Strides for Success

Tag: Progress

  • Making Progress in Your Riding While Part Leasing

    Making Progress in Your Riding While Part Leasing

    Making Progress while Part Leasing or Renting a Horse

    For many riders, part leasing, renting or sharing a horse is an affordable way to make horse riding possible. With the current turn of events around the globe, I think that many more riders will turn to this method of ‘horse ownership’ over the coming weeks and months.

    However, having two or more people sharing a horse has its challenges. This is amplified even more if the riders are at different levels, have different styles or just different goals.

    [smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1141-Making-Progress-when-Riding-a-Lease-Horse.mp3″ title=”Making Progress in Your Riding While Part Leasing a Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Part leasing a horse can seem a little daunting; here’s how to do it and make progress…” hashtag=”equestrian” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, you will learn a few simple processes you can use to make ‘part-leasing’ not only feel good for you. But also, use it in a way that allows you, the other rider and the horse to continue to develop and make progress in your riding.

    Lay Out Your Goals & Communicate Them

    The first thing I suggest you do is to get clear on what you are working towards in your riding. What is the end goal you’re progressing towards when you mount up each day? Knowing what you are working towards goes a long way to helping figure out how best to get there.

    When you know what you want, make sure you communicate this to the other rider. Tell them, in as much detail as you can, what you are working towards and why. Have them do the same thing for you.

    This will immediately expose any initial differences you both have that may potentially conflict with each other’s goals. It will also give them a better idea of what to do in situations that could potentially play out a few different ways.

    For example; sharing a horse that you are trying to develop for graded dressage with another rider who simply wants to gallop across fields all day long will probably not lead to much happiness for anyone. Knowing things like this from the outset can help prevent frustration and feelings of ‘wasted time’ further down the line.

    Create a Private Channel

    The second thing I suggest doing in order to have a successful and happy part leasing surrounds consistent communication.  A simple way to do this is by creating a private channel for anyone who rides the horse using any one of the free apps available on your phone. Voxer, WhatsApp or Telegram are good examples of places you can do this. The purpose of the channel is to keep a living record of what is happening with the horse, ride by ride.

    After each ride, simply record what you worked on and how it went. Then post in the channel.

    A great feature of most of these types of Apps is that you can record voice notes.  I personally think they save a lot of time. And, an added bonus is that they usually allow you to record when you are out of signal.  Internet connectivity can be an issue for many equestrians in the yard.  This solves the issue by ‘saving’ the notes until you are connected again and then automatically upload them.

    This method helps hold you accountable. It also allows you to learn from someone else experiences with the horse.

    Choose Exercises that Are Beneficial for Everyone

    While part leasing, each month, you and the other rider can agree on 4 or 5 specific exercises to work on that will help you to both to move closer to your goals. I’m going to strongly suggest keeping the exercises as simple as possible. The key to making this work for you both is the angle from which you approach the exercise.

    Most simple exercises can be worked on from really any perspective or filter you wish to work on or focus on.

    Take the serpentine. If you are working on contact and connection, this is a great exercise for that. Similarly, it is equally as good to work on suppleness, rhythm, relaxation, straightness and a whole host of other principles in riding.

    By working on similar exercises and then combining your knowledge and insights regarding how it went, you can make double the progress.

    Obviously you must apply common sense when using this method. No horse is going to respond well to the same exercise being riding over and over again for a month. However, if you have 4 or 5 exercises and then sprinkle throughout the sessions, this method becomes a powerful resource for making progress in your riding when part leasing or sharing a horse.

    Create Time for a Monthly Review

    If you do choose to implement some of the above ideas, the final piece is committing to improving it on a monthly basis. Make time for a monthly review. You can do this alone or with the other rider. Simply see what is working and what is not.

    Then commit to continuing on with what is serving everyone – and making necessary changes to what is causing roadblocks.

    This can be the exercises you are riding, the days you ride. It can also be the times or goals. Horse riding is an ever-evolving journey and it is foolish to expect the road to be straight all the way.

    Realizing that assessing what has happened and then using this information wisely to adjust the plan will serve everyone involved.

    Successful part-leasing, part renting or sharing of a horse will require constant communication between all parties. If done right, it can be a wonderfully beneficial and affordable way to develop, for riders and for the horse.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Resources to Help with This Topic:-

  • Returning to Riding – Focusing on the Basics

    Returning to Riding – Focusing on the Basics

    Returning to Riding - Focusing on the Basics
    You’ve decided to refocus your attention on your riding.  You’re back in the saddle and rearing to go (well, maybe not quite rearing!).  But knowing what to do and where to focus your attention can seem a little daunting.  In fact, maybe it’s feeling like there is just too much to do and too little time to do it in…
    [smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1131-Returning-to-Riding-Focusing-on-the-Basics.mp3″ title=”Returning to Riding – Focusing on the Basics in Your Riding” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Back in the saddle and feeling a little overwhelmed?” hashtag=”equestrian” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]
    If we were working together, either online or in-person, there are a few essentials that I would begin asking you to give your full attention to.  Now, obviously this would vary depending on your unique situation.  However, there is a foundation that you build in your riding which is centered on a few specific principles.  Today I want to share those with you…

    Focusing on the Basics is for Novice Riders…

    My ‘definition’ of a novice rider is if you spend the majority of the time in the saddle focusing on yourself and trying to maintain what you are doing.  
    Now, obviously we all focus on ourselves in the saddle.  However, it is the intention behind the focus that shifts and changes.  When I say that novice riders focus on themselves, it is to try and get a few things on autopilot initially.  If this is you, you are possibly trying to get your position right.  Or trying to coordinate your aids. Maybe even the timing of those aids or the sequence of them…
    I feel that riders ‘graduate’ from a novice when the majority of the time in the saddle becomes about how the horse is going and what they can do to better influence that.
    If you feel that you are more in the second category of riders, I am going to suggest this episode on ……….. which will better suit you right now in your riding.

    1 .  Choose One Source of Advice and Opinion

    This may seem like a no brainer, however, this one piece of advice has the potential to either help you jump start your riding or stall…  When I first became pregnant, a good friend gave me a ‘golden nugget’ with this same piece of advice.  She basically told me to choose one person who I trusted or admired with regards to parenting – and, this is the important part, only seek their advice. At the time, I glossed over it, however, 3.5 years later, I now realize that this advice was GOLDEN!
    Different riders and instructors have different approaches.  Most are good and will give similar results at the end of the day.  However, it is when we begin mixing techniques and strategies, things becoming confusing very quickly.  This is for both the horse and the rider.
    Choose a rider, instructor or coach that you trust and admire.  Then remember to seek their opinion or advice whenever you feel unsure or ‘stuck’ in your riding.
    As you become more experienced, you can then begin ‘blending’ advice from different sources. In fact, I highly recommend that you do.  The reason I suggest waiting is that you are surer of your own perspective and how this different advice applies to you.  However, if you are a novice right now – pick one person or source.  Just one.  Trust me, this one golden nugget made ‘parenting’ a whole lot easier for me!

    2 .  Get to Know Your Aids

    I realize that you probably know what your aids are.  As in, if I asked you to list them, you probably could.  When I say ‘know’ your aids, I am asking you to take things one step further.  I want you to begin really understanding your aids and why they work the way that they do.
    I see so many novice riders become stalled by focusing just on one aid.  A  place where I see this happen over and over is the transition between trot and canter. Novice riders put too much effort into either the outside leg or the inside seat bone.  Yes, they are important.  But they work ‘with’ the other aids.
    How your aids interact together is really how your aids work .  No aid will ever be a ‘stand alone’ event; there are always supporting roles when it comes to your other aids and the overall communication and message
    Your aids work together.  Coordination plays a big part in how they interact and play together. I am going to suggest spending time ‘figuring out’ how your body works.  The simple things are often the very things that get overlooked. Start with ‘when I move my leg like this, my seat does that’ mindfulness and then begin adding your horse’s response into the mix.
    My advice is to devote 3 months to really learning about your aids and how they ‘work’.  Three months is a small investment when you realize that this will change everything for you and your riding going forward

    3 .  Your Position

    I know, again, so basic we often forget.  But your position is vital if you are to be understood correctly by your horse.  You can talk and talk until the cows come home.  Your aids are how you speak to your horse.  However, if you are in the wrong position, you will either not be heard, or be misunderstood.
    There are a few basics you can adhere to.  The simple ‘lines’ is always a great way to quickly assess how you are doing.  So too is the ‘Click Your Fingers Rule’.  Simple but powerful.  However, it is when things begin moving, that I find most riders really begin struggling with their position.
    Work on assessing your position as you prepare yourself and your horse for an upcoming change.  Associating a quick ‘check’ of your position to your half-halt is one way of ensuring this is working for you. 
    Notice where you struggle to maintain your position.  And realize that bad posture is a position issue.  Work on ways outside of the saddle that you can use to strengthen what is going on when you are riding.
    Your communication will always be ‘jumbled’ as long as you are struggling to carry yourself in the saddle. 

    4 .  Begin Assessing Your Horses Way Of Going

    The reason so many riders never really graduate on from being a novice rider, is often because they are unsure as to what they are moving on to.  Where is the conversation going to?  This is especially true if they have no ambition to compete, sell or jump their horse.
    Developing the horses way of going is a really worthwhile project for all riders.  
    I feel that, regardless of how ‘novice’ you are, if you approach things with a sense of how it is impacting the horse, you will find the transition from passenger to rider a far smoother one. Start small with something noticeable and easy to recognize such as rhythm.
    Questions like ‘if I apply this aid, does it have an impact on my horse’s rhythm in trot?’ are really valuable questions to begin asking yourself when in the saddle. 
    You are never too ‘green’ to take how your horse is going into consideration.  I also find that this encourages compassion in riders as well.  ‘Oh, my horse doesn’t seem to enjoy that’.  Or, ‘gosh, when I lean like this my horse responds by doing this’…
    Once you begin thinking this way, it will inspire you to up your game where your riding is concerned.  It will motivate you to do ‘uncomfortable things’ to really show up as a better version of yourself in the saddle.

    The Coming 3 Months in Your Riding

    I am going to challenge you, today, to choose something and create a project around it for the coming 3 months.  Whatever today’s date is, as you read this, simply go on three months – and there is your ‘finish date’.  Allow all of your rides between here and there to move you in some way towards a specific outcome or goal.
    This is also possible if you are only riding once a week.  Do some literal ‘home-work’ before each ride so that you have a better idea when you are in the saddle of what is happening.  
    You can also work on your physical and mental conditioning over the 3 months as well.  What limitations are you setting for yourself, whether intentionally or not?  Are there patterns that may be served you in the past, but are now holding you back from moving forward?
    If you would like more help with this, I am going to suggest considering joining me inside of the Returning to Riding program.  You can find out more about it HERE
    Happy Riding
    Lorna
  • Which Type of Rider are You?

    Which Type of Rider are You?

    I believe that every rider or equestrian can be put into one of two categories. I know, a pretty big generalization!  However, from working with thousands of riders, I have yet to meet someone who does not fall into one or the other.

    [smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1124-Which-Type-of-Rider-Are-You.mp3″ title=”Which Type of Rider Are You?” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”There are two types of riders in the world; which are you?” hashtag=”equestrian #podcast #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Knowing which category you fall into will help you to get clear on what your ‘next step’ is when it comes to developing your skills as a rider.  I have named the two different types of riders as being either:-

    1. Passengers
    2. Influencers

    You see it all comes down to your focus when you’re in the saddle. You can easily figure out which of the above you are by noticing where you are focusing your attention in the saddle for the majority of each ride. Is the focus on you or is it on your horse?

    Passengers

    Riders who are focusing on themselves and what they are doing fall into the first category. I call them passengers. You are a passenger if you find yourself thinking about your heels or your hands the majority of the time while riding.

    ‘Are my heels down?’. ‘Why can’t I sit up straight?!’ ‘How can I keep my thumbs on top?!’ are just a few examples of thoughts that may be flying through your mind if you are a passenger in the saddle.

    When you’re a passenger, your predominant thoughts will be around ‘what am I doing and how can I make myself continue to do that’.

    The Passenger’s Horse

    Horses that are being ridden by passengers are, for the most part, just ‘carrying on’. They are not being asked too many questions, other than to go or stop. Slow down, speed up and turn. The rest of the time they are left to their own devices.

    These types of horses allow you the space you need to really focus on you and what you are doing in the saddle.

    They are dependable, reliable and an absolutely essential part of the ‘horse riding journey’ for all riders. By them just ‘carrying on’, you get to begin working on the parts that you ‘need’ to put on autopilot when it comes to your riding.

    Passenger’s hosers are not really ‘working’ when they are being ridden. They are rather doing what they do so that you have this vitally important opportunity to focus on you in the saddle.

    By giving you this space, you can build more of your aids and put more things on autopilot. You are building to eventually having real ‘feel’ in the saddle.

    What are Passengers Working On?

    Passengers are working on the basics when they are in the saddle. Their position is a big part of their focus and requires effort in order to remain consistent and effective. They are also working on their aids. Usually the more obvious aids.

    If you are a passenger, you are learning the basic building blocks that will begin to develop your skills as a rider.

    How your horse is going is not really important. You just want him to ‘go’ when you ask him to and to stop or slow down when you ask him to. You’re not too concerned about how well he is going and how well he is using himself in each gait. Right now, the fact that you can get him into a trot and he stays there is all that really matters 🙂

    And this is exactly what you need right now in your riding journey. All riders have been here at one point or another and I would strongly suggest remaining here until you feel comfortable and confident enough to begin shifting your focus.

    Influencers

    The second group of riders is those that I refer to as ‘Influencers’. These riders are spending the majority of their time in the saddle focusing on their horse and how their horse is going. In order to do this, they obviously have to pay attention to their own actions and aids.

    However, it is all about the cause and effect their aids have over their horse and their horse’s way of going.

    If you are an ‘influencer’, you have already put a lot of the basics on autopilot in your riding. You no longer have to think about your heels being down, or your lower leg shooting forward or backward. Your position is consistent for the most part and you move with the horse with ease.

    At this stage in your riding, a lot of the application of your aids is like performing experiments. You do things in order to see if it has an effect on the horse and if that effect can be made more positive by tweaking things.

    The Influencer’s Horse

    Your horse can be anywhere on the training scale, it doesn’t really matter to you. What matters is that you are working together to develop and grow in your riding and training. Many influencers find themselves with younger or green horses. Horses that they have committed to ‘brining on’ and developing.

    Many influencers also ride more experienced horses. In this case, both horse and rider are working together to reach the next level on their riding journey, be that competitively or just in their relationship together.

    Whichever level your horse is at, when you are an influencer you predominant focus is on being able to develop your horse’s natural skills and talents each time you ride.

    You are committed to being a positive influence on your horse’s way of going. Sometimes you may have to revisit the basics, but you realize that this is a natural and normal part of the riding journey.

    Creating a Plan for Your Riding

    I really feel that the first part of creating a plan for you and your riding is figuring out which type of rider you are. Are you an influencer or are you a passenger. This will then allow you to work on exercises that will help you get results.

    Asking a passenger to help develop their horse’s overall straightness will be frustrating and even dangerous for both horse and rider. Asking an influencer to focus on their heels or legs will result in equal frustration for that rider, resulting in the horse experiencing the same.

    Knowing which type of rider you are will also help you to make better decisions around the type of horse you are working with and riding.

    The Type of Rider You Are Matters to Your Horse!

    One of the more common reasons for riders to reach and then remain stuck on a plateau in their riding progress is due to riding the wrong horse. It is frustrating for both horse and rider when this happens. It is also essential that the riders figure this out and make necessary changes!

    Some horses are just not suitable for ‘Passenger’ riders. They often don’t have the confidence to ‘stay going’. They become worried and anxious if the rider bumps about and becomes unbalanced. Sometimes, they can even be a little naughty or become frustrated with such a rider and they openly let their feelings be known!

    The same applies when we are looking at suitable horses for ‘Influencers’ in the saddle. Horses, just like us, have their likes and dislikes. They have areas they are talented in and other areas where they just don’t enjoy or excel at. Meaning that no matter how much the rider wants to develop them, they just won’t or can’t reach the riders expectations.

    Part of being a ‘team leader’ for you and your horse is being open to the fact that you never were or no longer are a good match for each other.

    So, Which Type of Rider Are You?

    Knowing which type of rider you are will help you to become really clear on what your next steps are in your riding journey. You will know where to focus your efforts and it will help you to feel more comfortable with where you are at that exact moment.

    Knowing which type of rider you are will also allow you to make any changes to remove things that have possibly been keeping you stuck.

    Remember, hard decisions are just that; hard! But often they are essential if you and your horse are to be happy and begin enjoying riding again.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other episodes & resources to help you with your riding:-

  • Overcoming a Plateau in Your Horse Riding Progress

    Overcoming a Plateau in Your Horse Riding Progress

    Overcoming a Plateau in Your Horse Riding Progress

    It is inevitable. All riders find themselves there at some point in their riding journey. The point where progress stalls and the comfort of the plateau is no longer what they are looking for. Recognizing that you are feeling a little stuck is the key to making the necessary changes to ‘unsticking’ yourself. The key to starting working towards progress again.

    [smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1122-Overcoming-Plateaus-in-Your-Riding.mp3″ title=”Overcoming Plateaus In Your Riding Progress” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Feeling stuck with how well you are doing in the saddle? This will help…” hashtag=”equestrian #podcast” twitter_username=”strides_Success” ]

    Before we dive into this topic, I just want to point out that this happens to all riders. It is absolutely inevitable. If you were never to reach a plateau, you would burn yourself out and become exhausted with the constant ‘effort’. However, remaining there leads to feelings of boredom and ‘same old, same old’.

    A Plateau is Often Necessary

    I love hiking. I especially enjoy it when there is a sizeable hill or mountain involved. One of the reasons is because I feel that it ‘tests’ me a little. There is a climb. The discomfort and effort involved in actually moving up to where I want to go. And then there is the feeling of relief and accomplishment when I reach the next plateau. The plateau almost compliments the climb necessary to get there.

    Horse riding is very much the same. There are feelings of discomfort when you’re learning something new. The feelings of ‘gosh, maybe I should just turn around and go back to where I was comfortable’. The doubting. The necessary focus and concentration. Your ability to ‘dig deep’.

    Learning something new is like climbing. It has the potential to be uncomfortable; until it isn’t. And this the plateau. The ‘new normal’ in how you communicate with your horse from the saddle.

    But, just like actual hiking, the initial relief that reaching the plateau brings will soon be replaced with wanting more. And that is where you must begin ‘climbing’ or learning again.

    Is it You or Is it the Horse?

    So once you have established that you may just be on this plateau a little longer than you planned, you need to begin creating a plan or a route to get you moving again. The first part of this is figuring out who is actually holding ‘the team’ on that plateau? You or your horse?

    There is a whole group of riders who will point a finger at the horse. However, there is another group who will put their hand up and realize that they are actually the issue…

    If you feel that it is your horse, I want you to first take a good hard look at your leadership skills where your horse is concerned. Often we can be skilled riders but lack the ability to lead the team forward. Remember, as your relationship with your horse develops, you must allow him more responsibility for his own actions. This requires you to allow your horse to make mistakes. Your job is simply to correct and then stand back and allow again.

    Sometimes, it is really the horse that is holding you both on that same level. The horse has reached his full potential in that area and will truly struggle to go further. If this is the case, I feel that it then becomes your responsibility to find a new partner to continue on your journey with.

    It is unfair to continue to ask your horse to go further when it is clearly not enjoyable or possible for him to do so. This, again, requires leadership qualities.

    When You Realise You’re the ‘Sticking Point’

    Where do you need to begin working on yourself? Is it your leadership skills that require attention? Perhaps it is your riding skills. Maybe coordination is an issue for you. Or timing. Maybe it is that there are simply ‘gaps’ in your riding knowledge. Pieces and parts that you missed along the way.

    I find that most riders are struggling with having the ‘gaps’ in their overall knowledge. This can show up in knowing what to do, but not understanding why you are doing it.

    Knowing what to do is great when you have a ‘textbook example’ to work with. For example, asking for the transition into the canter. However, when things don’t go quite to the book – as in your horse won’t canter – what then? This is where knowing ‘why’ you are doing what you are doing comes into play.

    I have firsthand experience of this myself. When I was younger and riding ponies, it was usually focused on the outcome. If we reached B, we were happy. However, later when I began riding and competing horses, HOW we reached B became far more important. Particularly if we wanted to then go on to C and D and E and F…

    I am passionate about this now when I’m working with riders in the arena and online. I feel that it is important for them to understand ‘why’ they are doing something, rather than just ‘how’ to do it.

    Starting to Climb Again

    Once you have identified why you are stuck on that plateau, you can begin the task of climbing again. Learning what you need to learn. Or developing whatever it is that needs to be developed. Now, often there are a few things that need to be tackled together in order to reach the next level.  However, naming them is key to making it happen.

    And, let’s be honest, it is going to feel uncomfortable again for a while. That is what climbing to the next level requires. However, the discomfort won’t last forever. There will be another plateau soon.

    A system will help you to stay on track and continue to make progress. For many riders, this is having a trainer to help them.   However, you can do this without a trainer as well. The key is to notice what is working and what’s not.

    Often when we begin something ’new’ or ‘different’ we try lots of different approaches. We throw the spaghetti at the wall and hope something sticks! Success comes when we begin to take notice of what is sticking and do more of that.

    Self Doubt is Normal

    Once you are back on the climb, you may notice yourself thinking ‘why did I start with this’. ‘Maybe I should just go back to where I was’… Firstly, know that you can. You can always go back – but to what end? I strongly believe that if you can simply accept that there will be periods of discomfort while you ‘climb’, your approach will change.

    It is always easier to bear something when we know there is an endpoint. Your next plateau in your riding is your endpoint when you are feeling discouraged on the climb to the next level.

    And keep in mind that once you reach the next level and have given yourself time to enjoy it there, you will soon begin feeling those feelings of ‘what next’. This is your signal to begin looking for a new climb for you and your horse.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other episodes and resources to help you with your riding:-

  • Having Realistic Expectations for Your Riding

    Having Realistic Expectations for Your Riding

    Having Realistic Expectations for Your Riding

    So what do you expect to happen when you mount up?  Very often we can have either unrealistic expectations of our horses.  We can also find ourselves having negative expectations; usually not intentional, but they happen!

    Horses are great at living up to expectations.  However, they do have to be realistic.  Expecting your horse to perform difficult movements when we have not taken the time to build a solid foundation is unrealistic.  It is these unrealistic expectations that trip so many riders up. 

    In fact, unrealistic expectations are one of the biggest reasons riders fail to make progress with their horses.

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1114-Having-Realistic-Expectations-for-Your-Riding.mp3″ title=”Having Realistic Expectations for Your Riding” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”What do you ‘expect’ to happen when you get into the saddle? ” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    The conversations with your horse begin with the conversation going on in your head.  Your conversation with yourself.  So many riders create stories to explain why things are the way they are.  We do this with all the elements of our lives.  The unfortunate fact is that a lot of these conversations can be really limiting. 

    How You Think of Yourself in the Saddle

    How you feel about your abilities as a rider will influence your plans with your horse.  These plans can be actually written down plans, using a pen and paper.  Or the plans in your head that you make before each ride.  These plans can go in two very different directions.

    The first is the ‘this is going to be great’ route.  This is where you have seen or experienced something and you wish to replicate it in your upcoming ride.  

    You feel good and confident about being able to make it happen.  You find yourself thinking about how good it will feel to actually see it happening with your horse in the ride.  It is a positive feeling.  You feel excited and eager to get into the saddle. 

    The second is the ‘this is not going to be too great at all’ route.  This is where you have had or seen something negative happening and relate it to your upcoming ride. 

    ‘I feel off last week, I’ll probably fall again’.  Or ‘my horse struggles with that transition, today won’t be any different’.  The feelings as you mount up are usually negative.  You may feel anxious, worried, nervous, fearful, or just plain bored!  

    You might also feel like this is ‘deja vu’.  The same 30 minutes in the saddle repeating itself over and over again. 

    Your Expectations Shape Your Approach

    The key to beginning to use your expectations as a tool to help you in your riding is to notice them, to begin with.  How are you feeling as you tack up or mount up?  What are you expecting to happen?  What is your mindset like going into the ride?

    Noticing how you are thinking and feeling about each ride will allow you to begin changing your approach.  By changing your approach, you now have the power to change the outcome. 

    If you jump fences with your horse, you will already know how important a good approach is.  A slight or minor change in the approach to a jump has the potential to change the whole outcome.  The same applies with most things, both in riding and in life.

    Getting clear on what you want to make happen – and then tailoring your approach towards that outcome puts you in a much better position to achieve it. 

    Again, if you regularly jump you will know that wishing, hoping and praying will sometimes get you over the fence; but all results are going to be hit and miss.  They are left to chance.  Working towards improving your approach will begin to see you increase your success rate.  

    Putting on Your Blinkers

    If you have ever been to the race track or watched racing on the television, you will probably have seen a few horses with blinkers on.  The blinkers are to help focus the horse.  Help them run their own race, rather than being distracted by all the commotion going on around them. 

    Your expectations can be like ‘blinkers’ for you and your horse. They will help you focus and stay on track with your riding.

    By becoming really clear on what you are working towards and then being open to making adjustments in your approach to get there, you will put yourself in a far better position to actually reach your goals. 

    Setting Realistic Expectations

    So a few weeks ago, I sent out an email all about expectations.  I received a reply which I feel actually represents so many riders around the world.  It went a little along the lines of “I watch videos about riding, and I feel really positive going out into the arena.  However, after thirty minutes of riding, we leave the arena feeling frustrated because it didn’t work.  I had the same ride I always have.”

    The long and short of it was that they didn’t agree with me regarding expectations.  They felt that setting expectations were only serving to set them up for disappointment when they were not reached.

    This is where being realistic with your expectations is really important. Can you really explain what you want to your horse to do in a way that he a) understands and b) can realistically do?

    In order for your expectations to help you make progress in your riding, they have to be realistic.  Asking a three-year-old, just backed, horse to perform a perfect half pass is unrealistic.  Regardless of how many videos you watch, the books you read and the prayers you offer up!  

    Making Adjustments Along the Way

    Once you have chosen a realistic expectation for you and your horse which represents where you are at that moment in your journey together, you can begin making it happen.  Things can be planned out.  Some riders make the plans on paper, some do so in their heads before they ride.  However you choose to do it, I want to point out something that is true of almost all plans…

    Your plans will have to be adjusted along the way.  Your approach will have to be ‘monitored’ and ‘checked’ regularly in order to reach your expectation.  

    Think of jumping again.  You can choose the best line in the world.  A great approach.  As you begin moving towards the fence, however, you may find that the balance shifts.  You have to make an adjustment, immediately and as you are still on the approach, in order to get you both back on track to meet that jump as you want.

    The ability to make adjustments and be supple in your approach is key to actually turning your expectations into reality.

    Life Happens…

    When we put this into practice, you will find that life will throw you curve balls every now and then.  Your horse may become lame or lose a shoe.  Your work requires more hours or travel that was unexpected or unplanned. Your child or partner gets sick and needs your time and attention…  The list is endless when it comes to potential things that can derail our plans. 

    The key to making your expectations a reality is accepting these things are going to happen.  

    Allowing yourself to become frustrated will not move things forward.  In fact, it will only serve to move you backward.  Look at how you can adjust your plan to fit in with whatever is happening.  Maybe 30 minute rides 5 days a week have to become 10-minute groundwork sessions 2 days a week for a few weeks.  

    Another obstacle that has the potential to throw you off course is either you or your horse not developing as quickly as you thought.  If this is your particular frustration; I’m going to suggest taking a deep breath…

    Why do you want to achieve the goal?  I’m sure it has a lot to do with something around building a better relationship with your horse.  

    This is true if it is a groundwork, a flatwork or a jumping goal.  So, how can you explain things better?  How can you feel more confident about understanding something, and therefore explaining it to your horse so he too can understand and follow through?

    Creating Your Expectations

    So, what are you expecting to happen the next time you get into the saddle? Are you setting both yourself and your horse up to reach those goals?  

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Other links and resources to help you on this topic:-

  • Having a Plan for Each Ride

    Having a Plan for Each Ride

    Having a Plan for Every Ride

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

    • Understand what inside and outside are when it comes to your aids
    • Take the confusion out of applying your aids correctly
    • Get started reframing how you think and apply your aids
    • Think and ride with your horse…

    Do you often find yourself in the arena, ready for action…  But without much of a plan for what that action will look like?! Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  In fact, this is the single biggest challenge faced by equestrians – and one that many don’t even realise they have to begin with.

    Riding for the sake of riding is great initially.  However, as time went on, you will inevitably find yourself wanting ‘more’ from your time in the saddle.  That ‘more’ can be achieved by developing your relationship, both ridden and on the ground, with your horse.

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1102-Having-A-Plan-For-Each-Ride.mp3″ title=”Having a Plan for Every Ride” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Do you find yourself wandering around the arena, unsure of what to do with your horse? This will help…” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Developing yourself as a rider rarely just happens by magic.  In order to really begin feeling excited and inspired to ride, you need to have something specific to work towards.

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast you will learn why I believe a plan for your ride is the key to really keeping the fun in your riding.  You will also find out how I suggest you go about creating a simple plan.  You will also  and how to follow it. 

    Every Plan Begins with an Intention

    My Mam always told us growing up that common sense is not all that common.  Case in point when it comes to a plan.  It seems like basic ‘common sense’ to begin with an intention – and yet, so many riders (including myself) often fail to do this.

    Creating a plan from nothing, towards nothing, is practically impossible!  It makes sense that if you know where you are and where you want to go, a plan can be made to get you there. 

    Your intention is the where you want to go part.  What is it that you want to, ideally, achieve?  Is it a feeling?  Perhaps it is a specific movement or exercise.  It may be a certain level of responsiveness or suppleness.  A new movement communicated and understood.  The options are endless.  What is important is that you take the time and choose one.

    Choose a specific intention for your ride.  Then use it throughout the whole interaction between you and your horse.  

    Using this Intention Through the Whole Interaction

    Riding is a conversation between horse and rider.  However, this conversation actually starts long before we ever get into the saddle.  It begins on the ground.  This is why having a set intention for your ride, before your ride, is so vitally important.

    Allow your intention to set the tone for the whole period of time you spend with your horse each and every day 

    This intention will colour your interaction with your horse while you groom.  While you tack up.  And later, while you cool down and untack.  This will help to give your whole session with your horse a specific feel or tone.

    It will help you to both focus and connect with each other before, during and after the ride itself. 

    Spend Time Thinking About & Planning Your Warm Up

    This intention will flow through to your warm up as well.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your warm up is separate from the exercises you will ride later.  I see time and again how riders waste this important opportunity to really get their horse aligned with their intention for the ride.

    Focus on how you can create a seamless transition from your warm up into the ‘exercise’ part of your ride.

    Your warm up should support the upcoming exercises.  Spend some time observing other riders in their warm up.  So many will have a routine they do, day in and day out.  Which is great if this is a tried and tested plan that helps to get them both in the best possible physical and mental space for the upcoming schooling…

    Not so great if this is a run of the mill ‘walk two laps, trot two laps on each rein and canter a circle or two!  If an observer can see where your warm up ends and where the ‘schooling’ begins, you & your horse can definitely feel it!

    Blend elements of your upcoming schooling into your warm up.  Support the tone you have set before mounting up.  Allow the intention to carry through into the actual ‘ride’.

    Review, Review and Review…

    Think about this; how can you know if something is working, if you fail to look back and actually check?!  It sounds so simple.  Too simple actually.  But spending time reviewing how things actually went, will allow you to ‘course correct’ in the future.

    Noticing what needs work will allow you to build a library of exercises on things that you and your horse actually need to work on.  

    These exercises can then help you to begin planning out your rides in a way that will really and truly move you both forward.  It will allow you to move forward, together.

    Simple Exercises Done Well

    Choose exercises that are simple.  Now, keep in mind that simple and easy are two completely different things.  Simple means that you don’t need dozens of poles.  It also means that you can use the same exercise, but add small variations.

    Variations on a group of simple exercises will allow you to focus on different aspects of you and your horses training; without constantly having to coming up with new, fancy exercises!

    Creating a library of simple exercises will allow you to pull one out of your back pocket when you find yourself in need of an idea or two.   You are now prepared for the days when things don’t go to plan.  Having already identified exercises that will benefit you and your horse will ensure that you are consistently moving forward in your riding.

    Progress Requires Planning

    The long and the short of making real progress in your riding is that there has to be some sort of thought out plan in place.  If you have a trainer, coach or instructor they will do this for you.  However, if you are working alone, it is up to you to do the planning.

    I suggest investing thirty minutes of so, once a month to this process.  Making it an enjoyable thirty minutes, will help ensure you get around to doing it ;)

    I have more detailed articles on this which I will link to below.  Planning does not have to be complicated or difficult.  It just takes a little dedication and consistency.  When applied, you will begin to reap the benefits in your riding.

    A little effort on your part upfront, will ensure that those days of wandering aimlessly around an arena become a thing of the past for you and your horse. 

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

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

    Daily Strides Premium

    Each and every month inside of Daily Strides Premium I host a live ‘Review and Planning’ call.  In there, you will go step by step through the month that was.  You then take that information and begin planning out the coming month.  When you will ride.  What you will work on.  And of course all aligned with your goals for you and your horse.

    Do you need to be competing? No!  Do you need to have competitive goals or ambitions? No again!

    In fact, I love working with riders who just ‘enjoy’ their horse; helping them to build and strengthen their relationship.  No competitions necessary ;) 

    Couple this with the live Q&As and the members only private group ~ we are here to help you remain accountable as team leader for you and your horse.

    All of the trainings are easily accessed using your phone, meaning that you can take them with you where ever you are going.  These trainings and so much more are available for you immediately when you join Daily Strides Premium. Find out more HERE