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Back to Riding? Improve Your Seat, Hands & Balance on Day 1

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Release Date: 02/26/2025

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...

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So you desperately want to get back in the saddle on the regular again. And you definitely feel excited. But you're also feeling more than a little overwhelmed! The big looming question is "What do I do on that first ride?!" Stop panicking because today, I will guide you through exactly what to do on that first ride... Step by step with your horse. Remember, whether it's been months or years, your body and mind need time to adjust.

For your first few rides back, I want you to focus on increasing your awareness, rather than questioning if you're 'doing it right. Awareness over perfection! 

Today, as we ride together, you will make some small but mighty shifts in how you sit, move, and connect with your horse. These strategic adjustments will make all the difference in rebuilding your confidence and comfort. And they will also help to keep your mind from wandering too much!

So, obviously, this can be listened to while you are riding. But you can also listen before you mount up and then use what you learn to make your first or next ride really count in your journey back to regular riding.

You can read the full article and get all of the links mentioned in the episode over at:- https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1356-back-to-riding-improve-your-seat-hands-balance-on-day-1

 

What’s Next? Choose Your Focus...

Okay, so the first ride is done and dusted. However, now you need to build a little momentum. Choose one of the three following suggestions to work on for your next ride so that you can keep improving and truly make the most of this opportunity to be back in the saddle again.

      1. Learn to Begin Controlling Your Seat – Neutral, Go, and Whoa are all real ways you can influence your horse using your seat. I have an episode on this topic HERE
      2. Applying the Click Your Fingers Rule – Those lines are really important for both keeping you in the saddle and also how well your horse can listen to and understand your aids. I have got an episode on this HERE
      3. Developing Your Riding Fitness – Maybe you felt that you lacked the suppleness to move with your horse... If so, I strongly suggest diving into walking and yoga-based free 21-day Equestrian Fitness Challenge HERE

Finally, I would love to hear from you... Which one of the above exercises felt the most impactful for you in your ride today? Pop over to the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community on Facebook and let me know! I’d love to hear about your experience.

“Progress isn’t about doing everything at once - it’s about improving one small thing at a time.”

And if you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your time with your horse, grab my free 80+ Ideas to Do with Your Horse in 15 Minutes or Less by visiting https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

Everything is neatly divided into categories for you to choose from depending on your vision, intention, or focus for your riding.

Happy Riding
Lorna

 

Online Training to Help Your Riding

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