Libsyn Directory

Group or Private Lessons; Or Just Stick with Solo Riding?

Release Date: 10/22/2025

Sunday Strides:- The Quiet Power of Simply Being With Your Horse

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Your Energy Begins the Conversation From the moment your horse becomes aware of you, before any halter, tack, or aids, the conversation has already started. In this episode, we explore how your energy sets the tone for the entire interaction. Whether it's calm, chaotic, focused, or distracted, your energy speaks louder than your words or actions. Suggested Reflection: Pause before you approach your horse. Ask yourself: What energy am I bringing into this space? Intentional Stillness as a Training Tool Doing “nothing” might be the most impactful thing you do this week. We often think...

[Encore] Strides Revisited: Riding alone? Are you Making Progress in Your Riding? (Originally Ep #986)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

You’re in the arena. It’s just you and your horse. No trainer. No instructor. Just the two of you - riding alone. This probably wasn’t the plan, yet here you are. And if you’re like most riders, it’s not the riding alone that’s the problem... It’s what tends to creep in when you do: You lose motivation You skip the structure Progress stalls (or feels non-existent!) Boredom shows up You start questioning everything And before you know it, you’re wondering if you’re going backwards This week’s Strides Revisited episode goes back to the heart of riding...

Turning Your Reviews into a Plan when Riding Alone

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Whether you're training your own horse or simply trying to get back into the saddle more consistently, planning when riding alone can feel like a guessing game. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to use your own riding review to create focused, doable 1 to 2 week plans that actually move your riding and training forward. We’ll cover: What to include in your review (and why timing matters) The 3 planning traps most riders fall into (and how to avoid them) How to choose your one priority that will create the most progress Building in practice, progress, and pauses for lasting...

Sunday Strides: Know What's "Normal" for Your Horse

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

How well do you really know your horse? Not just how he feels under saddle, but how he is when you're not riding? This week on Sunday Strides, I’m inviting you to do something simple, but powerful. You're going to spend a few minutes each day checking your horse’s vitals. Why? Because when something feels “off,” knowing what’s normal helps you act fast, give your vet accurate information, and be the advocate your horse needs. No riding required. No lunging. Just you, your horse, and a little extra attention. Here's Your Challenge for the Week: ✅ Take your horse’s temperature...

[Encore] Strides Revisited: Applying the Click Your Fingers Rule to Your Riding (Originally Ep #1085)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Most riders think they’re balanced, until something unexpected happens! This episode brings you back to one simple, brutally honest test: If your horse disappeared beneath you right now, would you land on your feet? That’s the Click-Your-Fingers Rule. It’s the fastest way to check if you’re actually carrying yourself, or letting your horse carry you. This matters because when you rely on your horse for balance, EVERYTHING gets harder. Your transitions are 'less than' great, leg position goes for a ball and the overall communicate between horse and rider breaks down. ...

Why Your Horse Is Hollow and How to Start Fixing It

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Have you ever felt your horse suddenly “drop out” from underneath you? It can feel like his back becomes a little shallow underneath you, his head and neck lift, energy is usually lost... And things become REALLY jarring and disconnected! If so, you've likely experienced your horse becoming hollow. It’s uncomfortable, frustrating, and honestly, it can feel like the whole arse has just fallen out of your ride! In this episode, we’re unpacking: What hollowness really is Why it happens (there are 3 big culprits) How to begin retraining your horse so the back engages again ...

Sunday Strides: It's Okay to Change the Plan Sometimes!

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

“Make the plan… but stay supple in your approach.” In this short and sweet Sunday episode, Lorna shares a real-life moment from the past week where sticking to the plan just wasn’t going to work. What started as a flatwork session in the arena quickly turned into a very different kind of ride; one that ended up being even more impactful. Because sometimes… The plan isn’t wrong. But the timing is. Here’s What You’ll Hear: Why tension can derail even the best-laid training plans How to tell when it’s time to change your session on the fly A simple way to “reset the...

[Encore] Strides Revisited: Dealing with a Horse who Spooks & Spins (Originally Ep #856)

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Few things feel as unsettling as when your horse suddenly whips around and bolts. It can knock your confidence quickly, especially if it becomes a repeated habit. This episode explores why it happens and practical ways to help your horse stay with you mentally and emotionally so you can both relax on your rides again. Key Takeaways Spinning usually starts from fear, not “naughtiness.” Your job is to help your horse feel safe & supported. Clear boundaries and calm leadership matter. If he begins to spin, gently interrupt the pattern and guide him back the way he came. Look...

Why Your Half Halt Isn’t Working

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

If you’ve ever wondered why your half halt isn’t working, you’re not alone. The half halt is one of the most commonly referenced tools in riding, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood! In this episode, we strip away the confusion and break down what the half halt actually is, what it isn’t, how to tell if your half halt worked, and what to do when it doesn’t deliver the rebalancing and clarity you were hoping for. Whether you’re a newer rider or you’ve been in the saddle for years, this conversation will help you simplify your approach and start getting more consistent...

Sunday Strides: Stop Buying and Start Doing the Work!

Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Ever find yourself clicking "add to cart" on another shiny new piece of tack or training tool, hoping this one will fix it all? In this week’s Sunday Strides episode, we’re calling it like it is… What are the last five things you bought for your horse… And are they actually helping you get where you want to go? Lorna’s walking you through a quick Sunday mindset reset that might just challenge how you approach your riding and training this week. Spoiler alert: it's not about gear, it’s about getting back to the basics and using what you already have… Your natural aids. What...

More Episodes

There’s one question I get asked at least once a week, both from riders I coach in person and those I help online. Somehow, I’ve never answered it on the podcast until now!

“Should I have lessons? And if so, what kind; private or group?”

Some riders even ask if they can skip lessons altogether and just ride solo.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of private lessons, group lessons, and going it alone, plus when each one makes the biggest difference in your riding journey.

💡 Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why private lessons are essential for beginners and riders rebuilding confidence
The power of watching lessons and how they fast-track your understanding
When to move into group lessons (and why they can transform your learning)
How “happy hackers” can use a blended approach to keep growing
The hidden danger of riding solo for too long, and how to avoid it
Why the best riders in the world still take lessons

Whether you’re new to riding, finding your way back, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you choose the lesson style that fits you, right now.

🐎 Inside Connection

If you love the idea of learning alongside like-minded riders, Connection is where it all comes together.
Each month, we host live virtual group lessons, where riders from all over the world join in real time. Some ride along; others watch, learn, and take notes. Everyone walks away with fresh insight and renewed motivation.

Join Connection today and start finding your rhythm in the saddle
👉 https://www.stridesforsuccess.com/join

🎯 Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

If you’re craving focused, one-to-one feedback on your riding, with online private lessons tailored to your specific goals, you’ll love Restart & Reschool Private Coaching.
Together, we’ll identify what’s holding you back, create a clear plan, and get you moving forward with confidence.

Learn more here →
👉 https://www.stridesforsuccess.com/rr

💬 Join the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

Continue the conversation inside the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community on Facebook; it’s free!
Share your takeaways, connect with riders from around the world, and get inspired to keep showing up for your horse and your riding goals.

Join us here →
👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyStridesPodcast

🌟 Subscribe, Rate, Review & Share

If this episode helped you rethink how private lessons (or group ones) can work for you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favourite podcast app.
It really helps other riders discover the podcast, and it means the world to me!

And if you know a fellow rider who’s been wondering what type of lessons they should be doing…
➡️ Share this episode with them!

💡 Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🐎 Inside Connection

🎯 Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

💬 Join the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

🌟 Subscribe, Rate, Review & Share

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