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Developing Steady Hands as You Ride Your Horse

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Release Date: 04/15/2025

Are You Training or Retraining? Why Figuring This Out Changes Everything show art Are You Training or Retraining? Why Figuring This Out Changes Everything

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Ever feel like you’re working so hard in the saddle… but nothing’s changing? In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians, we’re exploring the key difference between training and retraining, and why understanding this shift can unlock your next breakthrough. Whether you're working with an OTTB, returning to riding after a break, or helping your horse transition to a new job or discipline, this concept will help you see the real reason progress feels slow (or stuck). We’ll cover: How to tell if you’re training or retraining (for both you and your horse) Why...

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Sunday Strides: You Can’t Fix What You’re Not Willing to See show art Sunday Strides: You Can’t Fix What You’re Not Willing to See

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

This week’s Sunday Strides starts with a conversation Lorna had with one of her sons, and how that moment perfectly mirrors a challenge so many riders face... Avoiding the parts of the ride that don’t feel good. In this episode, Lorna shares why recognizing what’s “wrong” in your riding isn’t a setback. It’s actually the start of something better. Because the truth is, you can’t fix what you’re not willing to see. Whether it’s a messy transition, an avoided exercise, or a mindset that’s quietly holding you back, progress begins with honest reflection. 🐴 In This...

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[Encore] Strides Revisited: 3 Exercises to Ride While on a Circle with Your Horse  (Originally Ep #1220) show art [Encore] Strides Revisited: 3 Exercises to Ride While on a Circle with Your Horse (Originally Ep #1220)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

The circle: probably the most ridden shape in every arena session... And yet, how often do we actually ride it with intention? In this Strides Revisited episode, we’re breathing fresh energy into the humble circle and showing you how to use it as a powerful tool for improving your horse’s balance, rhythm, and responsiveness. You’ll learn 3 simple yet transformative exercises that you can ride today, no special equipment required. And these exercises will allow you to make more of the circles in your daily riding. “So many riders lose the opportunity to improve both themselves and...

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What Your Videos Can Tell You (That You Won't Feel in the Saddle) show art What Your Videos Can Tell You (That You Won't Feel in the Saddle)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Ever feel like you're doing everything right in the saddle… But your horse is still resistant, crooked, or just not quite “with” you? What if the real issue isn’t your horse, but something you're not seeing in yourself? In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians, we’re taking a fresh look at how video can help uncover the real reason things might feel off during your ride. I’m sharing why so many riders miss critical asymmetries and habits that are actually holding their horses back. And how video can become your most honest, effective riding coach. 🐴 In this...

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[Encore] Strides Revisited: Turn on the Forehand; A Basic to Revisit This Week (Originally Ep #1162) show art [Encore] Strides Revisited: Turn on the Forehand; A Basic to Revisit This Week (Originally Ep #1162)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

In this Strides Revisited episode, we’re revisiting one of those foundational exercises that truly shapes your riding journey: Turn on the Forehand. Whether you’re working on opening gates, introducing collection, or improving your horse’s responsiveness, this simple movement has endless value for every rider at every level. 🔑 Key Highlights: ✅ What turn on the forehand actually is, and why it’s more than just a box-ticking exercise ✅ How thinking forward - even when standing still - builds rhythm, flow, and lightness ✅ Why this movement is one of the easiest ways to...

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Virtual Riding Lessons: How to Set Up & Succeed With Remote Coaching show art Virtual Riding Lessons: How to Set Up & Succeed With Remote Coaching

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Ever wondered how to get the most out of virtual riding lessons? Whether you’re brand new to remote coaching or already working with an instructor online, this episode is your essential roadmap to transforming your virtual sessions from “interesting” to transformational. Join me as I walk you through: ✅ How to set clear, achievable goals for your riding—so you always know where you’re going ✅ Why finding the right instructor (for you) is the game-changer ✅ Proven Pivo tips & tricks to make sure your tech works with you, not against you ✅ How to keep the progress rolling...

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Sunday Strides - Can A.I. Help Your Riding? Or Is It a Shortcut to Avoid! show art Sunday Strides - Can A.I. Help Your Riding? Or Is It a Shortcut to Avoid!

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Right now, it’s tempting to turn to AI for everything, even in the saddle! Ask a question, get an instant answer. But when it comes to training horses and improving your riding, is that really helping you grow? In this episode of Sunday Strides, Lorna shares a straight-talking perspective on how more riders are using AI as a shortcut, and how that shortcut can quietly take you off course. If you’ve found yourself relying on AI-generated plans or “quick fixes” to solve riding problems, this is your reminder: riding isn’t about perfect answers - it’s about awareness, feel, and...

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[Encore] Strides Revisited: Leg Yielding to Refine Your Asking Aids in the Saddle (Originally Ep #1165) show art [Encore] Strides Revisited: Leg Yielding to Refine Your Asking Aids in the Saddle (Originally Ep #1165)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

In this Strides Revisited episode, we’re returning to one of the most powerful mindset shifts in riding - the moment when you stop trying to control your horse's every move… and start asking with clarity instead. This episode takes a fresh look at leg yielding; not just as a lateral movement, but as a powerful training tool to refine how you use your aids and communicate with your horse. Whether you're rebuilding your confidence or looking to sharpen your lateral work, this is where the shift begins. In this episode, you'll learn: Why pushing = resistance - and what to do instead How...

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3 Shortcuts in Your Riding a Pivo Can Help You See & Change show art 3 Shortcuts in Your Riding a Pivo Can Help You See & Change

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Have you ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” in the saddle - yet not really making progress? Chances are, there might be a few riding shortcuts sneaking into your sessions. And if you're training without a regular instructor… those shortcuts can go unnoticed for weeks or even months. That’s where Pivo comes in. In this episode, I'm sharing three of the most common shortcuts riders take—and how using Pivo to film short clips of your rides can help you spot, fix, and finally move past them. Whether you ride alone or just want to get more from your time in the...

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Sunday Strides - Time Travelling Using Video in Your Training show art Sunday Strides - Time Travelling Using Video in Your Training

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Have you ever wished you could fast-forward three rides ahead to see exactly what you’d do differently? In this week’s Sunday Strides, Lorna turns that fantasy into a practical tool: using short video reviews as your “time-travel” coach. Learn how to pause your ride, watch it “from the future,” then hop back in the saddle and apply those insights immediately—so every session becomes a step toward smarter, smoother progress.  🐎 In This Pep Talk You’ll Hear: Why we all crave future-vision when making on-the-fly decisions in the arena How a 60-second video review acts...

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More Episodes

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 HERE

https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1365-steady-hands-as-you-ride-your-horse

 

In This Episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, You’ll Discover:

✅ Why steady hands are essential for clear, kind communication with your horse ✅ How your elbows directly influence your hand stability (and what to do about it!) ✅ Why relying on your hands for balance is causing bigger problems in your riding ✅ Practical off-horse exercises to build core strength and hand stability 

✅ How improving the connection between your seat and hands will transform your riding

 

🎯 3 Actionable Steps to Begin Improving Your Hand Stability Today:

  1. Record Yourself Riding: Use a whip across your fingers or wear white gloves to clearly see exactly what's happening with your hands.

  2. Relax and Adjust Your Elbows: Make sure your elbows are softly bent and draped naturally by your sides - like you’re carrying two cups of tea.

  3. Strengthen Your Core: Incorporate simple core exercises, like planks or balance-ball workouts, to reduce reliance on your hands for balance.

 

🎉 Join the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Online Community

Looking for additional support as you improve your riding? Join me and thousands of other equestrians inside the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Online Community on Facebook.

Ask questions, share your riding breakthroughs, and access free training to help you make consistent progress - especially if you train your horse alone.

👉 Join us here

 

✨ Ready for Structured Audio Lessons for Every Ride?

If you're ready to consistently improve your riding, come join us inside Daily Strides Premium.

You'll get:

  • Structured riding plans delivered as audio horse riding lessons

  • A clear focus for each ride—no more wondering what to work on

  • Support and coaching to keep you progressing

  • Step-by-step guidance, even when riding alone

🎧 Listen, ride, and improve—every day.

👉 Join Daily Strides Premium Here

 

👇 Don’t Miss the Free Training Coming Soon If you're noticing old habits—like unsteady hands—creeping into your riding, it's time to revisit and refine your basics.

🌐 Join the waitlist for my free online training at Returning to Riding

We’ll explore habits holding you back and how to build new ones that support your riding today.

 

💛 Subscribe, Rate & Review

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your podcast app. Your feedback helps more riders discover the show and make every ride great.

💌 Know a rider who struggles with unsteady hands? Share this episode with them!

📌 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: