Strides for Success

Tag: wellness

How to Make Horse Riding a Priority Again in Your Life
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If horse riding has fallen down the priorities ladder in your life, you may – like many riders – want to push it back up the list. You know, get it back up somewhere near the top so that you can really feel like it is truly something that defines ‘you’ again…

Unfortunately, making horse riding a priority again can be one of those ‘easier said than done’ things for many lapsed riders. Especially when you consider what your ‘mind’ is telling you!

And, let’s face it, if it is not a real priority, it won’t last. Sure, you might have enough willpower to push through for a week or two, maybe even a month or two. But when the rubber hits the road and resistance begins to show up, you will continue to uphold the true priorities in your life. And everything else will, eventually, fall by the wayside. Which is why it’s important to take the time and do this right.

Do Affirmations Work?

I’m going to be very honest with you and tell you that, in my experience, not very often. And I think the reason for this is because the sentence that is being affirmed is just too big a jump from where that rider is right now in their unique set of circumstances.

For example, if you keep telling yourself “I am a confident equestrian who rides 4 days a week” when, in reality, it’s been 3 years since you’ve sat in a saddle; your mind is NOT going to believe that – no matter how many times you say it!

I think the key when choosing to tell ourselves something different is to first of all notice how it physically feels in our bodies when we say the thing. If your mind thinks that statement is a great big ‘porkie’, your body won’t feel good when you say it. Notice and pay attention to what your body is telling you.

Choosing New Statements That Feel Good

However, if you were to rather say something along the lines of “In the past, horse riding was a very important part of my life, and I am actively working each day to make that a reality again”… That will have a different feeling because it’s not an outright ‘lie’. It is a statement that your mind can get behind. And this is important.

I think that well-structured affirmations are a good way to begin building trust with yourself. Especially when you then follow through and take action on what you are telling yourself!

And this trust is important because if you want to make horse riding a priority again, it is this ‘trust’ that will help you begin to develop other things. Like resistance and perseverance. Because, let’s be completely honest here, it won’t be sunshine and roses every day just because you chose to begin riding again. Life will happen!

Sharing the Journey

From here, I am going to suggest finding another equestrian to share this journey with. Whether or not you already know this person does not matter. What matters is that you both commit to each other to ‘pick up the slack’ when ‘those days’ roll around. You know the ones where the baby didn’t sleep for 3 nights in a row. Or you were given extra responsibilities and a short deadline at work. Maybe even the days when the weather has you seriously reconsidering your whole commitment to regular riding again!

Until you have developed a lot of trust in yourself, you can use the support of someone else to help get you over the days when things are less than ideal.

And this person can help in a lot of ways. It could just be a voice note check-in to say, “yes, I rode today”. Maybe it’s some ‘cheerleader style’ revving you up to do the work. Or a little tough love! This person is also someone who you can share the ups and downs with. Celebrate the good. And review, laugh, or cry about the not so great!

Making Horse Riding A Priority

Remember, your goal here initially is that it is A priority. Not necessarily YOUR priority initially. It is only by building that trust with yourself, feeling and celebrating the good times, becoming excited about what’s to come, and getting out there and actually doing it that horse riding will become a priority for you again.

If you would like some support, accountability, training, guidance, and a roadmap for your back to regular riding journey, make sure that you check out Returning to Riding.

In there, I will become ‘that person’ for you as you begin down the path of regular riding for you and your horse.

Happy Riding
Lorna

Returning to Riding

9 weeks to get your basics onto autopilot so that you can make the transition from passenger to ‘rider’ for you and your horse. We will work together, using easy-to-follow audio horse riding lessons and weekly video reviews to help you transform your riding.

Experience how you will go from feeling ‘floppy’, unbalanced, and lacking confidence in your abilities when in the saddle, to gaining control of your body and aids, practicing clear communication, and actually improving how your horse goes while being ridden.

With 9 weeks of private, 1 to 1 coaching with me over a secure video, voice, and text app, you will have all the support you need – and a proven program you can re-do with your horse time and again to polish both of your skills.

Make sure you check out Returning to Riding today for all of the information.

Get Going Again in Your Riding:-

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February 27, 2024
Recognising When It’s Time to Move On…
What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-
- Recognise some of the red flags that it may be time to make a decision
- See that holding on to something that is not working, is unfair on you & your horse
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Being a team leader for the team that is you and your horse means that, every now and then, you have to step up. Step up and make those types of decisions that are not easy to make. Difficult decisions are part and parcel of life, and one of the most difficult for riders is calling time on their relationship with a particular horse.

In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I chat about how you can more easily recognise when it is time to move on, where your partnership with your horse is concerned.

I think this is an important topic to be addressed, as sometimes riders are ‘shamed’ into remaining with a particular horse long after they should have cut ties.

Many equestrians believe in the ‘forever home’ and, if the circumstances are right, I too believe in this. Our first pony, Holly, was an important part of our family for well over 20 years until she passed away. However, this is just not the case for a lot of riders and this is when a tough decision should at least be considered, if not made.

Sometimes the situation is just not working out, or no longer working out. If this is the case, both you and your horse could benefit from having a different team member to work with going forward.

Here are a few ‘red flags’ that may just indicate this is the case for you with your horse…

The ‘Passion’ and Enjoyment are No Longer There

Horse riding should be enjoyable. Actually, it should be something you are absolutely passionate about. If you think back to when you first began on your journey to becoming a ‘rider’, I can bet that very little stood in your way of getting into the saddle!

There was this excitement present leading up and throughout every single ride. Things like your schedule, the weather and other responsibilities were worked around so that you could make the time to ride.

The more passionate we are about something, the more likely we are to ‘bump’ it up on our list of priorities. Simply put, we make time for the things we love to do.

However, if you find yourself getting into the saddle less and less, that is a definite ‘flag’ regarding how you are feeling about your riding. Horse riding no longer features on the list of your current priorities.

If you are making excuses as to why you can’t ride, do yourself a favour and try to figure out why horse riding is no longer as enjoyable for you – and, possibly, your horse.

You Are No Longer Growing and Developing as a Rider

Maybe you find yourself in the situation where initially, you and your horse were well matched. You were both growing and learning on a daily, weekly, monthly basis. However over time it became obvious that one of you was struggling to ‘keep up’.

When you and your horse become ‘mismatched’, it really does become a challenge for all involved to remain interested in the work being done.

Often a rider will take a horse to as far as the horse can go. Taking the horse further becomes a struggle or challenge for the horse. It requires a monumental effort on the horses part to ‘perform’. Put yourself in the horses shoes here; that cannot be enjoyable on a day in, day out basis!

Being mis-matched is also frustrating for you, the rider. You want to do ‘more’, however you know that it is unfair to keep pushing and asking ‘more’ from your horse…

This can also work the other way, in that the horse can do ‘more’ and the rider either doesn’t want to, or is not able to. In this case, you have to ask yourself is it fair to hold the horse back from reaching his true potential. Especially if the reason you are holding on is a sentimental one…

You and Your Horse Have Different Talents or Interests

We all have different talents. As a rider, you are probably good at specific things. Horses are the same, they often excel at a few specific areas. When we start riding initially, we are generally open to all sorts of disciplines and activities. We ‘test the waters’ with regards to what is possible from the saddle.

However, over time, most riders find themselves focusing more and more on developing their skills in a specific area of riding. They feel more attracted to a specific discipline.

Our horses are the same. They often enjoy doing certain activities more than they do something else. Maybe its going on the trail, or perhaps they prefer to stay in the arena. Maybe they love going cross-country, or they prefer honing their skills in the dressage arena.

Is it fair for either of you to, day in and day out, do something you don’t really enjoy doing? Surely it would be better for all involved to move on, and actually devote your time and attention to doing something you enjoy and are passionate about improving?

If you find yourself here, I feel that making the decision to move on will allow both you and your horse to do what you actually enjoy doing on a daily basis. A win for all involved.

The Decision to Move On Simply Feels Like the Right Thing to Do

This is often the most difficult situation to find yourself in when it comes to making a decision. You might not be quite sure why, but it just feels like the ‘right thing to do.

Imagine if you could take all the other circumstances off the table? How does it feel to just actually make that decision? If it feels like relief or ‘lighter’ – it might just be that it is the right choice.

Things are rarely black and white. How does it feel in your body if you just ‘pretend’ you sold this horse? If it feels good, then I am going to suggest looking into making that a reality for you both.

All Relationships Have Challenges…

The final point I want to leave you with is to keep in mind that, if your relationship with your horse is growing, there will be difficulties. Things will show up. I am in no way suggesting that you sell your horse at the first hint of a challenge!

However, if you have been trying for some time to ‘change’ things. Or you have been merely ‘putting up’ with the situation for any length of time, it may be time to move on.

Keep in mind that if you are feeling this way, there is a good possibility your horse is feeling a similar way.

If we truly have our horses best interests at heart, sometimes making the uncomfortable and difficult decision to move on, is really the best decision for all involved.

Happy Riding

Lorna

Other Posts and Episodes that Relate to This Topic:-
- Equestrian Fitness Challenge
- FREE Equestrian Fitness Challenge Sign Up Form
- Smoothing Out the Ups and Downs in Your Riding
January 22, 2019
Positively Influencing Other Equestrians this Christmas & New Year
What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-
- Spread some positive energy around your equestrian network
- Identify small and easy to do yet meaningful ideas you can use
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It’s Christmas…! In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I want to give you some quick and simple ideas that will help you spread Christmas cheer now in your equestrian network. I am also hoping that you will carry some of these ideas forward and put them into practice in the new year as well.

In past years, I have created and hosted a “12 Days of Christmas Equestrian Challenge” leading up to the big day itself… The ideas today come directly from that.

1. Write a Thank You card or a Letter to someone

I actually would love if you can take a pen to paper on this one. My hope is that you will write a letter to someone who had a big influence in you actually reading or listening to this right now. The person who introduced you to horses, or who inspired you to make them part of your life.

It could be the person who drove you to and from the barn all those days. Perhaps it is the person who gifted you with a subscription to a horsey magazine. The person who funded or paid for your lessons or equipment. This could be the person who actually thought you how to ride…

Tell that person what a positive impact their actions have had on your life… Send it by post if you can; everyone always loves getting a lovely ‘Thank You’ card in the post :)

2. Lending a Helping Hand

We all know someone who is ‘in the thick of it’ when it comes to the day-to-day duties that our horses require. I am going to suggest that at some point over the Christmas period that you volunteer your services to help that person have a little break or rest.

Keep in mind that a lot of these types of people don’t trust anyone to do it like they do it (I speak from experience here…!), so they might prefer some ‘help’ to get finished up faster, rather than you substituting and doing it for them

Just offering your services and time will allow that person to have more time with their loved ones over this Christmas period as well.

3. Support a Local Animal Welfare or Charity

It seems like a pretty obvious one, but I have found that volunteering is often something we tend to think of everyone else doing – without actually getting around to doing it ourselves! Not a great situation when a lot of people are thinking alike!

If you cannot volunteer your time, perhaps you can make a monetary donation to an animal welfare or charity instead.

Bonus:- A Shout Out on Your Social Media Channels

You can go a step further by giving your chosen charity a quick mention on your social media accounts. This will perhaps inspire some of your friends and family to follow your lead and donate time or money as well.

4. Paying it Forward

At some point in your life, someone introduced you to horses and nurtured your love of them. Imagine being that for someone else. Being the person who is instrumental in a little (or not so little) person meeting and falling in love with horses for the first time.

Think of someone who otherwise might never get that opportunity. Watching someones face light up when the horse acknowledges their presence is magical.

It is also worthwhile to note that I think the horses seem to understand what is going on. Choose a horse that will be a great ambassador for all the horses of the world and help the ‘meeting’ be a great one.

5. Say Thank You to Someone Doing a Great Job Online…

As equestrians, we all have our horsey blogs and social media accounts that we follow. These may not be ‘educational’ riders. Often it is simply riders who are allowing us to join them on their journey with their horses.

Give them a shout out and tell them how much you enjoy their content and their story. If they do have a blog or podcast, write a review and tell them and others that what they are doing is great and appreciated.

6. Make A Resolution that will Positively Impact Someone other than You…

Thinking ahead to the new year, I would love if you can commit to a resolution that will benefit someone other than yourself. Perhaps a regular donation to a charity. Volunteering one Saturday morning a month for a couple of hours at the local animal welfare. You could also help the above mentioned person ‘in the thick of it’ by offering one Saturday morning a month so they can take it off.

There are many ways you can help out by giving of your time or your money. Not only will you be helping someone else, you will also reap the positive feelings and benefits that occur when we help others. It is truly a win – win :)

7. A Shout Out to the Brand or Equestrian that Inspires You?

This could be a clothing brand, a saddler, a brand of feed. Alternatively it could be an equestrian or someone involved with equestrians that you feel is doing great work in the world.

Send them a message on social media and tell them how they are inspiring you. You can also give them a shout out on social media so others can find them

8. What Local Equestrian Business is Doing a Great Job? Tell them & Others

This can be an equestrian business, an equestrian or a equine professional or someone working within the equine industry. This could be the local riding school, your farrier, your vet, the local feed store… There are so many different local businesses we interact with in the day-to-day of keeping horses.

Give them a shout out online and take five minutes to write them a review so others can see just how great they are. They will know that you think they are doing a great job and you will be helping them to grow their business :)

Happy Christmas & wishing you a great 2019

Lorna
December 24, 2018
Gratitude Practice for Equestrians

Gratitude; it is something we hear a lot about around this time of the year. Studies have shown over and over again that being mindful of the things you are grateful for has numerous benefits. Practiced gratitude develops a more resilient and positive mindset. It also has actual physical benefits; of course both of which are a huge advantage in the saddle.

I want this post to be a ‘take-action’ post… As you read through really try to focus and feel the gratitude you have for that particular situation in your life. Don’t hold yourself back with just one memory or idea on each point – let your mind run wild.

Are you ready? Super – let’s begin…

Feel gratitude for the fact that you are living in a country where you can freely go to the barn, tack up and go out for a ride.

Feel gratitude for the past year and all the experiences you had throughout it. Pluck out five highlights; five experiences that positively shaped you and your riding in a way that benefited both you and your horse.

Feel gratitude for those less than perfect experiences where you learned valuable lessons that helped you make small changes to how you do things. What did you learn?

Feel gratitude for the simple fact that you have an actual horse to go visit, whether it be your own horse or a horse you lease, ride or snuggle over a fence.

Feel gratitude for the person or people who nurtured your love of horses. Their actions led to you being an equestrian. They invested resources, whether that be time or money, into you and your passion, which has shaped the person you are today.

Feel gratitude for the people in our less than perfect world who are trying to make a difference in the lives of horses who have no-one else to help them.

Feel gratitude for those hard learned lessons. The ones that challenged you and pushed you. The ones that were not easy, but in learning them, made all the difference.

Feel gratitude that your horse actually allows you to interact and communicate with him in a positive way. Sometimes we forget how ‘unnatural’ it really is for our horses to forge tight bonds with us humans; prey and predator enjoying each other’s company and working together towards a single goal. Amazing.

Feel gratitude for the other equestrians who inspire you to continuously find ways to improve your communication with your horse. Gratitude for these people will help you to become more clear on the ‘type’ of rider you are working towards becoming.

Feel gratitude that whether you ride, groom, walk beside, stand in the stable with, spend time sitting in the field with, work in the arena – the list is endless – you are able to communicate with your horse what you want.

Couple that with the fact that your horse can then communicate back to you whether or not they agree or understand. Amazing.

Feel gratitude for the fact that, over time, those communications and interactions become so finely tuned that it feels like you are an extension of each other. You can feel when they are ‘off’ and they can feel when you are ‘off’.

How, based on those feelings, we can act accordingly and help to turn the situation around.

And even more amazing still, our horse can do the same for us.

Finally, feel a sense of gratitude for what is coming. The experiences and relationships that have yet to happen. The coming year will be filled with moments that will help make you a happier and more positive person. Give thanks today for all the adventures your future self will experience.

You are an equestrian.

I know that there is a special relationship, or three, that you feel a huge amount of gratitude for. Today I urge you to, just for a few moments, look beyond what you ‘want’ to happen and sit in the comfort and gratitude of what you already have.

Happy Riding

Lorna

November 28, 2017