Strides for Success

Tag: video

  • Your Riding Breakthrough Might Just Be One Perspective Shift Away

    Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the “right things” in the saddle, but your horse just doesn’t seem to get the memo? Maybe they won’t go forward. Maybe they cut in on the circle. Or maybe they find creative ways to avoid what you’re asking.  It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

    Here’s the thing: so often the problem isn’t the exercise itself. It’s the perspective you’re coming from. And in many cases, a simple perspective shift can be the very thing that creates your next riding breakthrough.

    Over the past few months of working with riders online via virtual live lessons, I’ve been reminded of this again and again. The smallest change in where you’re standing, how you’re sitting, or simply how you see yourself can open the door to completely different results with your horse.

    Today, I want to share a few stories from real riders (all working with me online through virtual lessons) that show just how powerful perspective shifts can be.  And how you can start using a perspective shift in your own riding and training.

    Things May Feel ‘Wrong’…

    A few weeks ago, I was working with a rider in an online lesson, and she was lunging her horse. Let me paint the picture… Her horse was doing what I call “going nowhere slowly.” You could call it ‘the shuffle’!  There was absolutely no forwardness happening; thinking, or doing! And not only that, her horse seemed to be just waiting for an opportunity to turn into the middle of the circle and stop working! This was apparent in both the actual lunging and also in the downward transitions.  And forget about asking for a halt on the track! She’d swing in, straight to the middle!

    The rider was frustrated. She was technically close to the “right” place for lunging, although sometimes getting a little ahead. And her horse had learned to take full advantage of that ‘little too ahead’ positioning!

    So I asked her to do something that felt completely wrong. I had her step way back. Almost as if she was about to long line.  And, I could see by the rider’s reaction that this felt uncomfortable and strange. But she stuck with it until everything began to click.

    From this different perspective, being further back, she could:

          • Send her horse forward more clearly – no more shuffle
          • Better keep her out on the track – less sneaky veering in!
          • Ask for downward transitions – mostly without her diving into the centre of the circle

    The horse began responding differently almost immediately. And when my rider watched the recording back later, she could see exactly what I’d been pointing out during the lesson.

    That new perspective cut out the wiggle room and made going forward the only option. It was a big training and riding breakthrough for this horse and rider.

    Why Perspective Shifts Matter

    Another rider I am working with online was struggling with her transitions into canter. Instead of her horse ‘stepping up’ into canter, her horse was just running faster and ‘falling’ into canter.  We had been on a few lessons together, and finally, we came to working on this. During this particular lesson, I kept telling her, “Sit up and wait. Your job is not to canter for the horse, it’s to ask and then allow.” But she couldn’t feel it.  In fact, I think she thought I was talking through my hat!

    So I asked her to watch the recording afterwards. That’s when she had her lightbulb moment. She could see her shoulders tipping forward and her body “chasing” her horse into canter.

    Once she realized this, the next lesson we had together, she was able to sit tall. She practiced ‘asking’ for the transition, and then allowing her horse to respond.  And, I’m going to be honest with you, the first few tries were messy because her horse was so used to being chased. But soon enough, I could see that her horse also had a ‘lightbulb’ moment. It was almost like there was a thought bubble above the horse’s head, “Oh, THAT’S what she’s asking for!”  Needless to say, the canter transitions became smoother, more balanced, and more relaxed after that :)

    When you’ve been doing something the same way for a long time, it feels right. Even if it’s not! That’s why these shifts often feel uncomfortable at first.

    But it’s also why they’re so powerful. They help to break old habits and give both you and your horse a chance to do things differently.

    Helping Your Horse

    Another rider I’m working with was struggling with balance and connection. Her horse felt heavy in front and uncomfortable underneath her.  On our live video lessons together, the problem was obvious to me: she was gripping with her knees. This perched her seat and ’tilted’ pelvis had left her clamped like a clothes peg!

    In the lesson, I had her work in a walk, making small adjustments in her seat and pelvis to release her knees. She immediately felt the difference. Her seat softened, her legs lengthened, and her horse started to move more freely.

    Watching the recording confirmed it for her: she could see exactly how much lighter and more balanced everything looked once she shifted her position.

    Again, this small change was the riding breakthrough she needed to unlock softness and balance.  Something as simple as how she was sitting, once pointed out and adjusted, had an instant positive influence on her horse’s way of going.

    All the training, school movements, and exercises in the world would not have made that difference. And it just took a different perspective to identify and transform the problem. 

    Is Your Horse Really ‘Acting Up’?

    I want to include one more rider’s story, as I feel that many times, we can incorrectly begin with the horse in trying to ‘fix’ or change things. Her experience is the perfect example of that. Her horse had begun stopping at small fences and grids. She thought the horse was being cheeky or ‘naughty’.

    Now, obviously, she had all of the things checked and had come to the conclusion that it was a training issue. She was right, it was… But the issue wasn’t with the team members she initially thought it was with! 

    When we got on our virtual live lesson together, the challenge became very clear, very quickly. My rider was jumping ahead of the horse! Each time she threw herself ‘forward’ and far too early, I could actually see her horse having a ‘Oh sugar, what now’ moment! He was losing confidence, and that, in my opinion, was the reason he was stopping or ducking out.

    We dropped the fences right down and began working on correcting her position (let’s ban the word ‘forward’ when it comes to jumping positions, shall we?!), and her being able to ‘wait’.  Adjusting both her position and her timing, at first, felt all wrong to her! She now thought that she was ‘left behind’! She wasn’t!

    But the change was almost instant in her horse. He looked confident and committed. No more running out.  And when she watched the recording of our lesson later, she could see the transformation with her own eyes.

    That’s what a riding breakthrough often looks like: small, sometimes uncomfortable tweaks that make a huge difference.

    Create Your Own Perspective Shift

    You can begin doing this work today. And, the best part? You don’t need any fancy or special equipment. All you need is your phone and a willingness to look.

    Step 1: Record Yourself
    Prop your phone up in the arena for just 5 minutes. No need to be fancy, this is for your eyes only.

    Step 2: Watch Like a Coach, Trainer, or Instructor
          When you replay it, don’t just admire your horse. Watch yourself critically, imagine coaching another rider.

    Step 3: Ask yourself a few critical questions
    Where am I positioned?
    Am I giving my horse the chance to say “no”?
    What’s my body really doing when I ask for something?

    Step 4: Make One Small Change
    Pick just one thing to adjust in your next session. Then record again and compare. Use the video as feedback, not judgment.

    Free Resource: Start Using Video Today

    Recording yourself might feel daunting, but it’s the simplest way to identify your blind spots. That’s why I created a free step-by-step guide to help you get started with just your phone.  What if recording yourself for 5 minutes could change everything?  Get the guide to doing this easily and effectively HERE

    I’ll walk you through exactly how to set up, what to focus on, and how to use the footage to improve your riding.

    Restart & Reschool: The Fast Track to Change

    Of course, sometimes it’s hard to see your own blind spots, even on video. That’s where having a coach makes all the difference.  Inside Restart & Reschool, I’ll work with you and your horse to help break out of frustration and into clarity. Get all the details HERE or at https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

    You’ll not only get live virtual lessons (like the riders mentioned above) and exercises, but also real-time feedback that helps you spot the small tweaks that lead to big results.

    Imagine stepping into 2026 with a horse who understands what you’re asking and the confidence that you’re on the right track.  That’s what Restart & Reschool is designed to do: deliver your next riding breakthrough.

    Your Challenge This Week

    Before your next ride, set up your phone and record for 5 minutes. Later, when you are reviewing your video, ask yourself:

          • What am I really doing here?
          • How is my horse responding to what I’m actually asking?
          • What one tweak could make this better?

    Then, the next time you ride, make the tweak and try it again, applying what you’ve learned from your new perspective.  You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More Resources & Posts on This Topic:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • What Your Videos Can Tell You (That You Won’t Feel in the Saddle)

    Ever feel like you’re doing everything right in the saddle, and still your horse is still resistant, crooked, or just not quite “with” you?  What if the real issue isn’t your horse… But something you’re not seeing in yourself?  As riders, we spend so much time thinking about how our horse is moving, how he feels, whether he’s balanced, supple, soft, straight…

    And yet, so often we completely forget about the other half of the team. Us. The rider. And how great an influence we have over our horses’ way of going.

    We’ll happily book the physio, the chiropractor, or the saddle fitter for our horses. But what if the real issue in the saddle isn’t your horse’s crookedness, but yours?

    This week, I want to invite you to look at your riding from a new angle, literally!  We’re diving into why video might be the key to discovering what’s really holding you and your horse back… And how you can begin figuring out if this is so on your very next ride.

    Riding Is a Team Sport

    I’ve been preaching this for YEARS now since I created the first 30-Day Rider Fitness Challenge back in 2016! Horse riding isn’t just about sitting pretty and steering. It’s an active partnership. It’s a physical and mental collaboration of your horse and you, working together.  And if you’ve been feeling frustrated about your horse being ‘wrong’. Maybe consistently crooked, resisting your aids, falling in or out, or struggling to strike off on the correct canter lead… And all regardless of how much training or schooling you put in… Well, there’s a good chance your body is influencing the issue!

    And let’s be honest, this is not the easiest pill for riders to swallow. It can feel confronting to recognise that we might be the ones making things harder for our horses. Especially as we are, hopefully, all about making their work enjoyable and fun for them!

    But rather than sticking your head in the sand and ignoring the issue, see this new awareness as a bit of an advantage. And when we add video, well, now you’ve got yourself a superpower!  

    Video Doesn’t Lie.

    Recently, I’ve begun to use video so much more in my groundwork and riding. And I can tell you firsthand that there’s something magical (and slightly terrifying) about watching a video of yourself working with your horse. I can now see so many things I’m doing – even while grooming – that can be improved, removed, or changed!

    Video removes the guesswork. And, when riding, it puts a spotlight on things you often feel, but can’t quite put your finger on while in the saddle:

    Maybe you see that you have one leg swinging while the other is still. Or your shoulders tend to collapse to one side. It could be uneven stirrup length (that looked fine before mounting)! A twist through your spine or pelvis. Your hands are not remaining ‘level’ or one is constantly turning (the dreaded knuckles on top!).

    These small things, these asymmetries, add up. Your horse feels every single one of them. 

    The most common thing I hear from riders after they’ve watched themselves back is’ “I had no idea I was doing that!”  Exactly!  And once you see it?  It can’t be unseen… And you now have the perfect opportunity to do something about it :)

    Professionals for Horse & Rider

    After working with riders from all over the world since 2013, and most have 1 thing in common: they’re happy to bring out every professional under the sun for their horse.  Massage therapists, chiropractors, saddle fitters, osteopaths… But when it comes to themselves?  Crickets.

    Some things can happen in the body that all the yoga in the world just can’t ‘fix’! Just like there are things with your horse that all the suppleness and bending exercises in the world won’t ‘cure’.  This is when a professional is needed! 

    And let me be REALLY honest with you here… If you’re crooked, tense, stiff, or compensating for an old injury, no amount of schooling is going to magically fix your horse when it shows up in him as well. This is because your horse is constantly reacting and adapting to you.

    So if your horse feels uneven, resistant, or uncomfortable. And you’ve done your due diligence with equine professionals, time, and correct schooling… It might be time to check in on you, the rider!

    Clues from Video That You Might Need Work

    So, let’s say this is resonating and you’re thinking ‘Yes Lorna, there are a few things that I just can’t seem to get to the bottom of”… I want you to go out and get a video of you riding. Once you have your video, you’re going to review it.

    Here are some things to look out for when you rewatch a riding video:

          • One stirrup looks longer, even though they were even at the start
          • The saddle consistently slips to one side
          • You collapse your ribs or shoulder on one rein
          • One leg swings while the other is stable
          • Your hands are uneven – or one bounces more than the other
          • You look like a handbrake through your lower back, blocking the energy

    This is not a complete list; there are so many ways this shows up. Ride circles on both reins and straight lines. Include transitions between gaits. And then watch what you’re doing… Keep in mind that none of this means you’re a “bad rider.” It’s just information that you now have to improve how you can show up in the saddle for you and your horse.

    We’ve all developed habits, compensations, and quirks over time, often from old injuries or daily life patterns. The point of the exercise is to identify yours so you can get professional help to ‘straighten things out’ ;) 

    Include Saddle Fit As Well…

    Another area I see riders disregard when it comes to how they are performing is how well the saddle fits. As riders, we can begin to almost obsess about how well our saddle fits our horse. And, yes, this is extremely important in the overall scheme of things.

    But a well-fitting saddle is not just about your horse. Your saddle needs to fit and support you as well. The saddle needs to fit both the horse and you. A piece of equipment that supports you both as you work together. 

    If the saddle is unbalanced, if the waist or twist is too wide, if the flap is too short or long for your leg length, or if the stirrup bars are in the wrong place for you… The result is a constant fight to achieve and maintain a good position and alignment. A saddle that doesn’t fit you well will cause the whole ride to feel ‘off’…  For you and your horse.

    A good saddle should support both members of the team. If it fits your horse but throws you out of balance,  that is a big problem that will impact everything

    How to Start Using Video Like a Coach

    So the first hurdle many riders fall at when it comes to video is overcomplicating things… You don’t need anything fancy to start with. If you’ve got a smartphone, prop it up somewhere and try to ride within the frame. If you have a helper, ask them to hold the phone and follow you around for a bit… And if you have a Pivo – well, you’re on the pig’s back ;)

    Set yourself a goal to record 5 minutes of a regular ride. No pressure, no fancy exercises. Just the normal day to day stuff you do when you’re working with your horse. 

    Then set aside time where you can, without interruptions, watch it back. Try to ride with the camera in mind so that you can rewatch with a few different angles visible, if possible. And if you notice that you’re not ‘even Stephen’ as you ride. Well, that is a good sign that you might need some ‘work’ ;)

    My suggestion would be to find a reputable professional, speak with them about what you have noticed, and ask if they could help ‘straighten you out’!  

    Finding a Professional for You

    This is your opportunity to book a bodywork session for yourself! Bonus points if the person you choose to work with has experience working with other equestrians or horses. I personally would almost always seek a chiropractor or osteopath first. This is just my personal preference. But there are so many other professionals who can help you here… A physiotherapist, craniosacral therapist, massage therapist, body worker… The list is endless. And that is without even considering acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, etc.

    Keep in mind that making and attending 1 or 2 appointments with these professionals is only the beginning of the journey to symmetry and straightness! The work is ongoing to improve and iron things out in the saddle. 

    This is where a dedicated pilates instructor for equestrians, or a yoga instructor, can really help you to develop symmetry throughout your body. A personal trainer who has a good understanding of riding can also do the same. My point is that just visiting someone once and expecting them to perform a lasting miracle is unfair to the person, yourself, and your horse. There’s always more work to be done!

    Remember, if you noticed something crooked or ‘off’ about your horse on the video, you wouldn’t hesitate to call someone in. Apply the same care and compassion to yourself.

    Hate Watching Yourself?

    Finally, let’s talk about the elephant in the arena.  Most riders hate watching themselves ride. They will come up with all sorts of reasons not to video and review their own performance. And I get it; it can be really uncomfortable!  You inevitably see things you don’t like. And you may need to resist the temptation to fast-forward through it. Or delete it altogether!

    But remember, you are 50% of the team.  And if you want to truly transition from being a passenger to being a ‘rider’, this is often necessary. Essential even!

    Yes, you might feel vulnerable. But do you know what’s on the other side of that mental discomfort? A straighter, stronger, and more effective you in the saddle. And your horse will thank you because you can finally stop drilling down on the thing that your horse was only doing to compensate for you anyway!

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Step by Step Video Today

    If you’re feeling motivated to get going with this, I’ve created a free resource you can use to make the most out of your videos. I will show you how to both get started and what to actually do when you ride to get the most out of your videos. This resource is absolutely free, and you can download it HERE

    Next time something feels “off” in the saddle, instead of just asking what’s wrong with your horse, ask yourself, “What might I be doing that’s making this harder for him?”. 

    Then get curious. Get courageous. And let video become your silent (but honest) coach ;)

    Ready to Dive Deeper?

    If this post is stirring something inside of you, and you’re starting to realise that the missing piece might be you (in the best possible way), I want to invite you to explore what it could look like to have support as you work through it.

    Restart & Reschool is a quarterly 13-week private coaching program where I work closely with riders like you to get clear, confident, and consistent in the saddle – by working with you just as much as your horse.

    If you’re curious, head to https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr for all the details and to join up. There are only 5 spaces available, so book yours today.

    Links to Similar Topics:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Video to Improve Your Riding & Training When Working Alone

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    Have you ever noticed how you instantly start riding better the minute you realize someone’s watching? Your posture improves, you become more precise with your aids… And suddenly there’s a whole lot more attention to detail! Now imagine having that same benefit, even when you’re riding completely alone…

    Good news: your new training partner is already sitting in your pocket. It’s your phone! And starting today, it’s going to completely change how you approach your solo rides.

    Here’s exactly how you can start using your phone and video to begin transforming your riding and training sessions today. Even if you’re on your own; no instructor, trainer, or coach the majority of the time.

    Ride Better When Someone’s Watching…

    I bet you’ve felt it. You notice someone standing at the side of the arena or field, watching you ride. You immediately straighten up, sharpen your focus, and ride with greater intention. Especially if that someone is a person who you know is assessing your riding! It’s all part of being human. Most of us will try to do better when we’re observed. And riders are no different :)

    But when riding alone, you might not be as present and aware as you could be…  which you can turn around when you start using video in your riding

    When we’re alone, we can let things slip a little. Especially if we’re not feeling inspired or motivated to do our best. Your posture might ‘droop’ a little! Or your circles drift off into weird egg shapes. Whether or not you’ll ride clean, light, and balanced transitions feels a bit like rolling the dice!

    But here’s the thing: your phone’s camera can offer that same powerful accountability – without the stress of being judged by someone else… 

    All you need is a slight mindset shift. You know, instead of seeing your phone as just ‘your phone… Start thinking of it as ‘Future You’, watching quietly from the sidelines. Every time you glance over, let yourself remember:  “Oh, my trainer’s watching – Hey there Future Me!” Trust me, this simple practice can be enough to begin shifting so many things in your riding .

    Ride like you’re being watched… Because you are. And using video, it’s by your future self!

    My Own Experience

    Just last weekend, I was in the arena playing with my new training partner – my Pivo… And, looking back on the recording was fascinating. While I was ‘riding’, it all looked okay. Obviously, this was when I knew that my trusty little ‘Training Partner’ was following me. I showed up as I wanted. More attention to detail. More thoughtful in what I was doing and how…

    This contrasted DRAMATICALLY with the times when we were playing with the settings and ‘figuring’ it all out… Oh my goodness, how my riding ‘transformed’! I was ‘Slouchy Mac Sloucherson’! It was so uncomfortable to watch!

    But that is the key, right? If we’re only doing ‘all of the things’ half of the time or only on certain occasions when we ride.. Well, it stands to reason that we’re only going to get half of the results, right?! I learned a VERY valuable lesson. Ride how I ‘KNOW’ I should ride – all of the time. Not just when being watched or videoed!

    The key lesson from my Pivo experience? My phone, coupled with Pivo, isn’t just a gadget; it’s a training partner, holding me accountable every single ride with my Future Self.

    If you’d like to have your own little training partner experience, grab my free Ride & Review guided audio & review checklist BY CLICKING HERE  And remember, if you decide to upgrade your setup like I did, use the code DAILYSTRIDES at checkout to get 10% off your own Pivo.

    Confirmation Bias & Riding

    Here’s something that doesn’t land well for most of us; as riders, we often fool ourselves. A lot!  We naturally see what we expect or ‘want’ to see. We seek out what we already believe. Instead of what’s really happening. This is called confirmation bias, and without visual evidence to the contrary, these assumptions become your reality.

    Video is one of the best ways to begin noticing where you’re doing this in your riding… You get to see what’s going on – and what led up to it..

    Many riders will complain about their horse being fussy with the contact. And, true to form, as they ride along, their horse will become a little less than ‘happy’ with the contact.  But when they watch the video back, the truth (which can sometimes sting a bit) becomes crystal clear. Often, it’s not the horse! The horse is simply responding to the rider…!

    Or maybe you ‘know’ your horse loses balance in the canter transition.  But then the video reveals you’re actually throwing yourself a little forward each time. Not the feedback you wanted, but also, brilliant! Now you actually know what to begin working on :)

    Video feedback breaks through this bias, providing clear evidence of what’s really happening. Suddenly, you see the whole picture, identifying the real root causes behind your riding struggles.

    Create a “Progress Bank”…

    So, hopefully you’re feeling game to begin recording more video of yourself when you ride now.  And when you start consistently filming short segments of your rides, you get to begin building a bank. A bank of visual evidence, proof of progress.

    Even if your improvements feel tiny day-to-day, video doesn’t lie. Over time, you’ll see exactly how far you’ve come – especially if you’re using it strategic and you’re honest with yourself.

    Nothing beats the feeling of going back a few months and thinking:  “Wow, my lower leg was so unsteady then! Look at me now!” Or “Look at how consistent the contact is now!” Maybe even the pleasure of watching you and your horse effortlessly step into a balanced and light canter.

    Make this as easy as possible for yourself to do. Focus on short, specific videos of certain things. 5 minutes. Then clearly label each video with the date and what you’re working on. Trust me, future-you will thank present-you!

    Video as a Feedback Loop

    Here’s exactly how you turn video into your best riding buddy (it’s easy, I promise!):

          1. Film: A quick 3-5 minute video of you riding while being focused and intentional
          2. Reflect: Immediately jot down or voice-note how you thought it went
          3. Review: Watch the video when you have time; was your perception accurate?
          4. Act: Pick one thing from the video that you’ll improve next time
          5. Repeat: Keep this loop rolling; it’s a guaranteed path to progress

    Remember, you’re recording or taking the video so that your Future Self can watch it over. It’s for you, not for the world (although you can do that as well if you want!). 

    So, all of this sounds good, but you still feel unsure about exactly what to look for? I’ve got you covered.  I’ve created something special (and totally free) to help you: a. Ride & Review guided audio and printable progress checklist CLICK HERE.  It’s basically me in your ear for 10 minutes, guiding you through a structured ride while your phone films you. Afterward, the simple checklist makes reviewing your video clear and stress-free.

    Making Video Even Easier (and Better!)

    Once you see the undeniable benefits of regular video feedback, you might naturally want to upgrade your setup. A dedicated auto-tracking device like Pivo makes filming easier, providing hands-free tracking and clear, reliable footage every ride.

    Maybe you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but stopping and starting the camera sounds like a giant pain,”… I agree, which is why I HIGHLY recommend investing in a Pivo. 

    It is a no-brainer, brilliant upgrade. A dedicated tracking device that will automatically follow you around the arena as you ride. No hassle, no awkward pauses, and no missing half your ride because you ‘vanished’ into a corner!

    And there is a remote control to hit record or pause as you want :)  It’s just you, your horse, and the Pivo that actually keeps up with the two of you as you work in the arena!

    Thinking about making videoing your rides easier and smoother? If you’re leaning towards getting a Pivo, and you know I’m a huge fan! Make sure to use my special code DAILYSTRIDES at checkout. You’ll instantly get 10% off your order, making it an even easier decision. It’s just my way of helping you get started and thanking you for being part of our community

    Take Action Today…

    The big part of all this is that you have to get out there and do the work! And even if you don’t have your Pivo yet ;) you can still make a plan. Simply starting today with what you already have—your smartphone. Here’s your challenge: Film yourself riding for just two minutes doing something specific. A transition, circle, or even just your trot rhythm.

    Then, watch it back later today and pick just ONE thing you’ll improve next time. Tomorrow, film again. And notice the difference!

    If you do just this one simple thing, I guarantee you’ll have at least one big ‘aha’ moment that immediately makes your riding better. Get out there today and begin creating your ‘progress bank’ of video.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Links to Similar Topics:-

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

    Connect with Lorna online:-

  • Putting Your Riding Under The Spotlight

    Putting Your Riding Under The Spotlight

    ]Scroll down this article to find the guided audio lesson plan that I have created and suggest you use to get you started with this process]

    There are a few disadvantages to riding alone.  One of the biggest is the fact that while you may think and feel like you are doing everything correctly, there is a good chance that in actual fact you’re not!   This is why so many arenas have mirrors around them.  And while many riding centers and equestrian facilities install the mirrors for this exact reason; it can be a pricey solution!

    Today, I present you with a much easier, cheaper solution that you can use whenever you like. A tool that, in the long run, can become invaluable to your riding progress and success.  And, which you can use to help to motivate you when things are going less than well…

    Using Video to Improve Your Riding

    Camera-ready?  Today I want you to video yourself riding your horse while listening to today’s lesson.  This week’s lesson is a basic flatwork plan which you can listen to while you record yourself riding.

    I suggest that the camera is placed where the letter A is situated in the arena (in the center of one of the short sides of your arena).   The lesson plan we use will capture you doing basic movements, from all angles, which gives you a great overall picture of the present skill level you are at.

    How Video Will Help Your Riding

    A quick word for reference here, I have updated this particular blog post in October 2021.  I have testimonials and references from hundreds of riders around the world who have used this process and are seeing the results. 

        1. As you replay the video, play the audio as well to see how you react when different movements are asked
        2. Use this to see first hand if you are perhaps stronger on one side or the other
        3. Creating a permanent record of your progress which you can then compare with newer videos.  This is best applied using the same audio lesson to see how you are improving, or where progress is perhaps slightly stalled, which lets you know what needs more work.

    Things to Keep in Mind

    Just a few pointers to help you to make the most of this exercise in your riding:-

        1. Remember that this video is for your benefit, and you alone…  If you are worried about what others will think, choose a time to ride alone
        2. The time of day and subsequent daylight may result in different conditions on the video.  Remember to account for shadows, dullness, etc. in your review.
        3. The time of day is also just one of the things I encourage you to take note of HERE.  All of these things (and more) will also play a part in this working for you or not

    Another thing to keep in mind with regards to this consistency.  By riding the same movements in the video, week after week or month after month, you get a really clear picture as to what aspects of your riding you need to focus on during your schooling.

    This way you can use your practice sessions in the arena to truly move your riding forward.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Resources To Help Equestrians:-