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.  Being able to identify the root cause of an issue from a symptom of something else. This takes practice ..read more

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 things that lay the foundation for everything else. And when you begin to allow the small things to slid ..read more

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 riding? In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I will lay out a 4 day plan for you to ..read more

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 o ..read more

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 episode, we will dive into more specific internal factors that may be causing you to com ..read more

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 Strides Podcast, we'll delve into five of the more common obstacles that can prevent more time in ..read more

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.   I've spoken before about how I've noticed that for most riders when they are starting out ..read more

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 correct practice coupled with sufficient knowledge and physical ability is what will really see you ma ..read more

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 recommend for doing this :) Read the rest of this article HERE https://stridesforsuccess.co ..read more

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' the whole reviewing process. Thinking about and planning for the 'new' definitely feels more exciting. Set ..read more