loader from loading.io

Getting Back in the Saddle: Overcoming Mental Blocks & Old Identities

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Release Date: 02/11/2025

Sunday Strides – Embracing the Discomfort of Learning show art Sunday Strides – Embracing the Discomfort of Learning

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

This week’s Sunday Strides is a personal one. Lorna reflects on a recent experience that reminded her just how uncomfortable it can feel to learn something new - especially as an adult. Whether it's learning how to use new tech (hello, Pivo 👋) or facing the awkwardness of watching yourself ride on video, there’s something universally vulnerable about being a beginner again. In this episode, you’ll be reminded that growth often feels uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Because real riders aren’t the ones who know it all - they’re the ones who are still willing to learn. 🐴...

info_outline [Encore] Strides Revisited: Position Faults that are Potentially Holding You Back in Your Riding (Originally Ep #1026)) show art [Encore] Strides Revisited: Position Faults that are Potentially Holding You Back in Your Riding (Originally Ep #1026))

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

If you feel like something is “off” in your riding, but you can’t quite put your finger on it, this episode is for you... We're going back to basics and revisiting the key areas of your riding position that may be holding you back. The reality? Even just one small fault in your seat, leg, or upper body can create a domino effect that impacts your entire ride—and your horse’s ability to understand you. This is a foundational episode for every rider. Especially if you're returning to riding, feeling stuck in your progress, or working without an instructor. Get the FULL article and all...

info_outline Finding the 1 Domino in Your Riding that Changes Everything show art Finding the 1 Domino in Your Riding that Changes Everything

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Feeling overwhelmed in the saddle by everything you think you need to fix? Whether you're a novice rider or returning after time out of the saddle, this episode will help you break free from the frustrating cycle of overthinking and overcorrecting. Instead of trying to improve everything at once, what if you focused on just one thing — the first domino that, when shifted, creates a ripple effect throughout the rest of your ride? In this episode, I’m sharing how to identify your own “riding domino,” why mastering the basics isn’t just for beginners, and how one focused ride can do...

info_outline Sunday Strides: Different Seasons, Different Solutions show art Sunday Strides: Different Seasons, Different Solutions

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Have you ever felt frustrated because what used to work in your riding, your training, or even your schedule - suddenly just… doesn’t? You’re not alone. In this episode of Sunday Strides, Lorna shares why it's normal (and even a positive sign!) when old systems stop fitting your current life - and why learning to adapt is the key to lasting progress in your riding journey. Change isn’t a problem - it’s a signal that you’re growing. Whether you're adjusting your training approach for your horse, your own riding schedule, or your life outside the saddle, embracing new strategies can...

info_outline [Encore] Strides Revisited: Are You Blocking a Better Trot with Your Seat (Originally Ep #1228) show art [Encore] Strides Revisited: Are You Blocking a Better Trot with Your Seat (Originally Ep #1228)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

If your horse’s trot feels a little "meh" - and not the light, airy, expressive movement you dream of - you might unknowingly be the one getting in the way... In this encore episode, we're revisiting one of the most powerful conversations you can have with your horse: how your seat can either create space for better movement - or accidentally block it. Many riders think that once they master the basic rising trot, they can move on. But if you want true influence, softness, and connection, you need to dive deeper - starting with how you move with the trot, not against it. In this episode,...

info_outline Rising Trot - Learning How to Post a 'Better' Way & Getting Past the Up Downs show art Rising Trot - Learning How to Post a 'Better' Way & Getting Past the Up Downs

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finally 'getting' the rising trot as a beginner rider… But what if the way you first found success—your trusty “up downs”—is now what’s holding you back? In this episode, we’re exploring how the rising trot evolves far beyond rhythm and balance. I’m breaking down how posting to the trot is actually a tool—one that can either help or hinder your horse’s movement and training, depending on how you’re doing it. Because yes, there’s a better way—and it all starts with YOU. 🎙️ Inside this episode, you’ll learn... ✅...

info_outline Sunday Strides: Regrouping Rather than Throwing in the Towel show art Sunday Strides: Regrouping Rather than Throwing in the Towel

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

This week didn’t go as planned. And if yours didn’t either - you’re not alone. In this episode of Sunday Strides, I’m sharing what I do when life throws everything off course. From illness and exhaustion to just plain overwhelm, we all face moments where our riding plans feel impossible to follow through on. But here’s the key: One bad day doesn’t mean the whole week is a write-off. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is regroup instead of retreat. 🐴 In this Pep Talk You’ll Hear: Why setbacks don’t mean failure How to separate what has to get done from what can wait ...

info_outline [Encore] Strides Revisited: 4 Ways Your Hands May be Wrong While Riding (Originally Ep #1137) show art [Encore] Strides Revisited: 4 Ways Your Hands May be Wrong While Riding (Originally Ep #1137)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Do you ever feel like your hands are sending mixed signals to your horse? If you’ve been trying to improve your contact, connection, or communication in the saddle - but things still feel off - this Strides Revisited episode is for you. Originally aired in February 2025 as Episode 1137, this conversation dives into four of the most common (and sneaky!) ways your hands may be unintentionally causing confusion while you ride. Whether it's fidgeting, flapping, or just plain floating... It’s time to find your ‘Goldilocks’ hands - just right 😉 This episode is especially helpful as many...

info_outline Developing Steady Hands as You Ride Your Horse show art Developing Steady Hands as You Ride Your Horse

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Do your hands seem to have a mind of their own when you're riding? You're not alone—and the good news is, unsteady hands aren't usually the real issue. They're often a symptom of deeper balance, stability, or position problems in your riding. Whether you find yourself constantly shortening your reins or unintentionally using your hands for balance, this episode will help you understand what's actually causing your unsteady hands and how to finally develop steadier, softer communication with your horse. Read the full article on this   In This Episode of the Daily Strides Podcast,...

info_outline Sunday Strides: Just Get On – No More Waiting show art Sunday Strides: Just Get On – No More Waiting

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Welcome to the very first episode of Sunday Strides – the new weekly series from the Daily Strides Podcast designed to get your mindset right before the week begins. These episodes are short (under 5 minutes), unscripted, and packed with the motivation, truth, and tough love you need to get back in the saddle—even when it’s not perfect. In this episode, we’re talking about the trap of waiting for the “perfect time” to ride and why that’s costing you real progress with your horse. Because here’s the truth: You don’t need a perfect plan. You need to just get on. 🐴 What...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

50+ Ideas to do With Your Horse in 15 Minutes or Less HERE

https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

 

Riders stop riding for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes, it's a conscious choice; an injury, a change in circumstances, or a loss of confidence for example. Other times, life simply gets in the way. But whatever the reason, it doesn’t have to define your riding journey going forward.

You're maybe like many other riders, the reason that you've stopped was just a season of life—a temporary chapter, not the whole story. And yet, it’s easy to take that reason and make it mean something about who you are. You, intentionally or not, weave it into your entire identity, convincing yourself that you're no longer a “real rider.”

But here’s the truth: “The reason you stopped riding is just that—a reason, not a definition. It's a chapter that's now ending - not the whole story! 

Getting back in the saddle can feel uncomfortable, even when you want it more than anything. And I'm not just talking about physical discomfort. Often the mental challenges are even more real. This can be because your mind has grown used to its old story. The one where riding is no longer a part of your life. But that story isn’t set in stone. You can rewrite it—starting today...

Read More & Listen to Episode HERE

https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1354-getting-back-in-the-saddle-overcoming-mental-blocks-and-old-identities

 

The Energy Connection Webinar

If you want to go deeper with this for you and your horse, register for my upcoming free live training on how you can use your presence and energy to move both you and your horse from tension to trust.

This is a great, practical training you can use to help you get back in the saddle after a break. I will give you 3 specific exercises you can use the next time you're with your horse to connect with him or her on a deeper level.

You can find all of the details about The Energy Connection Webinar HERE at https://stridesforsuccess.com/energy 

 

50+ Ideas for 15 Minutes or Less

  • Make the most of those small but plentiful chunks of time when you're with your horse or around the yard with this handy, free list of ideas that will inspire you. 
  • https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

 

Online Training to Help Your Riding

 

Connect with Lorna online:-