So you’re back in the saddle. It feels amazing and you love how each ride is jam-packed with learning new things and rediscovering little things you’d forgotten. However, once the initial excitement begins to wear off, you’ll probably start thinking about how to improve your skills. Self-assessment is a skill all riders can practice and improve. And it is essential if you want to improve your riding – and your horse’s overall way of going. The challenge can be knowing what to look for. ...

In order to make your riding comeback a lasting one, you will have to begin spending more time in the saddle than you have been recently. It makes sense, right?!  And yet, while clocking up those minutes and hours in the saddle each week can initially 'seem' to be a win... They are likely working against you and your horse in the long run. This is because when we ride for the sake of just riding (clock-in riding), we tend to become a little too 'lax' about some of the things. The basic...

So you've committed to get back into regular riding again.  And, you're taking it a step further this year by focusing on specific outcomes or goals to work towards in your riding and with your horse. But the 'goal' and the 'first ride back' are MILES apart!  In fact, very often the comeback to riding can feel a little overwhelming for many riders. How can you make those first 4 rides count for you and your horse - while still having fun, and feeling 'able'; especially after a long break from...

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...

So many riders 'say' they want to ride more.  But making it happen is an entirely different matter altogether.  Identifying why you are not riding more is key to overcoming this.  And by 'identifying' I mean going deeper than those initial reasons or excuses that simply scratch the surface.   This is Part 2 of exploring this topic for you and your riding. If you have not already, make sure you go back HERE and listen to Part 1, which is focused more on external factors.  In today's...

Now, if you answer this with 'because we're up to our eyeballs in snow'... Okay, fair enough! However, if you answer this with 'I don't know' or an answer that you, yourself, can quickly tear apart...  This is for you! So many riders 'say' that they want to ride more.  But the difference between the saying and the doing can be a big one.  Which, when you think about how much enjoyment and connection we get from being with our horses, is a terrible pity. In this episode of the Daily...

What happens when the initial novelty of riding your horse begins to wear off? Like it or not, this will happen at some point.  And when it does, one of the best ways to find a 'spark' again, is to become curious.  For many riders, the initially satisfying 'comfort zone' ends up becoming the very thing that sets them off down a path of 'same old, same old' in their riding. What was once the highlight of each day or week, becomes a mundane task or chore that needs to be crossed off a list.   ...

What if things could be more simple for you to upgrade your riding?  So, instead of practicing for hours and hours in the saddle, you could begin doing more simple things that would have an enormous ripple effect.  Quick and easy things, so that you are not left feeling overwhelmed... All of these easy-to-implement tips can be done while you are busy with your existing 'riding routine'... All it will take is some intention and self-awareness from you And while, in the long run, good...

I want to begin by reminding you that you can start this process at any time throughout the year.  The date is not important.  Planning out the upcoming year in your riding will help you to get really clear on what you and your horse are working towards together. I also suggest taking the time to complete a review of the previous 12 months if this applies to you.  This way, you can begin creating a plan that actually works for you and your horse. The previous episode details the process I...

Isn't it strange how, sometimes, when we look back over something 'big' or 'long' - like a year - we only remember 1 or 2 key events or things? And yet, when you truly sit down and begin reviewing your year in the saddle, there is so much more there to be mined! Today, I want to give you a few simple ways you can look back over the past 12 months (or whatever time frame you choose), and see it for all that it was for you and your horse. Reviewing Your Year I have been guilty of 'skipping'...

Right now, more than ever before, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to who we can learn from in our riding and horsemanship training. The internet allows us to follow other equestrians from all walks of life, disciplines, and methods. And, for the most part, it is fantastic! However, the internet can also create the possibility that the equestrians you see daily in your feed while you scroll might not be the best 'fit' for you and your present situation... Because that method or that...

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...

As riders, we know that training a horse involves a delicate balance of communication, trust-building, and physical conditioning. And, over the years, I have become more and more convinced of the power of simple ground pole exercises to help horses and riders. Whether they are 'fancy' poles or just straight-ish poles found in a forest or woods, these unassuming wooden bars can play a pivotal role in enhancing a horse's agility, balance, and overall performance. In this episode of the...

The canter. It is often so wonderful - until it's not! And for this particular listener of the Daily Strides Podcast, the whole experience is being ruined by her knees.  Specifically gripping with her knees in the canter.  This can be a challenge for many riders, so today, I want to address it here in this episode of the podcast. Gripping with My Knees in the Canter This particular rider also shared that, along with gripping with her knees, she is having challenges with keeping her heels...

It's all well and good being able to get into the canter; but what happens if you can't maintain the canter?!  This is the challenge that one of the listeners to the Daily Strides Podcast is having with her horse. And she's not alone!  I received this same question from a few riders. So in this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I want to dive into what riders can do to help them stay in the canter for longer when riding their horses. Why Can't I Maintain the Canter? I do feel that there...

What a great way to describe a horse!  As I read this rider's email and plea for help, I could almost picture what was going on for them when working together. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I answer a listener's question:- My horse is too spicy; please help! I feel that many riders may be struggling with this particular issue, so let's dive into it. My Horse Is Too Spicy In this particular situation, the horse is bucking, a lot! And this is both on the lunge, and while being...

As riders, we all know that falls are part and parcel of the whole riding experience. However, getting back in the saddle after a fall can be a sticking point for many riders. This can be due to fear, a lack of understanding, or just the realization that falls can and will happen! In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I will lay out short actionable steps you can take to get you back in the saddle after a fall from your horse. Why Did You Fall? Understanding why you fell in the...

This is a big question for many riders, especially at certain times of the year when the wind can play a bigger role in your riding and training.  In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I answer the question; "Should I Train My Horse in the Wind?". Should I Train My Horse in the Wind? This is a great question and one that many riders ask themselves.  In this episode of The Daily Strides Podcast, I give you my take on what you can factor into your decision when determining if you should...

I think it's safe to say that all equestrians use artificial aids when working with and communicating with their horses at some point.  And yet, for some reason, many riders see many of these things as being 'bad'.  However, for the most part, this is simply not true; especially if they are used correctly. If you use a saddle, a bridle, a head collar, a leadrope, a stable, an arena, a round pen, etc. etc. etc. when working with or training your horse, you are using artificial aids. And...

If you enjoy jumping with your horse, riding that clear round is all important. Luckily there are a few key areas you can work on in your training that will help you to begin seeing more of them.  Adjusting the length of your horse's strides is just one of those. And it's also a pretty useful exercise for all horses and riders, jumping or not. If you can begin to intentionally help your horse to have either a shorter or a longer stride, it gives you both flexibility and adjustability in...

As riders, we have all heard of the half halt.  Many riders use it regularly to, let's be honest, varying levels of success! And while it can be easy to say that your horse is just not all that responsive, and just leave it at that.  I think a better plan would be to tweak your approach and see if you can maybe get a better result. And then commit to sprinkling half halts all over the arena when working with your horse; groundwork, lunging, and when riding. You might be thinking "half...

Training your horse alone can feel like a big responsibility.  And, let's be honest, for the most part, it is! And if you're anything like what I was like when I first began playing with this (with my saint of a pony), there's a good chance there are a couple of things 'missing' from your 'program'. You see, training a horse is a little like following a recipe.  Change one or two things around and you will get a completely different result! Today, I want to help you identify what might be...

Whether your horse has been on a hiatus due to injury, winter hibernation, or life's seasons, bringing them back into work can feel so exciting.  And yet, it can also feel a little overwhelming for many riders.  In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, we'll explore how you can successfully build your horse's fitness and bring them back to work after a long break.  1. Slow & Steady Wins the Race Now, there is always a temptation to simply 'dive in' and start riding.  Full speed...

Is there a golden rule about how often a horse should be worked? I'm not so sure.  However, when I have riders ask me how many days they should ride, I usually have a pretty standard answer... "It depends". And that is what I want to dive into today.   Helping you to figure out how many days to ride your horse each week. Read the Full Article & Links to Everything Mentioned HERE Seeking Founding Riders… If you are considering training your horse at home or alone (boarding at a barn,...