Strides for Success

Tag: Mindset

  • 4 Actions to Maintain ‘Forward’ in Your Riding

    4 Actions to Maintain ‘Forward’ in Your Riding

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1169_4_Actions_to_Maintain_Forward_in_Your_Riding.mp3″ title=”4 Actions to Maintain Forward in Your Riding” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Have you a habit of getting ‘stuck in the mud’ when it comes to your riding? Here’s how to get ‘unstuck’” hashtag=”equestrianpodcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Have you ever considered that, if something is not ‘working’ in your riding, the reason might just be a lack of forward? We spend a lot of our focus on making sure we have established relaxation and rhythm. Yet, working forward is actually essential for either of those two to be present and working for you in your riding.

    Here are 4 simple actions you can take every time you ride to help you begin to both establish and maintain forward in your riding.

    Firstly, What Is Forward?

    Forward is when you and your horse are going somewhere with a sense of purpose. It is the opposite of going nowhere slowly! It is the energy, the intention, and the momentum that must be present in order for anything else to work.

    You must think forward. You must feel confident moving forward and you must then take action on the forward. It is mental, emotional, and physical.

    I believe that forward must be present and established before relaxation and rhythm. And yet, forward is not rushing and racing. It is not frantic or chaotic. Nor is it excessive tension. It is mental, emotional, and physical.

    1 . Look Where You Want To Go

    Sage wisdom! And yet, when the going gets rough, so many riders forget all about this one simple action that can help them move through and past the challenge. When you look where you want to go, it helps you to continue to take action to get there.

    When you ride today, notice how often catch yourself staring at your hands or your horse’s head/neck.

    This is something I notice time and again when working with riders in the arena. They become obsessed with their horse’s head and neck, particularly when they feel mental discomfort concerning what they are working on.

    Another bad habit many riders have developed is to continuously look down at their hands. As though expecting something to appear there… It won’t. And you are simply making it more difficult to maintain forwardness when you do this in your riding.

    2 . Carry yourself with purpose

    Posture is important when riding. It is also vital when establishing and maintaining forwardness in your riding. However, when we feel unsure about something, often we have to mindfully change our posture. You know what I am speaking about.

    The rider who feels confident and is thinking forward looks very different to the rider who is ‘stuck’ in the moment or movement.

    When you are in the saddle today, be present to what you are thinking and how this is impacting your posture. Notice when you are ‘playing small’. And then actively change that. Sit tall in the saddle. Open your chest and shoulders. Allow your seat to move with the horse. Open your hips and knees. Let your joints become shock absorbers…

    Carrying yourself is one of the simplest yet most effective things you can do to positively impact your conversation with your horse.

    3 . Develop the Relationship Between Your Seat and Your Hand

    Your riding aids are important when establishing and maintaining forwardness in your riding. There is a connection between your seat and your hands. Your seat will ‘set up’ the actions you take with your hands. By acknowledging this connection exists, and then cultivating it, you can begin to firstly ‘allow’ the forwardness and, later, direct the forwardness.

    Often we ‘say’ forward to our horse, but because we feel unsure of our own abilities to handle the situation, we then say ‘whoa’ with our aids. I spoke about this in THIS PREVIOUS EPISODE all about blocking with your seat.

    Think about the relationship between your seat and your hand every time you ask a question to your horse. Develop the connection between the two.

    Watch how it will help you to not only establish forwardness but to maintain it as well. Even when things don’t go exactly to plan. Or you are not feeling ‘comfortable’.

    4 . Plan Your Next Move

    The final action item you can put into practice today in the saddle to help you maintain forward is to plan your moves. No more deciding to canter at the drop of a hat. Or making a handbrake turn because you suddenly realized you should do something different.

    Planning each move allows both you and your horse to learn to trust the forwardness.

    It will help you to more intentionally, and therefore accurately, direct the energy. This leads to a smoother ride and a ride that feels aligned, throughout. This is particularly important when those movements of discomfort show up.  Think through each movement. See yourself and your horse happily completing it and working forward from it.

    Learn to Notice Your Discomfort

    When we feel emotionally uncomfortable in our riding, we often sacrifice forward. We do this in life as well. It feels easier to hunker in and hid, rather than doing the work and moving on through.

    Keep in mind that things often have to become a little messy before they become what we want.

    Learn to become comfortable with the messy, and by taking consistent action, move through it.
    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Resources for Equestrians

  • Why You Need to Start Your Riding Journal Today

    Why You Need to Start Your Riding Journal Today

    I have a little ‘test’ for you… Can you describe, in full detail, each interaction you had with your horse 4 weeks ago? Yes, go back 4 weeks and each of the lunging or riding sessions you had with your horse, describe what happened. How was your mood? What did you focus on and how did that go?

    Why You Need to Start Your Riding Journal Today

    Now, I’m going to bet that you can probably give some information about those rides. However, can you see how all of the rides begin blending together with the passing of time? Specific details become blurred and more difficult to pinpoint.

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1159-Why-You-Need-to-Begin-Your-Riding-Journal-Today.mp3″ title=”Why You Need to Start Your Riding Journal Today” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Do you ride horses? Have you a riding journal?” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    A riding journal is a simple way to ensure you have all the details in one place so that you can use them to help you develop your riding and your horse.

    And yet, why do we so often equate simple to worthless? We rather look for complicated because we think it guarantees better results. I don’t know the answer to this. But I’m asking you to try using a simple journal for your riding. And I’m making a bold statement that has the power to change everything…

    The Power of Objectivity

    How do you feel after each ride? It probably varies between a lot of different emotions. And the issue comes in when those emotions begin flavoring our opinion of each ride. As a trainer, I see, on an almost weekly basis, riders who become caught up in all the feels. They ‘think’ the ride was good and they are on cloud nine. Or, the opposite.

    The ride is just a ride. It’s really neither good nor bad. Your feelings about it are what make it that.

    And when you are holding on to all that emotion about the ride, it can be hard to see the real picture of what happened. Like a coach or trainer would if they were with you in the arena. Which is one of the big reasons a coach or trainer is so valuable? They are not getting all caught up in the emotion. They are looking at each ride objectively.

    A journal will allow you to do this for yourself. To review each ride a month from now, minus all of the emotion, so that you can really learn from it. You can use that information to adapt and adjust going forward.

    Begin Looking for Patterns

    So once you can look at your riding from a different perspective, patterns will begin to emerge. I have a previous post HERE about what to actually take note of with regards to your riding journal. Some of the things that can almost seem trivial have the potential to be really eyeopening for you.

    The time of day and your energy levels can make all the difference in your attitude towards your riding.

    Rides that happen close to unpleasant interactions or stressful reoccurring situations is another one to look out for. Feeding times and your horse’s attitude can play a huge role in his focus and dedication. The subtle changes that show up 2 or 3 days after you ride a particular exercise. Or ride in a certain arena or area.

    Noticing the patterns will allow you to begin tweaking your schedule to get more of the ‘good’ rides in. And if every ride is truly a stepping stone, this can begin making all the difference to your progress in the long run.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Resources on This Topic:-

     

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

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

    Ready to Get Back to Regular Riding Again?
    So, you’ve been out of the saddle? And now – you’re ready to get back on the horse. Firstly, congratulations! Whether your time on the ground was due to the pandemic or due to some other life circumstance, returning to riding is a great feeling and time in your life.
    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1147-Getting-Back-To-Regular-Riding-Again.mp3″ title=”Ready to Get Back to Regular Riding? Listen to this first…” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Ready to get back in the saddle after a break? Give this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast first…” hashtag=”equestrianpodcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]
    I personally felt a buzz of anticipation when I got back into the saddle after both of my boys were born.  I made the decision not to ride during each pregnancy, so finally getting back felt great. But there were a few challenges along the way.  It definitely was not ‘plain sailing’.
    Today I want to help you navigate a few of these potential sticking points so that you can make this transition back to regular riding as enjoyable and resistance-free as possible.

    1. Lower the Barrier to Entry

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

    2. Easing Back Into It

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

    3. Focus on You and Your Riding

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

    4. Making Peace with What You Can Control

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

    5. Anxiety versus Excitement

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

    6. Returning to Regular Riding

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

    The Original Returning to Riding Program

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

    Other Resources to Help you:-

  • 5 Essentials When You Become Trainer for You and Your Horse

    5 Essentials When You Become Trainer for You and Your Horse

    5 Essentials When You Become Trainer for You and Your Horse
    The ‘New Normal’.  I feel as though we have reached a point where we must begin looking at how we can settle into this period in our lives, rather than wishing for the way things were.  You may have to become the trainer for you and your horse.  I know that many riders are having to now begin, maybe for the first time, be the trainer, the instructor, the chief planner, as well as the rider.
    [smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1145-5-Essentials-When-Developing-Your-Riding-and-Your-Horse.mp3″ title=”5 Essentials when You’re Trainer for You and Your Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Are you now coach, trainer, instructor, rider and everything else in between for you and your horse? If so, here’s what to focus on going forward…” hashtag=”equestrian” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]
    Progress doesn’t just happen.  There are a few essentials that must be consistently visited in order to maintain consistent progress.  Progress, I believe, is deepening the understanding and the relationship between horse and rider.  What you do with this progress is up to you.  However, I feel that all riders should be looking to at least try and build a conversation with their horse.
    Here are the 5 essentials you must regularly visit if you are to make this a consistent reality for you and your horse…

    1. Your Mindset

    Whatever you believe about yourself as a rider, is what is playing out in your day to day riding. Believe you can trot; low and behold, you will trot.  Canter is the same.  So too is half pass, jumping and any other discipline or movement to do with riding.  However, there is a flip side to this… Believe you will fall off; you probably will!
    Your mindset has the power to ‘cap’ both yourself and your horse’s development and growth.  It can become the glass ceiling that prevents you both from reaching your true potential as a team
    However, it also has the power to help you overcome challenges.  To move past ‘sticky points’ on your riding journey.  And to help you deepen your conversation and relationship with your horse.
    So, answer me this… What do you think about yourself as a rider?
    The reason this plays out the way it does is not magic or woo (or maybe it is?!).  However, if we want to just be practical, the reason this happens is due to you taking action based on your beliefs.
    Therefore, your opinion of yourself as a rider will dictate how you actually show up and ride.  If that is not motivation to dig a little deeper into your thoughts, I don’t know what is!

    2. The Basics

    Ah, good old auto-pilot.  I am a huge fan of putting the basics on autopilot in your riding.  Trust me, it works… Until it doesn’t anymore!  This is why I believe that, as a rider, it is your responsibility to revisit and ‘tweak’ your basics on a regular basis.
    What do successful riders spend 80% of their time working on in their riding and with their horses? The basics…
    Many riders find themselves ‘stuck’ in their riding due to something that falls under ‘the basics’ not being upgraded when it should have been in your riding.  Remember, what got you here won’t get you there.  Your basics will regularly have to be modified in order to serve the next level in your riding development.
    Your foot placement in the stirrup.  How you are using your reins.  Your position.  Sitting trot anyone?!

    3. Groundwork

    Every conversation between horse and rider begins and ends on the ground.  You mount up and you dismount.  Weak boundaries on the ground, very often, begin creeping into the ride.  Inconsistency on the ground can often confuse the aids in the ride.
    Groundwork can help you develop your aids and build responsiveness for when in the saddle.  
    It is also a great way to add some variety into your day to day schooling with your horse.  Lunging, long-lining, and groundwork itself all help you to gain a new perspective when training your horse.  They also allow your horse to figure things out without your weight confusing the issue in the saddle.
    Groundwork has huge potential as a tool when it comes to improving your riding.  

    Developing

    So many riders what to get from ‘here’ (wherever they are in their riding right now) to ‘there’ (wherever it is they want to go). However, they have no clue as to how they can make that happen.  If you are facing the possibility of becoming your horse’s sole trainer, you need a system!
    Riders need a proven framework to use when it comes to training and developing themselves and their horses. 
    A ‘Hit And Miss Approach (HAMA) will never lead to long term success when it comes to riding.  The most common HAMA I see riders use is the ‘What do I feel like doing today?’ variety.  Look, I am all for inspiration.  In fact, I think it is vitally important as a rider to ensure you have some when it comes to your riding.
    However, expecting to develop the conversation based on ideas you are plucking out of thin air 10 minutes before you mount up is not going to lead to long term success. 
    In fact, I have noticed that riders who plan (I use this word in the loosest of terms here) their rides this way often begin to get desperate with their exercises.  Rather find a system you enjoy and plug into it.

    Remember, every system should have ‘wiggle room’; meaning it must be able to adapt for you and your horse where needed. 

    5. Planning

    Which leads me straight into the fifth essential.  When you have a system to follow and some important essentials to work on, planning becomes so much easier.  And yet, this is the piece so many riders fail to implement.
    Strangely enough, it is also the piece that many riders pay a trainer for their expertise on.  Planning how to get from here to there for each unique horse and rider combination. 
    If you are to really take your new role of ‘trainer’ seriously, the planning element is vital to your success.  Have an intention for each ride. A focus for each week. A theme for each month.  All leading to your goal.  Planning is like mapping out the stepping stones you will need in order to get from ‘here’ to ‘there’.  If you are missing intention in your ride, it is very difficult to layer your wins in order to create a strong foundation to keep building from.
    Planning in advance will help you remain focused on your goals and moving towards them each and every ride. 

    Trainer for You and Your Horse

    If you are suddenly finding yourself in this new place in your riding, I have two resources to help you.  I have created a free Week’s Riding Plan HERE, that you can use to plan your upcoming week with your horse with intention and focus.   And if you would like more help and support, Connection is where you can get both those and so much more.
    Connection gives you the resources to learn what you need, but also the coaching to go and take action on what you have learned.  
    You can visit Connection HERE for all the details.
    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Links to Additional Resources

    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:-

  • Horse Riding through Coronavirus (Covid-19)

    Horse Riding through Coronavirus (Covid-19)

    Horse riding Through the Coronavirus Covid-19

    This is probably the first time in history that all equestrians find themselves grappling with the same thing. Something has changed for just about everyone.  Ironically it has nothing to do with horses and yet it is directly or indirectly impacting almost every rider…

    [smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1142-Horse-Riding-Through-Coronavirus-Covid19.mp3″ title=”Horse Riding Through the Coronavirus (Covid-19)” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Stuck at home due to the current global situation? A few ideas to keep moving forward with your riding – even if you’re confined to the house…” hashtag=”horseriding #equestrian ” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Lockdowns, socially isolating, quarantine and social distancing have become terms that we all not only understand, but most of us have experience of implementing over the past weeks.  

    Today, I want to specifically address riders who, right now, cannot get to visit or ride their horses.  As frustrating and sad as this may be, all is not lost. 

    I believe that there are ways that you can use this time to really invest in your foundations as a rider. And all of this in order to come out the other side an even ‘better version’ of yourself.  Time is something you probably have an abundance of right now, so why not fill it with one of these activities?

    1. Fill in the Gaps in Your Knowledge

    Horse riding is physical. It requires you to take action on what you learn. However, right now, you may be feeling frustrated about not being able to take action. You simply are not allowed to go to the barn. Or maybe lessons have been canceled.  All is not lost…You can learn a lot through watching videos, reading and listening to audios.

    In fact, I personally believe that when a rider understands ‘why’ they are doing what they are doing, it makes ‘doing it’ a lot easier.

    What have you been struggling with in your riding lately? Why not research it more and find out more about it. I am going to stress that, in particular, pay attention to causes versus symptoms. So many riders make the mistake of trying to fix the symptom. Quick fixes and short term results will follow. However, as soon as more pressure is added; you find yourself back to square one. And that is usually the exact time you need for the ‘fix’ to work!

    You have an opportunity to ‘go deep’ with regard to what you learn now. If you are at a loss of where to begin, I suggest THE TRAINING SCALE
    and how it can help you and your riding.

    2. Give Your Tack a Good Old Spring Clean…

    Now, your eyes may have rolled here, however, let me finish… Okay, firstly, have you ever noticed how, when you ‘look good’ you ‘feel good’? This is true in day to day life, non-horse related actives. But it is also true as a rider.

    Having all your tack sparkling and ready to go will inspire you to show up differently when you do ride again. It encourages you to think, act and feel like a ‘better version’ of yourself.

    If you find yourself with time on your hands and equipment at your location, get to work. Spend time giving all the equipment a deep clean. Remove grime. Notice what needs repairs or replacement. Look for general wear and tear and even begin matching that to what is happening when you ride. A stiffness or ‘lopsidedness’ can often correlate to a flocking issue…

    Tack is something that many riders purchase once and then forget about. However, it makes sense that if you and your horse are developing, your needs regarding tack will evolve as well…

    Maybe that bit is no longer the best option for you and your horse? Or perhaps a different noseband is required. It could be the martingale or the numnah. Even the girth can play a part. You and your horse’s needs will change over time.

    As you clean your tack, picture how each individual piece is either adding or taking away from your conversation with your horse.  Then begin researching…

    3. Create or Update Your Goals

    Let’s be honest here, the ones you created just 3 short months ago might just be looking a little far fetched right now! This is why this the perfect time to assess and make adjustments if necessary.  Everyone is being forced to ‘pivot’ in some way or another right now. It is foolish to simply sit tight and hope to ‘ride this out’.

    Change is essential in order to continue to make progress right now in the world.

    One of the benefits of the current global situation is that is has forced us to have a lot more clarity regarding our priorities. What is really important. And in doing so, identify what can actually wait – or be discarded. We all have the potential to fall into habits that no longer serve us.

    Often, it is only when we are actually forced to stop those things, that we notice new and better ways forward.

    See this as an opportunity to ‘pattern interrupt’ your habits. Those that are still serving you will survive. In fact, they might just thrive. And those which are actually holding you back; find new ways or simply replace them with something you actually want.

    4. Condition Your Body for Riding

    Okay, I say it ALL THE TIME that riding is a 50:50 team sport. You and your horse. And yet, as riders, we are often guilty of devoting so much time to our horses 50% while completely ignoring our own. If you are confined to a specific area right now with a lot of time on your hands, why not invest 20 to 30 minutes a day to your own personal ‘condition’.

    Find A SIMPLE WORKOUT PLAN
    you can follow and begin implementing it. Each day devote 15 to 30 minutes to improving the future you and your riding.

    Keep in mind that this is not a time to stress your body. Don’t work yourself to the point of exhaustion or the point of total body soreness! However, light (keyword in this case) exercise repeated regularly will help you to feel physically and mentally more ‘able’.

    And after as short as 3 weeks will allow you to see a huge difference in the saddle as well.

    5. Continue to Look Forward

    It can seem all doom and gloom right now. I am going to suggest limiting yourself to one or two chosen content or news streams, and then switching off the rest. The world has been turned upside down. The confidence has been knocked out of almost everyone I know. Things are different.

    However, I can choose how I respond in this situation. For myself, for my family and friends. And for my horses.

    I am a firm believer that there is always a way forwards. This is why I am using this time to condition myself, mentally and physically, so as when the way appears, I am ready to take it.

    Maybe this will help you to do the same…

    Keep safe and well
    Lorna

    Additional Resources:-

  • Navigating these Unusual Times as an Equestrian

    Navigating these Unusual Times as an Equestrian

    Navigating Unusual Times as an Equestrian
    Things are moving fast.  There is an energy that seems blended with so much of what is happening right now, and it is not beneficial energy.  So, what can you, as an equestrian, do to get through this with grace and compassion?
    [smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1140-Navigating-Through-Unusual-Times-as-an-Equestrian.mp3″ title=”Navigating These Unusual Times as an Equestrian” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Not sure how to pick yourself up and carry on with your riding because of the current fear that surrounds us; this might help…” hashtag=”equestrian #podcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]
    Quite a few things actually.  Here are a few suggestions you can try over the coming weeks…

    1. Breathe

    I have yet to find anything as beneficial as a loud and intentional exhale when it all is feeling just too much to deal with and handle.  It works on the ground and in the saddle.  In fact, it even works for ‘non-horse’ related stuff.  If you are feeling overwhelmed over the coming days, weeks and months, try a loud exhale.

    2. Be Present with Your Horse

    Yesterday morning I was in the house feeling all the feels.  Anxiety, worry, concern, stress, pressure.  You name it as a negative emotion and I can bet I felt it in some form or another.
    And then I opened the door and stepped outside. 
    The birds were still flying and singing.  And the butterflies were still ‘fluttering by’.  The flowers were still blooming. I walked over to one of the horses and just stood there beside her.  Not asking anything.  Nor expecting anything.  Just present.
    Within seconds, I felt grounded.  I also felt that whatever happens life will go on and I felt a renewed sense of peace knowing that.

    3. Realize that ‘this too, shall pass’

    Yes, your life might look very different after it.  In fact, I think that this will touch everyone in some way or another.  However, when it has passed, you will find yourself picking up where you left off.  You can use this time, right now, to begin preparing for that.  Working on yourself so that you can reach that point in the best possible condition you can be in so that you will thrive.

    4. Ask yourself ‘What Can I Do Right Now?’

    There is always something to be done.  I am a firm believer in that.  Even if that ‘thing’ is not a physical thing, you can work on conditioning your mind.  Your thoughts and beliefs.  Or you can work on conditioning your body; so that when the time comes to get back to ‘regular life’ you are feeling great and ready to go.
    Riding is the same, even when you cannot ride, there are a lot of different things you can do to improve your skills when you do get back in the saddle.  Fitness programs, understanding the training scale better, or identifying your shortcomings when it comes to the basics are just a few things.
    The same goes for when you are in the saddle, even if you are riding alone.  What can you do?  Ask it and see what ideas it sparks in you…

    5. Look for the ‘opportunities’ this new situation brings

    Okay, so I get that this might feel like a stretch right now, but bear with me!  Have you ever noticed how you will continue to do something a certain way, habitually, until something happens that stops you?  It is only when you can’t do it the ‘habit way’ anymore, that you begin exploring other ways to get the thing done.
    In fact, it is true that it is only when we are actually prevented from doing the thing a certain way, that we discover better ways. 
    This can happen in your riding as well.  It could be a new instructor or trainer.  Maybe riding a different horse.  Or even learning online rather than in person.

    6. Who Can You Support & Who Can Support You?

    One of the paradoxes of this situation is that we need to, perhaps more than ever, come together as a community in order to help each other.  And yet, we cannot physically do this.  Mental and emotional support is just as important in life.  Right now, it is even more so.
    Can you use your phone to video another rider working in the arena and then share the video with them via an app or social media channel?
    When we are working alone, it can often feel like working in the dark.  This will help the rider to see what they can work on.  You can then ask the rider to do the same for you.  “You video me (using your own phone) and I’ll video you (using my own phone)”.  Then share, share and share some more!

    7. Get Intentional About Why You’re Doing What You’re Doing

    I can guarantee you that there are things you are doing in your riding, the very next time you get into the saddle, that are not serving you.  They possibly did at some point, however, you have grown as a rider, and now your habits need to catch up!
    Riding alone is a great time to really ask ‘why’ you are doing each individual thing.  It allows you to become mindful of your actions. 
    If you are unable to ride right now, I am going to suggest spending some time learning about how you could, potentially, improve what you are doing in the saddle.  If you are more novice, find clarity around the basics.  A more experienced rider can brush up on how to implement and use the training scale to develop both themselves and their horse.
    You can also do this using groundwork and lunging.  Be mindful of every move you make; and begin experimenting with improving your aids and actions. 

    8. Study Yourself as a Rider

    If you are confined to your house or unable to visit your horse at the barn, I am going to suggest investing some time learning about you and your riding.  Get out all of the photos and videos of you in the saddle.  Begin looking for patterns.
    Notice a twist in your body, or a slouching through your shoulders.  It could be dropping your inside hand or swinging your lower leg. 
    Once you begin seeing the ‘things’ (and we all have them), you can then begin matching them up with what is actually happening in the saddle. Your horse falling in or out for example.  Or hollowness through your horses back.
    Make a list of the things that you are committing to changing or replacing when you do get back in the saddle.  Then create a plan to make that happen. 

    9. Continue to Move Forward

    Life is going to carry on.  Right now, we just have to adapt to how we are doing things in order to continue to make progress.  Bemoaning the fact that things have changed will not undo what has happened.  In fact, it will only serve to keep you stuck in that negative place.
    Find ways to move.  Physically and mentally.  Explore new things and new ways of doing old things.  
    Connect with other equestrians and riders for ideas and to help inspire new thoughts.  Enroll in an online program or course to help move you forward.  Begin a workout plan!  Do what suits you, but commit to moving forward.

    10, Follow a Plan

    If you are feeling a little lost in the arena.  If your coach or trainer is no longer able to work with you and you’re feeling bewildered about what to do, HERE IS A WEEKS PLAN FOR YOU.  It is free and it will suit most riders, regardless of experience or circumstance.
    I’m also inviting you to join my online community of equestrians to connect with other riders.  I give pieces of training in there and will be jumping in daily throughout this crisis to help and support where I can. 
    We can get through this.  All will be well again.  Maybe not immediately, but someday.
    In the meantime, keep moving forward, and, more importantly, keep well
    Lorna

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