There is an energy that we experience when we are out on the trail with our horses. It can feel like an added enthusiasm from both horse and rider.  And, maybe, blended with the thought of unlimited possibilities. Whatever the reason for it, as riders we can begin to use this energy to develop our horse's training and our own riding skills.  Things that were perhaps feeling flat, or sticky when working on them in the arena become more fluid.  And points in the session when we were struggling to maintain flow, can be transformed when we work on them while out on the trail. Here are 3 exercises you can try with your horse the next time you're out of the arena and on the trail. Read More... Free Riding Plan One Exercise Multiple Ways Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Groundwork For Riding Join Our Online Communities for Equestrians Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Additional Resources:- When Halt Becomes More than Just Stopping Your Horse Conscious Transitions Between Walk and Trot Creating Space for Better Canter Transitions Turning Your Horse Versus Asking Your Horse to Turn Riding Through a Bend, Your Role in the Saddle Leg Yielding to Refine Your Asking Aids in the Saddle Turn on the Forehand; A Basic to Revisit This Week Simplifying the Shoulder In Riding Haunches In or Travers     

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

3 Exercises to Ride While Out On the Trail to Develop Your Horse

Not having a designated space to ride in, like an arena, can often feel like a big disadvantage.  If you have been riding in an open field or been confined to roads for any length of time, you'll probably know what I mean! However, while an arena does help with some aspects of riding, having no arena will also force you to think outside of the box. And this literal 'out of the box' thinking when applied to your schooling can often be a big plus when it comes to riding your horse as well... Arenas are wonderful to ride in, the surface is prepared for optimal performance, the rails and letters remove any guesswork when it comes to accuracy, shapes, and sizes.  The centre line is exactly that - the centre line of the arena.  X is always at the same place... Having an arena allows you to focus entirely on the actual riding end of things - or does it? While many riders see having no arena as a massive drawback and negative aspect of riding, there are a similar number of riders who will happily tell you the opposite.  In fact, they often chat to anyone who will listen about how their riding improved tenfold once they got out of the arena; whether by choice or necessity. Read More... Free Resource:- One Exercise Multiple Ways Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding (20m x 20m arena) Groundwork for Riding (no arena required) Connection; The Online Membership for Equestrians Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess   Additional Resources:- Schooling on the Trail Stop Wasting and Start Investing Your Time with Your Horse 

No Arena? No Problem... Riding Your Horse in Open Spaces and Still Improving

Do you want to improve your riding skills, and yet finding more time to spend in the saddle feels an impossible task right now.  More time in the saddle means an even more 'busy' schedule! Or, perhaps, you're experiencing the other side of this coin; you're riding all of the hours, but you're not actually seeing any improvement? It is important to remember that riding alone won't improve your skills as rider... There are a lot of other factors involved as well. Read More... Free Resource:- One Exercise Mulitple Ways Planner for Riders Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Connection; the Online Membership for Equestrians  Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess  Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Additional Resources:- Identifying Causes Versus Symptoms in Your Riding Why Progress In Your Riding Can Often Feel Uncomfortable Responsibility is a Two Way Street for Horse & Rider Keeping a Horse Riding Journal How Are You Showing Up for Your Horse? 

"How Often Do I Need to Ride to Improve My Riding?"

It's a big question, and it's a question that so many riders wonder about.  "Can I train my horse, alone?".  For many riders, they will answer this question with another one; "An I a 'good enough' rider?".   There are millions of riders all over the world, all with different combinations of skills and talents; being a 'good' rider is relative! However, if you want to begin truly working with and training your horse, I feel that there are a few simple questions that you can ask yourself to see if you are truly ready or not. Read More... Free Training & Resources:- Finding the Gaps in Your Horses Training 3 Days to Successful Lunging Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess  Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Additional Resources:- The Training Scale for You And Your Horse Training Scale Series; Intro – Putting the Pieces Together for You & Your Horse Training Scale Series; Part 1 – Rhythm Training Scale Series; Part 2 – Suppleness Training Scale Series Part 3 – Contact Training Scale Series Part 4 – Impulsion Training Scale Series Part 5 – Straightness Training Scale Series Part 6 - Collection 

How Well Must I Ride to Train My Horse?

For many riders, collection can feel like an exotic and luxury destination that they can only dream about visiting.  It can feel very much outside the realms of possibility when they consider their riding abilities and their horse's abilities as well. Now, the flip side of this is that there are also a smaller group of riders who feel entitled to go there every day. No preparation, no visa requirements. Just click your heels three times and, voila! Collection. Hmmm... In this case, the collection they're visiting is unlikely to be the real thing; rather a cheap imitation! And finally, we have the riders who visit collection often with their horses.  They have put in the time, invested the effort, and now they can visit regularly for short trips.  For most riders, collection is not somewhere they want to stay forever... Just a place to visit in order to enhance the journey. What is Collection? Read More... Find the Gaps in Your Horses Training - Free Audio Training https://stridesforsuccess.com/free Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding 'Back to School for Your Horse' Special Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess  Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge Additional Resources:- The Training Scale for You And Your Horse Training Scale Series; Intro – Putting the Pieces Together for You & Your Horse Training Scale Series; Part 1 – Rhythm Training Scale Series; Part 2 – Suppleness Training Scale Series Part 3 - Contact Training Scale Series Part 4 - Impulsion Training Scale Series Part 5 - Straightness 

Collection; Is it For All Riders? And Can You Begin Working on It Today? - The Training Scale

When I was first starting out as a rider, I thought that straightness was a simple and easy concept. I remember the first time someone told me that one of the hardest things to do on a horse was to ride a straight line.  I didn't believe them!  However, turns out they might just have been right... Keep in mind that whenever you are working on the lower steps of the scale,  you are doing so with an eye on the top steps. And when working on the top steps, you are doing so through the filters of the lower steps of the scale. What is Straightness? It's a bit of a trick question; the simple answer is 'when I ride a straight line', right?  Well, yes... And part of straightness is definitely being able to ride and work on a straight line.  But what about riding a straight line through a bend? Read More Find the Gaps in Your Horses Training - Free Audio Training https://stridesforsuccess.com/free Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding 'Back to School for Your Horse' Special Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess  Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge Additional Resources:- The Training Scale for You And Your Horse Training Scale Series; Intro – Putting the Pieces Together for You & Your Horse Training Scale Series; Part 1 – Rhythm Training Scale Series; Part 2 – Suppleness Training Scale Series Part 3 - Contact Training Scale Series Part 4 - Impulsion 

Straightness in Both Horse and Rider - The Training Scale

How do you know if you have actually achieved true impulsion? What makes this 'real' impulsion different from simply running around the arena like the energizer bunny with your horse? What is impulsion? Impulsion is the harnessing of the energy that your horse creates and that is inside of the 'container' that you and your horse create when working together.  Working together is an important part of impulsion; it occurs when both horse and rider are working towards a shared outcome. Make sure that you do not confuse impulsion with speed. It actually has nothing to do with speed, it is the energy and the focus.  Like a laser beam!  Read More... Find the Gaps in Your Horses Training - Free Audio Training https://stridesforsuccess.com/free Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding 'Back to School for Your Horse' Special Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess  Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge Additional Resources:- The Training Scale for You And Your Horse Training Scale Series; Intro – Putting the Pieces Together for You & Your Horse Training Scale Series; Part 1 – Rhythm Training Scale Series; Part 2 – Suppleness Training Scale Series Part 3 - Contact 

Creating True Impulsion; Not Just Being Run Away With... The Training Scale

Contact and connection; hot topics for many riders.  This is often because they can feel quite elusive.  There is confusion regarding what needs to happen in order for contact to occur.  And, how can you tell if the contact is correct and 'good'?   What is Contact?   This is a big question because many riders feel a lot of confusion around contact.  And this confusion impacts most of their riding and lessons.  The numerous different comments, suggestions, ideas, and methods can muddy the waters!  “Soften your contact”, “Stop losing the contact”, "Be more consistent with your contact", "Ride into the contact", or “Pick up the contact” are just a few ways contact is discussed in relation to riding.   So, what is contact?   Read More...   Find the Gaps in Your Horse's Training - Free Audio Training https://stridesforsuccess.com/free/ Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess  Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191  Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge Additional Resources:- The Training Scale for You And Your Horse   Training Scale Series; Intro - Putting the Pieces Together for You & Your Horse Training Scale Series; Part 1 - Rhythm Training Scale Series; Part 2 - Suppleness 

Contact; The Start of True Responsibility for Horse and Rider - Training Scale

What if I was to say that suppleness is less about being 'bendy' and more about how energy flows in you and your horse... Would that challenge you a little?  Or is this something which, if you think of yoga, makes sense? If you sometimes struggle to maintain that lovely 'loosey gooseyness' in your horse, is it possible that you have been making it more about the bend, and less about the flow?  Let's have this conversation... In The Beginning, There Was Relaxation... True relaxation is present when the body is able to work exactly as it should at that moment.  This applies to both horse and rider.  The body is without any excess tension, which will 'block' or hold things back.  True suppleness is when the body can move with the energy in a way that is fluid. I think flowing water is one of the easiest ways to imagine suppleness. Imagine water flowing somewhere, it is fluid.  It simply moves, moulds to, and fills up whatever is available for it to flow into. Read More... Free Training - Finding the Gaps in Your Horse's Training https://stridesforsuccess.com/free Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess   Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge Additional Resources:- Turning Your Horse Versus Asking Your Horse to Turn Why Forward is Essential for Contact 

Suppleness; Focus Your Horses Training on More than Simply Bending - The Training Scale

Rhythm is often a funny thing when riding.  The reason for this is that rhythm, in the true sense of the word, is any beat that is on repeat... And, most horses tend to have a beat or two that they repeat.  This leads many riders to struggle with rhythm.  Their question is "if there already is a rhythm, why is it something to work and develop?".  And that is a mighty fine question... All rhythm is not made equal when it comes to horses, riding, and a general way of going. As riders, we need to find the correct rhythm that we want to repeat; and then make that happen regardless of what questions we ask... Read More...   Free Audio Training - Find the Gaps in Your Horses Training https://stridesforsuccess.com/free/ Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess  Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191 Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge Additional Resources:- The Training Scale for You And Your Horse Relaxation; Buiding It Before You Get Into the Saddle Relaxation when Riding a Hot Horse Rhythm; Learning to Identify and Develop it in the Canter 

Have You Developed 'Good' Rhythm with Your Horse? - The Training Scale

It can feel really overwhelming when we begin looking at all the different things you need to include when training your horse, right?  All these 'steps' and 'principles' are big pieces of a puzzle in their own right; they also have to work together in order to get the full picture! The training scale is a proven way for you to take these pieces and make them work, regardless of horse, discipline, schooling, or past experience.  And yet, if you just read 'training scale' and instantly decided that this is not the way for you where training your horse is concerned; hear me out.  It is not just for dressage... The training scale is as beneficial for trail horses as it is for dressage horses.  For showjumpers, to riding school ponies.  It is truly a system that helps all horses really harness their natural abilities and develop them.    Read More... Find the Gaps in Your Horse's Training - Free Training https://stridesforsuccess.com/free/   Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess  Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191  Additional Resources:- The Training Scale for You And Your Horse Relaxation; Buiding It Before You Get Into the Saddle Relaxation when Riding a Hot Horse 

Putting All the Training Pieces Together for Your Horse - The Training Scale

When does a halt become more than just stopping? When a rider begins to get intentional about it...  I would love to help you begin to see the halt in a completely different light when working with your horse. You see, I believe that if you become a little more intentional and focused on this movement that you complete every single day you are with your horse, it truly can begin to change everything for you in your riding... So many riders have fallen into the trap of seeing the halt as being just that; a stop.  It is so much more; it is a movement that, when worked on with your horse, has the power to really move the conversation forward.  This is true whether you are on the ground, perhaps leading to and from the field, or leading your horse to the mounting block.  It is also true if you are doing the real actual, and intentional, groundwork.  And, I am also a little in love with the halt and how it can help your lunging... Both of which set the course for a good quality halt when riding. Read More... Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Returning to Riding Summer Special   Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess    Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191   Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge   Additional Resources:- A Square Halt on the Ground An Engaged Halt Your Half Halt on the Ground with Your Horse 

1204 When Halt Becomes More than Just Stopping Your Horse

Fun can mean lots of different things to lots of different riders.  And your idea of what is really fun can change as you develop and grow as a rider.  I always encourage my riders to be intentional about including fun stuff in their plan or schedule with their horses. So, as you plan out your weekly riding, see where you can include one or two activities that you are including with the simple intention of having fun and enjoying the time with your horse.  Now, again, notice how what may have been fun when you rode horses as a teenager, might not be as much fun anymore. Pay attention to your day-to-day activities with your horse.  Anywhere you notice you are really just 'having fun', go deeper and see where it takes you. Read More... Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Returning to Riding Summer Special   Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess    Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191   Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge   Additional Resources:- 1 .  Groundwork Groundwork; Take a Walk with Your Horse Groundwork for Riding Groundwork; The Bookends to Your Riding 2 . Natural Horsemanship Combining Natural Horsemanship with Your Riding 3 . Grooming Communicate with Your Horse Through Groundwork; Part 1 Touch Stop Wasting and Start Investing Time with Your Horse 4 .  Relaxing together Relaxation; Building it Before You Get into the Saddle with Your Horse Confidence; Building it From the Ground Up 5 . Trails or Hacking Schooling on the Trail Socialising Your Horse to Riding in a Group 

1202 5 Ways to Have Fun with Your Horse This Month

Have you ever wondered how some riders seem to effortlessly connect with their horse when riding?  It genuinely seems like they are doing nothing in particular, and there is clearly an ongoing conversation, or magic, happening. The secret to seemingly effortless riding is to begin, one by one putting a basic on autopilot - and then revisiting and upgrading them regularly The basics in riding are all the seemingly small, but vitally important, things that are essential to developing as a rider.  They are like the foundations. Choosing a 'Basic on Autopilot' This Month I think that there are a few key areas that you can begin looking at putting onto autopilot in your riding.  Now, obviously, each of these topics is pretty sizeable and has many different facets to them; there are no 'quick wins' and 'one solution fit all' here. Following & Allowing with Your Seat Your Position & Posture Your Basic Aids Bending & Turning Trotting (transitions and what you do while trotting) Cantering (transitions and what you do while cantering) If you look at any rider who is having a great, connected conversation with their horse, they are not worrying about any of these things... They are not continuously 'fixing' their position.  Or trying to turn their horse.  They are certainly not still trying to figure out basic trotting and canter. Read More... Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Returning to Riding Summer Special   Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess    Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191   Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge   Additional Resources:- Returning to Riding (Basics on Autopilot) Program Are You Blocking with Your Seat While Riding - Part 1 Following & Allowing in Your Riding 

1201. Putting One Thing onto Autopilot in Your Riding This Month

Instant gratification.  It is a very real thing in the world we live in.  People see the thing they want and, without doing a whole of anything, expect to have the same thing.  Equestrians often suffer from this same issue.  Instead of being on a path to better riding, they are guilty of taking shortcuts... And then wonder why, after time goes by, they never really get anywhere. The shortcuts are more like little circles.  They feel like they're taking you forward initially, but then you will inevitably end up back in the same place all over again.  Following a tried and a trusted path takes time.  Doing the work and putting in the effort also takes time.  And yet, it is the riders who are willing to start slow and then, over time, speed up, that see the results. What Shortcuts in Riding Look Like There are things that take time to develop and strengthen.  Suppleness, straightness, impulsion, contact...  Now, I realize that these are all steps on the training scale, but many shortcuts are based on trying to short circuit the results when it comes to one of the above. The reality is that, when you take a shortcut, you begin crumbling the foundations... I believe that the foundations of all horses and riders are relaxation and rhythm.  Take a shortcut, and look for one or both of the above to disappear.  Excess tension, choppy steps, increase in speed, heaviness, and so many other things are the symptoms of lack of rhythm and relaxation. Commit to doing the work and taking the time when it comes to improving yourself and your horse   Read More... Let's Work Together:- Daily Strides Premium Newsletter Lunging for Riding Returning to Riding Summer Special   Connect with Lorna Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess    Join the Free Private Communities Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191   Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:- Sign up for the free RIDING challenge   Additional Resources:- Turning Your Horse Versus Asking Your Horse to Turn Why Forward is Essential for Contact Assessing On the Bit when Riding True Impulsion Versus Running in Your Riding Developing Your Horses Hind Quarters 

3 Shortcuts You NEED to Stop Taking in Your Riding!

This delivery stream includes current Podcast episodes from the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians. Providing step by step guided instruction on a full range of different topics to do with horse riding and horsemanship. All episodes have a full blog post published at https://StridesForSuccess.com. New episodes are available every Monday. Stop riding endless circles in the arena with your horse by subscribing to the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians today and begin Making Every Ride Great

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Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

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