Strides for Success

Tag: time

  • Train Your Horse in Twenty Minutes or Less

    Train Your Horse in Twenty Minutes or Less

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    Time, or the lack thereof, is often the number one thing that keeps riders from training their own horses.  And while time is an essential part of the puzzle in order to develop and grow your horse successfully, often we overestimate how much of it we actually need.

    In fact, one of the reasons riders often don’t have enough time to work with their horse has more to do with a lack of planning and less about a lack of time.

    So, if you are currently in a season of your life where time seems to always be against you and your horse working together… I have a solution.  Firstly, plan your sessions (more on that just now). And then begin looking for more ‘quality’ and fewer quantity ways to train. 

    Lunging is the perfect solution for riders who want to use the little time they have available to continue working with their horse.

    Why Is Lunging Perfect?

    When you lunge your horse correctly, everything improves.  I realise that is a pretty big statement.  And I also stand by it.  However, the key word in that sentence is ‘correctly’.  To be clear, I am not speaking about running your horse in endless circles for 20 minutes.  That is not lunging.

    Correct lunging allows you to engage with your horse in a meaningful way. It is also quick and easy to get going with when time is short.

    With very little ‘specialized’ equipment needed, it is also a cost-effective addition to your skill set as a rider and trainer.  And remember, if you are working with your horse, you are a trainer.

    Within 5 minutes you can be in a lunging space and working your horse; lunging is that simple.

    Short, Quality Work Sessions

    Lunging is also a perfect choice for those days when time is short due to how much can be achieved in a relatively short space of time.  When we ride, there is a considerable amount of time needed to firstly prepare both your horse and yourself.  From there, there is often a longer warming-up period and a cooling-off period.  And then there is the ‘work’ itself in between.

    When lunging, you can begin ‘working’ while warming up. This can be as simple as refining your aids and your horse’s responsiveness.

    Then, because you can clearly see and gain feedback on what is happening with your horse, you can move forward more quickly with different concepts and training. For example, you will be able to actually see the half-halt at play in your horse’s movements.  And by knowing that it is effective, you can ask more questions immediately.

    Removes Any Rider Issues

    One of the reasons lunging is so effective in a much shorter period of time is due to the rider not being ‘on board’.  As riders, we really can underestimate how much influence we have over our horses when in the saddle.  And how negative a lot of this influence can be!

    When you give your horse the space to figure things out himself, while still using your aids to communicate and guide, it makes sense that you’ll both progress quicker.

    From riders hunkering down into the half halt and causing hollowness instead of lightness.  To riders tipping or tilting to one side or another causing balance issues.  And, of course, the often ‘wonky’ coordination that riders often experience with their aids.

    Lunging gives you the space to really become clear on your aids, and your horse the space to understand those aids and respond without hindrance.

    Train Your Horse 20 Minutes or Less

    Finally, the original reason I suggested lunging; it is a fantastic tool when time is short.  Whether you do ‘5 a side’ or ‘7 a side’, you can really focus on what you want to achieve and make it happen.

    The key to successfully using lunging in your training program is to actually plan what you want the outcome of each session to be.

    The sky’s the limit when it comes to what you can work on when lunging your horse.  Responsiveness, forwardness, transitions, half halt, lightness, pole work, rhythm, suppleness, collection, straightness, self-carriage, contact, etc., etc.

    What is there going on in your riding or training that needs more clarity or more development? That can more than likely be worked on while lunging.  By creating a set intention for each session, you can continue to train your horse – even when time is short!

    If you would like to find out more about getting started on lunging, you can download a free training HERE

    Happy Lunging

    Lorna

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  • Stop Wasting & Start Investing Your Time with Your Horse

    Stop Wasting & Start Investing Your Time with Your Horse

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    We are all guilty of wasting time at some point or another in our day to day lives. However, I want to challenge you for 1 month to NOT waste any more of your time with your horse. Riding for the sake of saying you rode is a waste of time. Clocking in the hours is not the same as being productive with those hours.

    And if you have stopped riding or you’re not riding as much as you ‘want’… Could it be that the riding you were doing was ‘wasting time’ rather than working towards something that really inspired you?

    Change is Okay & Maybe Necessary

    As I write this we are getting ready to begin the final month of 2020. The official year of the curveball. December is always a time when most people do a little review of what was, and begin planning goals for the new year.

    I personally don’t think you have to wait until the official end of a calendar year to do this, meaning if you are reading this in July 2021, apply this now!

    The world as a whole has changed so much recently, is it possible that the goals you set for yourself and your horse in December 2019 might need to be tweaked? Or even scrapped? Has this year benefited you regarding focus and identifying what is a priority? Or has it left you feeling uncertain about anything?

    I want you to read or listen to this with an open mind. A clean slate. And I would love it if you could set some goals with that same openness and readiness to start new and fresh if necessary.

    Your Time with Your Horse…

    Start with putting into actual words what makes you happy when you’re with your horse. What do you enjoy doing? Not what you ‘think’ you should enjoy doing… Only what you actually love to do and could potentially spend all day every day doing with your horse. Maybe it is groundwork. Trail riding? Practicing transitions. Grooming your horse’s tail (my personal favorite at this moment in time).

    If every interaction with your horse feels tiring, heavy, fear-filled, anxious, or any of those more negative emotions, I am going to bet that you are working on and towards the wrong things for you as a rider.

    So often we learn to discount our feelings regarding what we like and what we don’t. We have been trained to do what we don’t want to do in order to reach some goal. And yes, sometimes you will have to participate in some ‘uncomfortable’ moments in order to stretch and grow yourself. But EVERY SINGLE RIDE should not feel like that.  Your time with your horse will can be as enjoyable as you want it to be.

    The ‘hard stuff’ should be sprinkled in between the ‘good stuff’. If your average ride feels the other way around, it is up to you to change it.

    Old Goals – Permission to Drop Them

    I have been guilty of ‘carrying over’ goals from one year to the next regarding riding and life in general. The thinking is that “I didn’t achieve or reach that ‘yet’, so I’ll just bring it with me into the new year”. This is not a great strategy for success! And if you are also in the habit of doing this I am urging you to stop right now!

    Instead of automatically carrying goals from one year to the next, rather access what the reasons were for you not actually achieving those goals…

    If your goals were created by a previous version of you, is it possible that the current version of you is not really that into those same goals? Also, if your goals were created by someone else for you, is it again possible that they are not actually lighting you up when you’re in the saddle?

    Most goals that we don’t achieve or reach simply don’t align with our current values and priorities.

    Your Priorities & Values

    If I was to look at your actual schedule for the past month or 30 days, I’m going to see what you deem important right now in your life. And actual meaning what you really did – not what you wanted to or what you said you would do. This can be a harsh truth for many riders. It doesn’t need to be.

    Life has seasons. The key is to create riding goals that work with the current season you’re in.

    2020 has, for many riders, been an opportunity to get clear on what is really important. On what we want to protect and nurture when the proverbial fit is hitting the shan. Use this knowledge to help you create riding goals that work for you and your horse. Riding goals that support your current lifestyle, not steal from it or work against it.  Goals that allow you to make the most of your time with your horse.

    Get clear on what you value on your life. What comes first regarding your energy, your time and your focus. And what is non-negotiable.

    Work Towards Goals that Count

    From here, I strongly suggest figuring out what time you actually can spend on your riding. Again, make sure that this fits in with your current schedule and lifestyle. Use each interaction in a way that will move you closer to the goal that you have set.

    Remember to build fun into your training program. With your specific goal, what can you do once or twice a week that is fun for both you and your horse?

    This will help you to keep things fresh, keep things aligned, and keep you both interested in the job at hand. I believe that one of your greatest responsibilities as a rider is to ensure that your time with your horse is happy and productive for everyone.

    If you would like more help with this process, join me inside of Connection, my monthly membership for equestrians. In there I will help you to make the most of your time in the saddle.

    Intentional riding = investing your time in your own wellbeing, health, and your skills as a rider.

    Be intentional

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Resources on This Topic

  • 4 Ways to Work Your Horse When Time is Short…

    4 Ways to Work Your Horse When Time is Short…

    4 Ways to Work your horse when time is short

    As I write this, it is that time of the year. The clocks have just gone back here in Ireland. It is dark by 5:30 pm each evening. It is still dark at 7:45 am each morning… And we have close to two months left until the official shortest day of the year. Meaning things are only going to get darker between now and then.

    [smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1120-4-Ways-to-Work-Your-Horse-when-Youre-Short-on-Time.mp3″ title=”4 Ways to Work Your Horse when You’re Short on Time” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Struggling to fit riding into your winter months? Here’s 4 ways to make it happen for you and your horse…” hashtag=”equestrian #podcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    In the top half of the world, Winter has come! And with it, a complete lack of daylight, warmth and ‘perfect riding weather’. This means that riders have to begin changing their approach slightly if they are to still keep moving forward with their riding.

    Couple this with upcoming holidays and the Christmas season, flexibility is the name of the game for riders this time of year.

    So how do you keep your riding moving forwards when your riding times are shorter? And when your actual number of days in the saddle each week possibly changing week on week? Taking a different approach is the answer. I am going to give you 4 different options you can use to work with your horse, that take either lack of time or bad weather into account…

    1 . Lunging

    I personally believe that every rider in the world can benefit from learning to lunge correctly and well. It is something that is so easy to get started with. And, even better, your riding skills do not have a whole lot of sway over your lunging skills.

    Meaning you don’t have to be a ‘great’ rider in order to have a huge positive impact with lunging.

    This is a topic that we have covered many times here on the podcast and I am going to give you links to all the relevant episodes and resources I have created for you.

    2 . Groundwork

    The true bookends to every ride you will ever have. Groundwork is worth investing time into improving as it is something you do every single time you interact with your horse. It is also great for when the weather is less than ideal for riding. When you are confined to a smaller space, even if that space is a stable or barn.

    I am going to suggest starting with something you do every time you’re in the saddle; halt.

    The quality of your halt can be dramatically improved before you ever get into the saddle. Work on the pressure and release concept on the ground. This then allows you to refine something that is the foundation of how you apply your aids in the saddle.

    I have spoken about groundwork a lot in previous episodes. Here are the links to those episodes and other resources I have created for you about groundwork.

    3 . Massage or Desensitising

    Wet, cold weather often makes us want to settle in. Get nice and cozy and leave the weather outside! Well, you can do this with your horse as well, kind of! Massage is a great way to really bond or connect with your horse. It helps to build trust in your relationship with each other.

    Massage is also a great way of using rhythm as you prepare to ride to improve the ride itself.

    It promotes relaxation. You get to really learn what every inch of your horse’s body feels like. And, your horse gets to do something with you that doesn’t require any effort from him. He truly gets to enjoy the interaction between the two of you with little to no demands on him.

    Here are some resources I have created to help you get started with this.

    4 . Long Lining or Long Reining

    This one is probably the most challenging to get started with if you have never done it before. The reason is that two lunge lines double the chances of you becoming knotted up! However, I also feel that if you are confident on the lunge with your horse, you can potentially begin looking at long reining or long lining your horse.

    Long lining is great as you see things from a completely different perspective. It allows you to really see if there are issues with straightness, over or underdevelopment and suppleness.

    The other great thing about long lining is that you don’t need a huge amount of space. And, assuming you’re not into running, it is all done from a walk. This cuts down on the chances of having a slip in wet weather and heavy impact on legs in dry, hot weather.

    Again, you can find a ‘getting started’ guide for long lining at this link:-

    Lack of Time can be an Opportunity

    The change in season and scheduled does not have to spell the end to work with your horse. It is simply a matter of becoming a little more strategic with regard to what you are doing in the yard. Use this as an opportunity to try something you have not tried before.

    Remember, a change is often as good as a rest when it comes to routine. It is up to you to make that happen.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    CLICK HERE TO BEGIN SUCCESSFUL LUNGING OF YOUR HORSE TODAY

    Resources to help you with your riding journey:-

    For more information visit the links below

  • Making Time for Horse Riding

    Making Time for Horse Riding

    How many times a week do you ride on average? I know only too well how ‘life’ can just get in the way. How other things just seem to crop up and demand your attention.

    In fact, I have seen how even with a scheduled riding lesson, most adults find it difficult to keep that appointment in their calendar. This is often due to unforeseen circumstances. It leads to feelings of frustration in all involved parties: the rider, the instructor, and the horse.

    Making Time for Riding

    Let’s have a quick look at a few action steps you can put into practice today that will increase your chances of actually getting to the barn and into the saddle more often.

        1. Schedule time with your horse
        2. Make that time non-negotiable
        3. Pack and plan ahead
        4. Ask for help if necessary
        5. Keep motivated and inspired
        6. Set yourself a goal or challenge

    So let’s go through each of these in a little more detail.

     1. Schedule Time for Horse Riding

    We all have a schedule, whether it be in our heads, in our journals, or on our phone, p.c, iPad. Each day there are certain things we have to get done, our tasks. The thing is, we will often put aside other projects in favor of those which we prioritize. In order to make your horse riding a priority, you need to begin to fit it into your schedule. This is so that other ‘less important’ things can work around it, and not vice versa.

    Remember when you are scheduling your time for horse riding to allow for all of the things.  The drive to and from the stables, tacking up, warming up, cooling down. Also the general care of your horse.

     2. Make This Time Non-Negotiable

    Now, this can often be difficult for us to do, particularly if we have other responsibilities elsewhere.  Family, business, work, all demand both time and energy from us.  However, making time for yourself and something you enjoy is also an important part of continuing to show up for the other things. Particularly if you want to do well and be of greater service to these other areas of your life.

    Block out the time on the office calendar, there is no need to tell others what you are doing with your time. Switch off your phone or, if you really do need to stay in contact, put it onto ‘Do not disturb’ or ‘Silence’ mode. You can then monitor who you speak or communicate with within that time block.

    Lastly, assess every so-called ‘Emergency’ that you have to deal with. Often, these things are only taking your attention and focus from your goals, in order to facilitate someone else’s agenda.

    I realize this sounds a bit uncaring initially.  However, trust me!  Once you begin to really give thought to what is an emergency and what can wait two or three hours without the world ending, you will begin to notice a feeling of freedom. It will also give you a sense of more control in your life.

     3. Pack and Plan Ahead

    This is a no-brainer, but it often surprises me how many people fail to do this. Pack your riding gear the night before. Then either put it in the car or by the front door to pick it up as you leave. Have your tack cleaned and ready to go, again packed and waiting. Always have a raincoat or jacket in the car if necessary, as well as your helmet and gloves.

    Boots are another thing to have prepared. In fact, depending on where you live, you could keep a pair of Hunters or similar in the boot of your car at all times. Then, even if you forget your actual riding boots, you are still good to go! The other thing that I recommend packing ahead is a snack or food.

    Often, after a busy day at work we feel tired and hungry… Those feelings being to put those ‘oh I will just ride tomorrow’ thoughts into your head! Be prepared for it!

     4. Ask for Help if Necessary

    Often, no matter what we do, we still cannot seem to make enough time available to do everything. All of the things that we feel are expected of us. You need to begin accepting this and looking for ways others can help you.

    For example, bringing your horse in from the paddock and tacking up. This takes time that perhaps you don’t have. Ask your barn manager if they can perhaps have your horse in and ready for you on certain days and times. They will probably charge a small fee; remember now their time is being spent, not yours, which makes this fee only fair. Or, ask your spouse or partner to arrange to cook dinner two nights a week… Even have take out once a week!

    Begin to look at your schedule with a fresh perspective for things that you are currently doing, but which others could easily do for you… Then ask for help!

     5. Set Yourself a Riding Goal or Challenge

    I know, it sounds often childish (memories of my parents playing the “Go fetch my shoes…. I’ll time you!” come rushing back!). But, it often works. There are some great Apps that you can download and use. Now, while not actually for horse riding, they work the same.

    Nike Running allows you to set challenges that are supposed to be completed under your own steam, running. But, this app can easily be used for riding, allowing you to clock your ‘workouts’ time-wise and set goals to spend a certain amount of time in the saddle each week. You can also get the Equestrian Fitness Challenge that I have created. You can use it while you ride to help keep you accountable, moving forward.

    I also have a free riding planner you can use HERE.  In there you will learn how to take one exercise and make it work for a month in your riding.

    The most extreme ‘challenge’ that I can imagine is actually entering you and your horse into an event or competition. The date is set, you have spent the money… Great motivation to get to the yard and into the saddle!

     6. Stay Motivated and Inspired

    This is different for everyone. What inspires one person, can turn the next person off completely! Sit down at some point over the coming days and try to recall what makes you excited and eager to get into the saddle. Then look for ways to incorporate more of this into your daily life.

    Whether it be reading your favorite magazine, watching the showjumping on the T.V, beautiful photos of dressage on Pinterest… Whatever floats your boat!

    Often the challenges or goals that we spoke about in point 5 are enough to make us jump up out of bed each morning, rearing to go. But more often than not, we need a little extra something to help keep moving the ball down the field or the horse around the arena!

    Podcasts (like the Daily Strides Podcast) are also a great way, as you can listen to them while you make the journey to work or the barn, imagining what you will do when you actually ride, creating excitement all the way.

    Another idea for creating motivation to ride is cleaning your tack!  Seriously… How well does it feel to ride your beautiful horse, all kitted out in pristine tack?  The little things :-)

    Make Time For Horse Riding This Week

    Have you any helpful tips or ideas that our other readers can use to increase their time in the saddle?  If so, we would love to hear about them in our free online community for equestrians HERE.

    I am also going to add links to other episodes and blog posts on this topic below.  They will help you create more time for horse riding in your life. 

    So, take some time today. Review your schedule and look at where you can take more time to invest in yourself and your horse!  You will both thank you for it!

    Happy Riding

    Additional Resources for Equestrians

  • Everything Takes Time and Persistence

    Everything Takes Time and Persistence

    The following text is an excerpt from a business coaching resource I created for equestrian business owners. Time and persistence, when coulpled in the right way, will help entrepreneurs overcome most challenges.   If you would like help with your business, you can reach out to me privately on Instagram, @lornaleeson.

    “The important thing to remember here is that everything takes time.  EVERYTHING!  Looking at any situation as a monumental leap from here to there will often seem impossible. However, breaking it down into smaller pieces, makes it seem much more manageable. Perhaps dividing it into two years, and then again chunking it down into even smaller pieces, quarters.  From here, breaking it down into months, weeks and lastly days…  Well, now anything can become possible!

    Big Desires & Goals

    Let’s look at this situation another way.  As I write this I am sitting on my farm in South Africa.  Let’s say I have a goal or desire to get back to Ireland (my home country) for a visit.  I can have a look on a map and see the vast distance between S.A and Ireland. Paying attention to all the land and sea (mostly land) between here and there!

    In doing so, I could easily decide that it is far too vast a distance for me to ever cover. And so, never even start the journey. 

    And looking at it like that, taking action and stepping outside my front door here on the farm seems a little useless.  Just imagining Ireland, from my perceived reality right now; yes, it is a MASSIVE distance.

    Leverage What You Have

    However, I have options.  Depending on how I decide to go about getting ‘home’, I could start today. And within 24 hours or 6 months, I can be there (all going to plan!).

    The quickest way to achieve that is by having the necessary cash on hand to purchase a plane ticket.  Yes, I will still have to drive the hour to the nearest airport.  From there, catch the first flight, transfer at another airport, catch the second flight. And then transfer again at a third airport. Then, after catching the final flight, I will depart that third plane in Ireland! All in less than 24 hours than when I began my trip.  In this case I can leverage money.

    No Money? Leverage Time & Effort…

    For many entrepreneurs, a lack of money is the perceived thing holding them back.  However, there are other things you can use if funds are not available. Time and persistence will help you leverage these things.  Let’s go back to my initial goal of going to Ireland, but this time without available cash for a plane ticket.  I could if I wanted, set out on foot tomorrow morning.  Plotting a trail up through Africa, crossing the Mediterranean Sea into Europe. And, after crossing Europe, catch a ferry to Ireland.

    It would take me longer.  And it is riskier journey and path to follow.  There will probably be the odd twist and turn, some leading me in a direction away from my desired destination…

    But after 6 to 8 months, a very exhausted, but far more learned and experienced me, would arrive in Ireland.   It is the longer route.  And it is a far riskier way.  Definitely not for the faint-hearted!  Most importantly it would involve me using all my resources, contacts, skills, and knowledge.  However, it is doable.

    Time and Persistence

    This is how you should look at your journey from where you are with your business to where you want to get your business to.

    If you have money available to spend, you can use it to ‘buy a plane ticket’ . This will move you faster from A to B.  But, if you don’t, you can also use what you have right now.  You will achieve the same results, but with a little more time and energy.

    Chunk it down.   Break it into smaller ‘stages’.  Divide those into smaller pieces. And finally, you will be left with the ‘steps you can take.  One by one.  Use both time and persistance to get you to your desired destination.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Resources for Equestrians