Strides for Success

Tag: new horse

  • Confidently Assessing Walk on a Different or New Horse

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

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

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

    Finding & Stacking Wins

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

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

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

    1. Assessing the Shoulders

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

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

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

    2. Engaging the Hind Quarters

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

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

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

    3. Balance Through Corners

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

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

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

    4. Noticing Relaxation / Tension

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

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

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

    5. The Ears of Your New Horse

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

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

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

    First Rides for Confidence on Your New Horse

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

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

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

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More Help for Riders:-

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

  • Tips When Trying Out a New Horse

    Tips When Trying Out a New Horse

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

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

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

    Be Realistic of the Potential

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

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

    Be There to Groom & Tack Up

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

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

    Horses Respond to the People Around Them

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

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

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

    Honesty is the Best Policy!

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

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

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

    Mounting Up & Trying Out…

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

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

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

    And It Might NOT Be a Match!

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

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

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

    Prepare Yourself for a NEW Horse…

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

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

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

    Happy Riding!
    Lorna

    A Simple Plan for Trying Out a New Horse

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

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

    These are all available right now inside of Daily Strides Premium. Audio horse riding lessons are delivered straight to your phone so that you can use your own time and your own arena to help you and your trusty steed.  Daily Strides Premium is back! You can use the first and original audio riding lessons to improve your riding, train your horse, keep things interesting, and have fun… Even if you don’t have a trainer or coach

    More Help for Riders:-

    Equestrian Fitness Challenge ’24

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

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Feeling Confident About Trying Out a New Horse

    Feeling Confident About Trying Out a New Horse

    Feeling Confident About Trying Out a New Horse

    What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-

    • Get clear on your goals & your resources before starting your search
    • Realise how important it is to do your ‘groundwork’ first, before riding
    • Overcome resistance to riding a ‘new horse’
    • Make a better decision that both you & your new horse will be happy with

    One of the most exciting, and yet nerve wreaking times for riders; finding your ‘new horse’.  Most riders, at some point in their riding journey, will eventually find themselves making an appointment to go see a new horse.  It might be to lease or to buy.  What is important to remember here is that whatever decision you make, it will have an impact on your riding for years to come.  It will also impact the life of the horse.

    Therefore it makes sense that most riders are keen to make a ‘good’ decision.  Unfortunately this can put extra pressure and stress on the rider.  The good news is that there are some things you can do both before and at the yard that will make the process more streamlined.  These simple things will also help you to feel more confident about trying the new horse and making a good decision.

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1099-Considerations-when-Looking-for-Your-New-Horse.mp3″ title=”Feeling Confident About Trying Out a New Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Are you searching for a new horse? If so, here are a few ideas on how to simplify this so you feel more confident about making that all important decision…” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I will give you a few simple things you can do both before and while viewing a potential new horse.  They will hopefully allow you to feel more confident in your decision. 

    Be Really Honest & Realistic about Your Goals

    I am going to suggest beginning this process before you ever contact a seller about viewing a potential new horse.  Doing your homework so to speak!  I feel that there are three areas that you need to be honest and realistic about, your goals, the money and your current situation.

    Having an idea regarding where you would like to be in your riding journey 5 or 10 years from now will help to narrow the search for your new horse. 

    I often see riders turning down horses that are suited to them and their goals, because the horse is not a ‘world beater’.  Be honest.  Do you really need a ‘world beater’?  Or would a horse with average abilities and a great temperament be more suited to what you want to do in the saddle in the coming years?

    Now, obviously, things change.  What you ‘think’ you want in 5 years might turn out to be completely different 3 years down the road.  however, having an idea will help you narrow that initial search and make better decisions that will help you where you are right now.

    Know How Much Money You Have to Invest in Your New Horse

    Having an actual figure worked out regarding the amount you are comfortable and able to invest in your new horse is essential before the search begins.  It will help both you, and also save potential sellers a few headaches as well!

    Viewing horses that are clearly above your budget is not fair on anyone involved; yourself, the horse or the seller.  It leads to disappointment and can lead to resentment in the long run.

    Working out what you can comfortably afford is not just about the purchase amount.  Keep in mind that there may be other expenses involved with brining a new horse into your life.  New tack or equipment.  Training or lessons.  And vets bills, transport, boarding etc.

    It is also worth remembering that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

    Being Realistic About Your Current Situation & Resources

    The third thing I suggest figuring out before you begin your search for your new horse is where you are right now on your riding journey.  What level are you riding at?  Where are you struggling?  What can you do well?  And where do you need help or support?

    It seems so basic, but many riders talk themselves up in order to match a potential new horses abilities…  This is never a good idea and both horse and rider end up suffering in the long run.

    The more honest you can be with any potential sellers about your current abilities, the better they will be able to guide you regarding the suitability of the horse you are viewing. 

    I also think being realistic about how much time you have to invest in your new horse is also essential.  This is especially true if you are considering purchasing a green or young horse.  Do you have the time to dedicate to their consistent and necessary training?

    Getting The Feel for Riding Different Horses

    Having one special horse in your life is a blessing.  However, it can become a bit of a drawback when the time comes to either add a second horse or retire your first special horse.  This is due to the fact that while we feel confident on ‘our’ horse, this confidence rarely travels to another horse!  Meaning that trying different potential new horses becomes fraught with anxiety and nerves!

    Before you go to view any potential new horses, book a few lessons on a couple of different horses first. 

    Explain to the instructor that you are going to begin viewing some potential new horses and that you have, at least recently anyway, been riding only one horse.  Doing this will allow you to become used to the feel of different horses.  From the different types of movement to the differences in energy levels.

    Also, knowing you are capable of successfully riding different horses will allow you to focus more on much you are enjoying the potential new horse when you do go to view and ride it. 

    Assess the Horse on the Ground First

    This almost goes without saying, but let’s just say it anyway.  Meeting any potential new horses on the ground and seeing how they ‘are’ there, is really important in discovering the horses true nature.

    Many sellers, usually for the sake of saving time, will have the sale horse tacked up and ready to go when you arrive to view it.  Phone ahead and arrange that this is not the case.  Explain that you would like to see the horse loose first and then go from there.

    Loose can be in the stable or the field.  You are looking for how the horse reacts to your presence…

    Does he turn away from you?  Maybe you notice that he pins his ears…  Or does he seem interested and alert.  Most horses will not just walk up to you, either in the field or the stable, so I feel this is an unrealistic expectation.  However, he should seem interested and friendly.

    Consider How He Behaves on the Ground

    This is equally as important.  I would suggest first watching how the horse interacts with the seller or the groom first.  If you feel that it is safe to do so, offer to help groom and tack up.

    This is especially important if you will be keeping the horse at your house or your own barn.  If you are planning on boarding your horse at a professional yard or barn, you will probably have help and assistance if the horse is not as friendly or ‘easy’ as you would like.

    However, if the horse is being kept at your own property, you need to be sure that you can handle him both on the ground and in the saddle before you bring him home. 

    Just make sure that before you offer to groom or tack up, you have seen someone else successfully interact with the horse.  Make sure that you feel confident and happy about working with the horse because you have seen him behave with someone else first.

    Watch the Horse Being Ridden First

    Now, if things are going great up to this point, you are probably going to be as keen as custard to jump into the saddle… I am going to strongly suggest reining that urge in!  Rather ask that the horse is ridden for you first by the seller or groom.

    If they are not willing to get on the horse, I really don’t think it is a great idea for you to get on board!

    Use this ride to assess the horses way of going.  Is there any stiffness or excess tension in the horse?  Does the horse look and seem happy to move forward off of the rider’s leg.  And, most importantly, does the horse look like what he was advertised as being?

    Watch how the rider is warming him up.  Look at how well the horse is responding to the riders aids and questions.  You can even, depending on the horses level of training, ask to see the horse performing specific tasks and movements.

    Take Time to Make Sure You Are Comfortable Before Riding

    If you still like what you see and you are feeling confident and happy, now you can begin preparing to mount up yourself.  So many riders begin to really feel the pressure at this point.  Try not to.  Your riding skills are not being examined, nor is your confidence.

    And taking a little extra time and attention to make sure you are as comfortable and happy as possible will only help you and the new horse get off on the right note.

    I suggest bringing either you saddle with you, or your leathers and irons.  In fairness, a lot of sellers might not want you riding the horse with a different saddle to their own.  I can relate as you never know what sort of saddle someone is going to bring with them!  But changing the leathers to suit you, if needed, will go a long way towards making the ride a more successful and productive one.

    Once you are mounted up, everything is adjusted to suit you, you can then begin actually riding the horse.  Hopefully by taking a few actions before hand, this ride will be as relaxed as possible…

    Speak Up at Any Point During the Journey

    I want to end here by saying that I feel it is important you are happy and comfortable at every point along the way.  If you notice something that makes you feel uncomfortable or makes you question the horse, speak up.

    Ask questions and probe into anything you are unsure about.  Any honest seller will be only too happy to have a potential buyer that cares enough to ask…

    If you realise that the horse is not the horse for you, say so.  Many riders make the mistake of feeling that they have to follow the process through to the end, every single time.  This is simply not true – and actually does no one any favours.

    Just like when riding, communication is essential when on the journey to finding a new horse.  Communicate with the seller and be honest and open to their thoughts and suggestions. 

    Rather than wasting everyone’s time and putting the horse through an unnecessary ‘trying out session’, tell the seller that you are not interested.  Similarly, if you do follow through with the process and are interested in discovering more, tell the seller.

    Just like when riding, communication is essential when on the journey to finding a new horse.  Communicate with the seller and be honest and open to their thoughts and suggestions.

    What an adventure!  Best of luck :)

    Lorna

    Other posts, episodes, and resources that relate to this topic:-

    Daily Strides Premium

    If you are interested in going deeper regarding what to actually do when riding a potential ‘new horse’, I am going to suggest joining Daily Strides Premium today. Training include a simple riding plan you can use when trying out a potential new steed.

    Daily Strides Premium is packed full of training you can use when you do get your new horse home to keep this new relationship on track and moving forward.

    Daily Strides Premium is packed full of step by step trainings for you to use in the saddle. All the trainings are easily accessed using your phone, meaning that you can take them with you wherever you are going.  These trainings and so much more are available for you immediately when you join Daily Strides Premium. Find out more HERE

    Equestrian Fitness Challenge ’24

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

    Connect with Lorna online:-