A lack of communication between horse and rider.

    What is ‘Effectiveness as a Rider’?

    When you know what you want to experience, it then becomes your responsibility to effectively communicate this to yoru horse. We do this, as riders, using our aids. And it is always a combination of aids.

    Your thoughts, legs, hands, body language, voice, position, seat, weight… And these are just some of your ‘natural’ aids.

    You also have a whole toolkit of artificial aids you can use to communicate with your horse. The saddle, bridle, arena, spurs, whip, lunge lines, lead ropes, etc. Most riders use a combination of natural and artificial aids in order to get their message across to the horse.

    The challenge becomes when they lack control over their own actions. This results in sloppy, haphazard, attempts at communication that muddies the message being communicated.

    When Communication Goes Awry…

    It is important to remember that, for the most part, whenever you get a result with your horse that is different to what you initially had in mind, the message probably became muddled. A simple case of you asking for one thing, but your horse hearing another, different, request.

    Retraining can play a big role in closing gaps between the expectations of riders and horses, however training is equally as important

    And training is not just for the horse. You, the rider, must also learn how to ask with more intention, focus, and clarity. It is easy to say that the horse is ‘stupid’ or ‘doesn’t understand’. However, the truth is often that the rider not clearly asking the question…

    There is a common misconception in horse riding that you ‘control’ your horse. You don’t – and never will. You merely influence…

    Your responsibility is to become better at influencing your horse using the aids that are available to you, natural and, when required, artificial.

    Developing Self Control

    The good news is that you can develop more positive influence if you work on improving your control over your body. How it moves. The range of motion you have with it. Your physical and mental stamina…

    Coordination is developed over time through a mix of developing physical strength, focused and intentional thinking, and building emotional confidence.

    I feel that saying ‘I’m not very coordinated’ is the easy way out for many riders. Lack of coordination, in most cases, simply means a lack of dedicated training; physical, mental, and emotional.  Improving effectiveness as a rider requires consistently upgrading yourself and your skills.

    I feel that, in order to truly begin experiencing the outcome you desire every time you get into the saddle, there’s work to be done on the ground as well.

    Taking Responsibility as a Rider

    If you are currently getting less-than-perfect results with your horse, then this work is for you. I think that it’s fair to say this is true of all riders. There will always be ‘more’ that we can do regarding developing our skills as an equestrian.

    Taking the time to develop yourself as a rider will allow you to begin responding rather than reacting when in the saddle.

    It will allow you to use your different aids in a way that is easily understood by your horse. Your mindset will become resilient, positively expectant, and open to new ideas and ways of doing things…

    All of these things will help you to have better conversations with your horse as you consistently improve your effectiveness as a rider.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Equestrian Fitness Challenge ’24

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    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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  • No Arena? No Problem; Riding in Open Spaces

    No Arena? No Problem; Riding in Open Spaces

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    Not having a designated space to ride in, like an arena, can often feel like a big disadvantage.  If you have been riding in an open field or been confined to roads for any length of time, you’ll probably know what I mean! However, while an arena does help with some aspects of riding, having no arena will also force you to think outside of the box.

    And this literal ‘out of the box’ thinking when applied to your schooling can often be a big plus when it comes to riding your horse as well…

    Arenas are wonderful to ride in, the surface is prepared for optimal performance, the rails and letters remove any guesswork when it comes to accuracy, shapes, and sizes.  The centre line is exactly that – the centre line of the arena.  X is always at the same place…

    Having an arena allows you to focus entirely on the actual riding end of things – or does it?

    While many riders see having no arena as a massive drawback and negative aspect of riding, there are a similar number of riders who will happily tell you the opposite.  In fact, they often chat to anyone who will listen about how their riding improved tenfold once they got out of the arena; whether by choice or necessity.

    Riding in an Open Field

    Now, obviously, you don’t want a field or trail with holes and ‘dongas’ all over.  But riding in a fairly flat field has its merits if you can overcome the initial challenges that will arise when you begin.  These challenges often occur when we have become accustomed to riding in a more enclosed space.  Or when we ‘believe’ that we need a perfectly manicured arena to truly work and train our horses.

    First and foremost riding in the open, whether it be in a field or on the trail, strengthens both horse and riders core a lot more. This is due to the necessity of correcting the balance because the footing is not 100% even.

    Riders who spend their time schooling in fields have the ability to ‘adjust’ a lot quicker to the changes in the horse’s balance underneath them.  From doing this over time, they also notice the subtle shifts that happen when their horse begins to lose its balance.  This allows them to make the necessary corrections BEFORE the movement or gait is ruined due to being unbalanced.

    And just like riders, the horses who are worked in on a less than perfect footing have the advantage of becoming more ‘sure footed’.  They also learn to adjust and re-balance where necessary

    Let’s Talk Straightness

    Riding in the open also teaches both you and your horse to go ‘straight’ without the stabling or ‘hand holding’ effect of hugging the rail.   Riders have to focus more on maintaining the straightness for both themselves and the horse.  This is usually a little challenging at the beginning!  It can feel like both are weaving all over the place.  However, with a little practice and something to focus on, you will find that you will both improve your ability to ride ‘straight lines’.

    And if you are consistent and diligent, this improvement may even develop more quickly than if you rode in an arena.

    The key part to making this work for you is finding something to ride towards.  Focus on something in the distance and work on riding a straight line to it.  Once you have mastered riding towards it, reverse the process.  Do the same this time riding away from it.

    I find that placing a marker on one end of your line and having the focus point on the other really helps you to remain on the track you have chosen. Use a plastic cone, a jacket, a tire, or even a taller weed or tuft of grass!

    Once you feel confident about riding the line in the walk, try it again in trot.  Then later, ride the line in the canter.  You can then begin adding transitions onto your line as well in order to truly test your straightness.

    Out On the Trail

    On the topic of transitions, a narrow trail can often be a great help when riding a horse that is very crooked through transitions.  Moving up and down through the gears while on the trail will force him to remain straight.  Use a narrow path or trail to first explain to your horse what you are looking for.

    Then, once you feel that you and your horse are a little straighter, move into a more open place and ask again.  This can be a field, a wider road or path, or an open space. 

    I am going to suggest transitions between walk, trot, and halt initially.  Start with your own straightness first.  Then, from there, begin assessing your horse’s straightness. Oftentimes, both horse and rider have weaknesses through transitions.  The narrow path will help you to begin strengthening these for both of you.

    Extending Your Exercises…

    Another advantage o the open field or a trail is the fact that you can ‘stay going’ through an exercise.  If for example your three looped serpentines are feeling a little stiff or the loops lack symmetry, why stop at loop three.  Continue on to a 10 or 12 looped serpentine if necessary to really perfect the movement.

    The open space allows you to change things up, not having to stop every 40 or 60m.  Instead, you can rather stay moving forward.  This allows you to ride through the problem, until you have remedied it.

    If you have ridden in a smaller or enclosed space such as an arena before, you will probably have experienced this.  Thoughts like ‘If I could only try for a few strides more before transitioning into something else, or having to turn…”  Having a longer and bigger area to work in can truly help you and your horse to find a flow to what you are doing.

    Including Accuracy in Your Ride

    The one thing that is missing when riding with no arena is accuracy.  Everything can feel wide and open, loose and free.  And while this is great initially, over time it also allows both horse and rider to be a little less diligent and consistent when it comes to questions, responses, and quality of work.

    The good news is that you can easily remedy this.  Begin creating your own ‘corners’ or ‘markers’ from cones, poles, gutters, tyres, even a jacket or two.  Years ago when we (my sister and I) rode at home without an arena, we made use of whatever we had available that day.   ‘Tufts of grass’, weeds, and even piles of droppings in the fields acted as markers for accuracy.

    The choice is up to you. Whether or not you see this as an insurmountable obstacle, or as a novel way of working your horse a little differently to get the same, or even a better, result.

    No Arena = Extra Energy

    The final benefit to getting out of the arena and working in an open space or on the trail is how it all feels.  I know that many riders often become worried or anxious when they feel the difference in their horse.  However, in most cases, I think there is rather an opportunity here for you both.

    Learn to allow any excess energy to flow forward, into the contact. From there, you can then gather it and use it to improve the quality of the work. 

    If you block this energy, intentionally or not, with your seat or your hands, it often results in an explosion of sorts!  Rather than allowing this energy to build, and build… Let it flow forwards, underneath you.  Soften through both your seat, your body, and your hand.

    Once the energy is flowing through your horse from back to front, then being using a combination of your aids to influence it more.  Focus on gathering and connecting it. This ‘excess’ energy is now going to help you to actually develop, strengthen and improve both your and your horse’s overall way of working.

    In fact, this energy is often how you will first experience true self-carriage, lightness, space, and connection while riding your horse.  Embrace it :) 

    Get Out of the Arena This Week

    So, that all being said, the next question you need to ask yourself is how you can begin seeing this as an opportunity, rather than a hindrance.  What changes can you make to your ‘riding space’ that will help you to begin using it as a training ground?  Not just an empty open place to ride…

    You and your horse’s training and development are only limited by what you believe and, from there, the actions you choose to take. 

    Explore and examine how you have been thinking about having no arena.  Then challenge yourself to see things differently the next time you’re with your horse.

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Additional Resources:-

  • How Your Stories are Influencing Your Horse Riding

    How Your Stories are Influencing Your Horse Riding

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dailystridespodcast/1192_How_Your_Stories_are_Influencing_Your_Horseriding.mp3″ title=”How Your Stories are Influencing Your Riding” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Have you a story about your riding that might be holding you back?” hashtag=”equestrianpodcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Last week I caught myself telling a story. One about not really having a ’suitable’ horse to ride. Now, a while ago that was the case. However, now? Now I am blessed to have a farm filled with ‘suitable’ horses…

    Stories are a funny thing. They are usually part of an experience that was very real at some point. However, as a rider, it is important to always update and be aware of your stories. And this requires you to begin actively analyzing what you are saying to yourself on a moment-by-moment basis.

    Your Stories on Autopilot

    This sounds relatively easy… However, when we are doing something which we have done often and regularly before, we can become a little complacent.

    Our actions and our thoughts, so, therefore, our stories, tend to just repeat themselves.  Without a whole lot of effort from you.

    This is great when the story is causing a positive outcome.  For example, “my horse really listens to me when we work together on the ground” might be something you say on a regular basis and, therefore, believe.  However, these same stories can really work against us at other times.  The story, maybe “I struggle to control my horse when he spooks” begins to negatively affect your riding.

    The story itself is not that important.  However, the actions that accompany this story can often cause us to become literally ‘stuck’ where our riding is concerned.

    The same story causing the same outcome, over and over without any real conscious intention or questioning. 

    Your Horse Riding on Autopilot

    As I said before, I believe that one of the reasons many riders fall into this trap is due to the routines we create for ourselves when with our horses. Horse riding is, usually, an ‘often and regular’ activity.  Don’t believe me?  Think about the last time you tacked up or mounted up.

    I can bet that you were not being 100% present and mindful.  You probably just ‘did both without very little thought at all.  In fact, you were most likely thinking about something else.  And it is in these types of activities that a less than great story can begin to take hold when it comes to your riding.

    Being present is a bit of a ‘buzzword’ lately.  However, very often the difference between a mediocre experience and a great experience with your horse comes down to how present you are in each other’s company. 

    Being Present To Your Stories

    The next time you are with your horse, see how truly present you can be.  Notice each action you take.  See each one as being a sentence of the conversation.  Is it adding to the overall quality of your interaction with your horse?  Or are you doing it simply because it’s what you’ve always done?

    Notice what your intentions are for the time you have with your horse.  Staying alive is not a great intention!  Neither is ‘staying on’.  If you are approaching your riding with this low energy, is it possible that your story about the interaction is producing the outcome?

    By setting a clear intention for the interaction, you can begin to create stories (either updating existing ones or creating brand new ones) about what you want to happen. 

    Stories Versus Fairy Tales

    Maybe you feel a little silly or ambiguous telling a new story.   Your mind will probably be reminding you about all of the evidence to ‘prove’ your existing story.  And pointing out the complete lack of evidence for anything else.

    However, you can help to ease this actively by looking for proof.  If you don’t have this for yourself yet, try this; find others who are doing or who have done what it is you want to do. 

    Use their example to help you begin to create a new story for yourself.  Instead of saying “I struggle to control my horse when he spooks”, you can start by saying “I’m actively working towards developing my abilities to remain present and with my horse when he spooks”.  This is not a lie, it is an intention for each interaction with your horse.

    Upgrading Your Stories

    Once you begin to practice upgrading your stories, you will notice that you can begin really changing the outcome of your conversations with your horse.  Think of it as being a little like having a road map and then traveling on an actual road.  On the map, it’s mostly straight lines and everything looks close together.

    However, when you get on the road and being traveling, things always take a little longer. Creating new stories and seeing long-term positive results will most likely be a similar process for you with your horse. 

    If you can understand and expect this from the get to, it will help you to begin making the necessary small adjustments that will eventually take you to the destination you’re looking for.

    It all starts with identifying what you’re telling yourself on autopilot, and then from there, making consistent tweaks and changes.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Links to Help You:-