Strides for Success

Tag: training

  • 5 Reasons You’re Struggling with Lunging – Part 2 Your Horse

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1350-5-Reasons-Your-Struggling-with-Lunging-Part-Your-Horse.mp3″ title=”5 Reasons You’re Struggling with Lunging Part 2 – Your Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    If lunging is just not working for you and your horse, there is a whole element that you are missing out on when it comes to your training and your work together. In the previous Daily Strides Podcast episode and post, I spoke about 5 ways that you, the person lunging, might be struggling. In this post, I want to explore this from your horse’s perspective.

    Riding is a team sport, lunging is the same. If your horse does not understand the concept, the questions, or the expectations around lunging, he will struggle… And you will most likely as well!

    Here are 10 reasons that your horse might be struggling with lunging and why this is blocking any progress for you both in using this method in your work together.

     1. What’s a Circle?!

    For so many horses, up to the point where we introduce lunging, they have always worked with either their ‘rider’ beside them or on their back. So it makes sense that standing 6 or so meters or yards away from them is a completely new concept! Couple this with the idea of staying on a consistent track, or circle… It’s easy to see how things can go wonky! Corners are cut, horses turn in, or drift out…

    Your horse needs to understand that even though you are ‘further away’, you are still asking questions and expecting certain responses from your horse. This will take time, consistency, & patience on your part. 

     2. Consistent Rhythm & Balance

    Many horses become familiar with their rider’s always being there to ‘correct’ things. However, when working on the lunge, your horse must now begin to take responsibility for maintaining and correcting himself a little more.  Add to this the challenge of being on a constant bend or curve! Also keep in mind that this can be due to a lack of development or fitness if young, green, or coming back to work after a break.

    Is your horse struggling with maintaining a consistent rhythm or tempo, or is regularly unbalanced while working on the lunge? If so, it’s important to give him time to understand how to begin taking more responsibility for this himself. And to develop physically and mentally. 

     3. Doesn’t Understand Your Aids

    So often we ‘think’ or ‘assume’ that everyone understands everything we say or mean – only to find out that they don’t! Lunging, just like riding, is about communication. And your horse, just like you, needs to learn what everything means and how to communicate this way together.

    If your aids are unclear, misunderstood, or contradictory, lunging will not happen the way you want it to! Take time to explain your aids and check that your horse understands them.

    4. Anxiety around the Whip

    I’ve spoken about this in the previous post, how often riders are misusing (whether intentional or not) the whip while lunging. Unfortunately, many horses already have anxiety about the whip due to past experiences with other riders, so this may not be your fault. help your horse to understand that a whip is a tool to either ‘point things out’ or ‘extend your aids’.

    If your horse associates the whip with a negative experience, rather than removing it from your training,work on desensitizing your horse to it. It’s neutral. And in your hands, it’s not going to hurt him. 

     5. Too Much or Too Little Energy

    The final challenge we will cover today is either the lack of forwardness or motivation some horses tend to have. Or the rushing, overly excessive energy other horses have when working on the lunge. Both will make it extremely difficult to create quality work. And both will require your horse to think and act differently going forward.

    Just like riding, relaxation is a key requirement for you and your horse when lunging. And when it comes to horses, relaxation is another way of saying ‘managing tension’. The right amount for the current focus and job.

    Help Your Horse Enjoy Lunging

    Our horses can’t ‘talk’ to us. They often communicate through their behaviors. It’s important to take the time to try and understand why your horse is reacting or responding the way he is. When you can figure out what’s going on, you can help him to understand lunging.

    Addressing any of the struggles that show up will require clear, consistent communication, patience, and commitment with time to building your horse’s confidence and understanding. This way, lunging can become a really helpful part of both of your journeys.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on this Topic:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Question:- Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination

    Question:- Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1306_Question_Is_there_Any_Hope_for_a_Green_Horse_and_Green_Rider_Combination.mp3″ title=”Question:- Advice for a Young Horse and a Beginner Rider Combination” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

    On the face of it, pairing a young horse and a beginner rider can seem like a great idea.  Both get to learn and grow together.  However, this is not a partnership I would intentionally advise anyone to get into.  When you have both horse and rider in the same boat, lacking knowledge and experience, it can create some ‘interesting’ detours on the training journey!

    I received an email from a listener of the Daily Strides Podcast asking for advice about this exact situation. 4-year-old gelding and a beginner/novice rider.  I do think that every situation is different and, in this particular case, I feel that this can work – if the right approach is taken.

    One of the biggest challenges riders come up against in this situation is loss of confidence.  This is in themselves, their abilities, and in their horse as well

    In this episode, I give my opinion on what to do in this particular situation.  This rider is fortunate to have a trainer that they work with and this plays a big role in how I answered this question for this particular rider.  However, if you find yourself as a beginner rider and working with a young or green horse, I do hope that you will find a nugget or two in this episode to help you as well.

    Get Your Question Answered

    All horse and rider partnerships are unique.  It is important to keep that in mind when seeking advice or following advice that is not tailor-made for you and your situation.  If you have a question about your riding or your horse’s training, send me an email, lorna [at] stridesforsucess [dot] com.  And I will answer your question here on the Daily Strides Podcast as well.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other Resources to Help:-

  • Today’s Riding Plan for You and Your Horse…

    Today’s Riding Plan for You and Your Horse…

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1269_Todays_Riding_Plan_for_You_and_Your_Horse.mp3″ title=”Today’s Riding Plan for You And Your Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Step by Step ‘what to do today’ for exercising your horse” hashtag=”horsepodcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    “So, what are you planning on doing today?”. It’s a question I ask at least 5 or 6 times a week to different riders.  And, let’s be honest here, so often the answer is not all that great! “I’m not sure.  We’ll see when we start working.”  If that’s you right regarding your next ride with your horse, I am giving you ‘the look’!  The look I reserve for riders who say they want to achieve and do all of the things… But they continue to wing it when it comes to their training and their responsibilities as the trainer for their horse.

    So, rather than just moan, I am going to give you a step-by-step riding plan today that you can follow so you can truly make the most of your next ride with your horse :)

     1. Pick a Filter While Tacking Up

    Now, this may seem a little random, but if this plan is going to work and actually help you and your horse in your riding, you MUST do this part. So, what’s a filter?  This is the overall theme or intention for your session together.  There are many things that this could be, it will really depend on where you are in your training and what you and your horse need right now.

    A few examples of ‘filters’ for your riding are:-

          • establishing and maintaining correct relaxation throughout
          • developing suppleness through staying ‘on track’ (no falling in or out)
          • increasing responsiveness to a split second (I ask, and she/he responds appropriately)
          • improving accuracy in the timing of my aids
          • refining my aids so all become more subtle
          • cleaner transitions
          • maintaining rhythm before and after transitions
          • improving self-carriage and better contact

     

    The list is endless as to what you want to focus on.  However, it is absolutely essential that you choose something to focus on.  Otherwise, you will just be riding through the motions aimlessly.

    Click here to subscribe

     2. Riding Plan; Minutes 0 – 10

    This is the warm-up.  If you’re really keen to improve things, you will actually have completed a quick ‘stretch’ of your own body BEFORE jumping into the saddle.  But, either way, the goal for the first 5 to 10 minutes is to get the blood flowing in your horse’s body and your body.

    How long you spend warming up will depend on your situation. Some horses need longer and this will depend on many factors. When in doubt, go longer! 

    While warming up, use the time to begin ‘syncing’ your movements to your horse.  Focus on identifying when each of your horse’s hind legs is moving, and where, and notice how this feels in your seat. This will become very important later.

    Also, work on moving forward and, during the second half of this warm-up, begin ‘fine-tuning’ the responsiveness between you and your horse. 

    For this warm-up I suggest:-

          • Walk 2 circuits of the arena on the left rein
          • Walk 2 circuits of the arena on the right rein
          • 20m circle – x2 in the walk on the left rein
          • 20m circle – x2 in the walk on the right rein
          • BEGIN PICKING UP MORE CONTACT WITH YOUR HORSE
          • Walk a figure of 8
          • Go large again on the left rein
          • Walk to halt to walk transitions (10 strides walk to 3 seconds of halt)
          • Change rein across long diagonal
          • Again, walk to halt to walk transitions (10 strides walk to 3 seconds of halt)

     3. Riding Plan; Minutes 10 to 15

    From here, in your riding plan, you can begin to work in trot. I always like to start off in the rising trot (posting to the trot). I feel that it gives both horse and rider more of an opportunity to warm up and begin working together. Focus on both your rise and your ‘fall’ (the ups and the downs).

    When in the rising trot, keep the idea in your head that you are ‘creating space’ under your backside and saddle for your horse’s back to move into. Keep your movements as light as you can…

    Also, remember to keep the energy and thinking moving forwards. Rather have things a little ‘sloppy’ initially but with the energy of ‘forward’ and then tidy it up later as you really begin to engage and work.  Looking for everything to be polished from the start often leads to the energy becoming ‘stuck’.

    So, in rising trot, you can ride a:-

          • 20m circle x3 on the left rein
          • go large on the left rein
          • change rein across the long diagonal
          • on the right rein ride the short side and up the long side of your arena
          • 20m circle x3 on the right rein
          • go large and then at A or C begin a three-looped serpentine
          • on completion go large
          • change rein across the long diagonal
          • track large on the left rein
          • at A or C ride three looped serpentine

    Click here to subscribe

     4. Riding Plan:- Minutes 20 to 30 (or 35)

    Once you are warmed up, this is where you can begin to transition into the ‘work’ part of the session.  This is where you will ask specific questions, and look at what happens as it relates to your theme or focus for the ride.

    So, for example, if the focus was on maintaining rhythm before and after transitions, you can begin asking for intentional transitions between trot and walk, walk and halt, halt and walk, walk and trot, and trot and canter. By working up and down the scale between the different ‘gears’ with a specific focus on maintaining rhythm, you will work on improving each transition you ride or ask for.

    I suggest keeping the exercises as simple as you can; rather let the focus be on the quality of the work.  I also think 2 to 3 different exercises are more than enough during this part of the training. 

    So, you could ride the previous ‘layout’ again, but this time adding transitions or lateral work, or whatever movements you feel will help you reach your intended outcome or goal. The key is having something planned BEFORE you reach this part of the work.  By building to something intentional, you will be more inclined to use the warm-up as a base.

    Remember, there shouldn’t be a marked difference between ‘end of warm-up’ and ‘start of training’. They should just blend together and flow from one into the other. 

    So my suggestion for this part of the ride are:-

          • 3 to 5 minutes on exercise 1
          • A short break for you and your horse
          • 3 to 5 minutes on exercise 2
          • A short break for you and your horse
          • 3 to 5 minutes on exercise 3

     5. Riding Plan:- Minutes 35 – 45

    This is where you transition into the cool-down period.  Now, sometimes, depending on what you are working on, there may be a very definite ‘stop work’ part of your ride.  This often happens if you have been jumping.  You will ride the final exercise, grid, or track, and then finish ‘working’.

    However, if you are working on flatwork, you can actually make more of a gradual transition into the cool down and ask for more stretching from your horse.  Many riders will associate this type of transition with working ‘long and low’. That is also okay. And remember, just like when you were warming up in the trot, think about allowing ‘space’ for your horses back underneath you.

    During the cool-down, you may find that moving out of the arena can help your horse to mentally ‘finish up working’. This can also be helpful for the rider.  

    Regardless of what you choose to do, the goal here is for your horse’s heart rate to return to normal and for him to stretch things out a little.  I also find that this is a great time for the rider to reflect on the training session and make mental notes of what was important.  Of course, all of this information will then be recorded in their riding journal… Nudge nudge!

    1269 - Today's Riding Plan for You And Your Horse

    Adapting This for Your Horse

    Now, obviously, this plan must be adapted for your horse and the level of training he is comfortable with.  This plan assumes that your horse already has achieved a certain level of fitness and is working at a certain level in his training.  Unfit or very young/green horses should not be worked for long periods; slow and steady wins.

    Using this basic riding plan, you can begin to tweak it as needed so that you have a clear focus for working with your horse. It will allow you to focus on the quality of the work, rather than worrying about what you have to do! 

    Make sure you record how it went so that you can begin to see patterns over time. This will further help you to discover what works for your horse – and you.  You will also begin to see what needs to change regarding your training sessions.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Click here to subscribe

    More on this Topic:-

    More Training & Support

  • Making the Most of Time with Your Horse

    Making the Most of Time with Your Horse

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1267_How_to_Make_The_Most_of_Time_with_Your_Horse.mp3″ title=”Making the Most of Time with Your Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”How to make the most of 15, 30 or 60 mins with your horse” hashtag=”horsepodcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    There are certain times of the year when circumstances mean you can find yourself with either more or less time with your horse. December, August, and April are just a few that pop into my mind.  Some riders find they have more time, and other riders have significantly less! It just depends on your unique circumstances and situation.

    What is key to remember is that whatever side of the time conundrum you find yourself on, making the time with your horse count is important. Especially if you hope to continue to move forward in your training together.  Can you really afford to lose a month of training – and set your momentum back to zero?

    So, to help you get this all figured out and continue to grow and develop your skills as a rider, here are a few ideas on how you can make the most of your time with your horse. However much time that happens to be for you.

    15 Minutes or Less

    Oh yes, there is so much you can do in 15 minutes (or 5 minutes) with your horse.  The key is to think about the time difference.  My ‘go to’ training method when time is short is to focus on the groundwork.  It requires absolutely minimal equipment – so no ‘getting ready’,

    The key to making the most of time, especially when it is short, is to have a clear goal for what you want to achieve in that time.

    Things such as a square halt, a turn on the forehand that remains in rhythm, working over some basic ground poles for coordination and suppleness, or rein back are just a few things that can be worked on and accomplished in a short period of time.

    When you only have a few minutes, ask yourself the question “What can I ask my horse to do, while I’m on the ground beside him, that will move our training forward?” 

    15 to 30 Minutes

    Now, for many riders, this may still seem like a bit of an impossible feat; we all know how fast 30 minutes can go by, right?! However, again, if you can become REALLY intentional with what you are doing, you can achieve so much in that time with your horse.

    Now, a lot of what you do with your 30 minutes will depend on how your yard is set up…  If you have to walk 10 minutes just to catch your horse from the field, well, that has to be factored in.  If your horse is already in the stable or stall and waiting for you, you have a lot more options.

    I find that the most effective way to train my horse in 15 to 30 minutes is through lunging. However, this is only effective if I have a clear focus for the session…

    So, again, having a plan is key to making the most of this time with your horse.  Think about it, if you can combine 10 minutes of groundwork (as your warm-up) with 15 minutes of lunging… You have just had a fantastic training session with your horse – and you still have 5 minutes for hugs and kisses ;)

    30 Minutes to an Hour

    Okay, so once we get to the point where we have a little more time, we can begin thinking about riding. Yes, you can ride if you have 30 minutes, however, I find that it usually ends up feeling rushed and stressed.  Not a great feeling when we want to model being present for our horses! So, I prefer to wait until I have a little more time before I will actually tack up and ride.

    Depending on the length of time I have, I will choose something relevant to focus on.  Remember, you also have to allow for both your warming up and your cooling off.

    This means that if I want to work on maybe canter or jumping, I will do these on the days when I do have a full hour.  On the days when I have 40 minutes, I might rather work on lateral work, bending and suppleness, or contact. Things that I can do quite a bit of the work in walk and trot, which then means that the cool down and ‘aftercare’ won’t take as long.

    Over an Hour…!

    Finally, those special days when I have all the time in the world – well, sort of!  These are the days I plan bathing, massage, walking together, a long luxurious groom… As well as riding and maybe some groundwork or lunging as well.

    Alternatively, I find that these longer sessions are great for getting out of the arena and ‘exploring’ with my horse. There is no hurry, meaning that we can spend time ‘greeting’ any of the scary things we come across along the way.  Unrushed and feeling calm.

    I think all riders have a running list of ‘things I would love to do with my horse but need more time for’.  The only way you will actually get to do any of these things is, again, planning in advance! 

    Planning Time with Your Horse

    As I have been preaching for years, the only way that you will really begin to see improvements in your riding and your relationship with your horse is by becoming intentional.  As I said at the beginning, we all have times and periods when our usual routine or schedule doesn’t apply.

    In order to continue to move forward with your horse, make sure you are planning for these times, so that you can continue to develop with your horse.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on this Topic

    More Training & Support

  • Safely Including Jumping in Your Horse’s Training

    Safely Including Jumping in Your Horse’s Training

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1266_Safely_Including_Jumping_In_Your_Training_Program.mp3″ title=”Safely Including Jumping in Your Horses Training” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Safely getting started with jumping” hashtag=”jumping #horse” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Whether you enjoy jumping or not, the fact of the matter remains… When approached correctly and consistently, jumping can greatly benefit both horses and riders in a long-term training program. Even if there is no intention of actually ‘jumping’ competitively. And this is true regardless of discipline, training level, and experience.

    When introduced the right way, and then strategically used jumping is a great way to add diversity to the training – and physically and mentally develop the team.  

    So, here are three simple ways you can get started and begin using jumping this week in your current training program with your horse. And, keep in mind, nothing has to be ‘higher’ or ‘bigger’ than 30cm (12 inches), deal? ;)

    Exercise 1 – Pole on the Ground

    This is exactly how it sounds, a simple pole on the ground between two uprights or ‘wings’.  Now, if you don’t have any fancy uprights, you can use pot plants or something else to create the ‘wing’ for your ‘jump’.  Poles on the ground are a great way to include jumping in your horse’s training – without the risk of injuries.  They also allow both you and your horse to develop your abilities and confidence before tackling a ‘pole off the ground’! ;)

    Focus on the line you take and make sure it remains straight before, over, and after the pole.  Pay attention to the rhythm on the approach and the get away from the pole as well. 

    The line is important as this will begin to ‘train’ both of your eyes to ‘see a line’.  And the ability to ‘ride a line’ is vital in all forms and disciplines when training horses and riders. Notice the turn onto the line; are you overshooting it, or maybe undershooting it?  And what about the getaway from the jump? By consistently using jumping in your horse’s training you will develop greater rhythm and flow to your overall ride.

    Work over your pole on the ground in walk, trot, and canter. Then begin to add more poles to your ‘track’. Test your ability to stay on the track and maintain rhythm between the poles. 

    Exercise 2 – Working Over a Cross Pole

    Who doesn’t love a nice cross pole?!  They are so helpful, inviting, and friendly to both the horse and rider. Cross poles come in all sizes.  From the center of the jump (the cross) being just 15cm (6 inches) in height, to the center being closer to 90cm in height (3 feet).  Regardless of size, most of the benefits remain the same, which is what makes this a super addition when including jumping in your horse’s training.

    A crosspole will help to develop you and your horses straightness further by inviting you both to the centre of the jump. 

    When you couple this with your training over the poles on the ground, it will allow you and your horse to really being developing strength and suppleness.  Cross poles also ‘seem’ smaller or lower than uprights. It makes me laugh how often a rider will happily jump a 45cm (18 inches) cross pole, but balk at riding an upright of the same height! Looks can truly be deceptive when it comes to cross poles, which is why they are great for building confidence.

    Focus on establishing a rhythm before the approach, such as on a 20m circle. Then work on maintaining that rhythm as you ride the straight line to your crosspole.

    Then work on your straightness after the fence. And finally, transition onto another 20m circle – this one on the other side of your jump.  The goal will be to keep the same rhythm and forwardness throughout the exercise. Simple and can be worked over quite a few times without the risk of injury, and effective :)

    Exercise 3 – Adding Another Fence

    Have you ever noticed how your interactions with your relations, in general, can often encourage (force) you into growing and developing as a person?! True story! Well, jumps that are related to each other can do a similar thing for you and your horse.  They encourage you to take what you have and what you can do and then develop it further.

    The key to safely adding another fence when using jumping in your horse’s training is to figure out what your horse is comfortable with right now. How much ground does he comfortably cover each canter stride…?

    Comfortable is a keyword here. Yes, later in your training you can use distances that don’t quite suit your horse to ask him to lengthen or shorten.  However, when you are just getting started with introducing jumping to your horse’s training, it is vital that your horse decides the distances.

    Again, start with a cross pole to a single pole on the ground.  Find out what distance really feels comfortable for your horse.  Then begin to build the pole on the ground into another cross pole. Once you and your horse are happily and comfortably jumping the two fences, you can begin to refine what you are doing. The options are endless here.  And the key is to build slowly.

    Try Some Jumping in Your Horse’s Training

    So, regardless of what your chosen discipline is, working over small fences can really help both horse and rider improve their connection and their training. From developing more feel for timing, to actually trusting each other more, riding over fences can be an amazing experience for all involved.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More On This Topic:-

    More Training & Support

  • 3 Mistakes when Purchasing an Online Horse Program…

    3 Mistakes when Purchasing an Online Horse Program…

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1265_3_Mistakes_when_Joining_an_Online_Equestrian_Course_or_Program.mp3″ title=”3 Mistakes Riders Make when Purchasing an Online Horse Program” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Before you buy another online equestrian course or program…” hashtag=”equestrianpodcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    There are times each year when special offers are just an inevitable part of life. Right now is one of those times; I can only imagine how, right now, your inbox is full, full, full, with all of the things!  And some of those things, online horse programs, are just so, well, darn good… Right?

    Hmmm… Maybe too good?!

    I think that most of us would agree that knowing how to discern ‘all of the things’ when it comes to online horse programs and courses can be a bit of a fine art.  Particularly when you’re not an expert on the topic of the course or program you’re interested in, maybe, investing in.  And this is true for most of us.  After all, we are not going to spend time and money on knowledge or training on things we already are well versed in! 

    So, in the hope that I can help you a little with all of the decisions regarding what’s ‘right’ for you and your horse…  Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 common mistakes I see riders make.

    1. Purchasing Before You’re Ready

    This is a trap that A LOT of riders fall into…  Making purchases for where they want to be – rather than where they actually are.  And before this raises too many eyebrows, please understand that I am all for making progress and developing all of the things.  That is not what I mean. 

    In this case, purchasing before you’re ready is a little like starting school at age 4 in a class filled with 12-year-olds – who’ve all been to school for all of the years.

    Yeah, things are not going to align or match.  A lot of online horse programs and courses will tell you ‘No Experience Necessary’… Hmmmm…  In my experience (a little meta, I know), a little or a lot (depending on the situation) of rider experience is often the very thing that changes EVERYTHING for riders…  Good or bad.

    My advice is to be honest with where you REALLY are at this point in your riding journey.  And with your current resources and how available they are; time, money, help, etc. 

    2. Expecting a Fairy Good Mother

    It’s always wonderful to think that the solution is as simple as just buying the course or the online horse program.  Wonderful, but completely unrealistic.  Horse riding just doesn’t work like that.  I see many riders become so swept up in the euphoria of actually ‘buying’ the online course or program, that they forget this is just the first step.  Now they have to go do the work! 

    I think it’s important to see the purchase as being Step 1 on the journey… A journey that will include a whole lot more steps as you do the work and apply the training to your riding. 

    Making the purchase is making a commitment to you and your horse.  I think creating something to help you fulfill that commitment is really important.  With online courses or programs, it can be so easy to say the initial ‘yes’ and then let the weeks and months slip by without ever logging on or engaging with the training. 

    Let the first thing you do when you invest in online training be to create time and space in your schedule to begin working through the content. And implementing the training in your riding. 

    3. Not Suiting Your Learning Needs & Style

    I’ve been creating online training for riders since 2013. That translates to many online horse programs and many riders taking them. And, throughout these 9 years, I have created a lot of different types of models or programs. And I have been part of a lot of ones as well.  I’ve noticed that a big part of success comes down to being in the right ‘type’ of program.  

    Trying to do everything won’t work. It will only lead to overwhelm.  But figuring out the key elements that help you to feel supported while working through the training, and then looking for programs that offer that – Gold! 

    Things like accountability, whether it be group or individual, structured or more loosely applied. Also the delivery of the training. This can be done via email, logging into a website, YouTube, a private podcast, Fb Group, Voxer, Telegram, or all of the other ways your course can be delivered to you. Is there a structured time frame, or a more flexible ‘self-study at your own pace feel to it?  Time and access to the trainer may be another big consideration.

    You will know what you need in order to flourish. Make sure you purchase programs or courses that will offer or provide this for you, depending on what you want most. 

    Why an Online Horse Program At All?

    So after reading or listening to all of this, you may be wondering ‘why would I buy an online course or program?’.  And, this is where I think that you may be missing out on a big part of the puzzle.  I am a firm believer that as riders, we should try to create our own style when it comes to working with our horses. And I think one of the best ways to do this is to find bits and pieces of things you like – and blend, blend, blend!

    When you get to learn from someone online, a person who you potentially may never ever meet in person, you get to add more to the blend that creates your personal riding style. 

    And this is especially useful if you have other things in your life that prevent you from hopping all around the world, trainer to trainer ;)  I really do believe that 99% of online equestrian coaches have something wonderful to offer.  The key is to make sure what they are offering lines up with what you want and need in your riding at that moment in time.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More On This Topic:-

    Support in Your Riding Journey