[Encore] Strides Revisited: Socialising Your Horse to Riding in a Group (Originally Ep #1078)
Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians
Release Date: 10/25/2025
Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians
Life doesn’t always leave space for long, luxurious rides, but that doesn’t mean your riding has to slide backwards. In this episode, Lorna shares a simple, intentional 10-minute riding plan that keeps you connected, consistent, and moving forward with your horse… Even when everything else feels chaotic. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I don’t have time for a proper ride,” this episode will show you how to make the most of the time you do have, and why short, focused riding sessions often create more progress than long, unfocused ones. In This Episode, You’ll Learn…...
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Slowing down in your riding can feel frustrating, especially when you’re eager to move forward or feel like you “should” be doing more. In this episode, I’m answering the most common questions riders sent in after last week’s conversation and showing you how slow, steady work creates real, lasting progress for both you and your horse. We’ll cover: Where to begin when slowing things down (and why groundwork is the missing step for most riders) How to tell the difference between thinking forward and rushing so you know what’s actually improving Why your first attempt at slow work...
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If you’ve ever felt like things in the saddle are either happening at 100km/h with you just hanging on, or your horse feels like the handbrake will not release no matter how you ask... This episode is for you! Today, we’re diving into the uncomfortable truth that keeps so many riders stuck: not being willing to slow down in order to go faster later. We’re stripping everything back to the foundational communication between you and your horse, the mindset of forwardness, and rebuilding from the beginning in a way that actually works. Whether your horse feels like a rocket with a mind of...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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“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...
info_outlineDo You Dream of Relaxed, Happy Group Rides?
Most riders do! The image of cantering across open fields with friends is magical — until reality sets in. Will your horse stay calm? What if someone else’s horse spooks?
This week on The Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians, we’re revisiting how to socialise your horse for riding in a group, and how to prepare both of you for calm, confident trail rides.
Inside the episode, you’ll learn:
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How to choose the right riding companions (horses and riders!)
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Why starting in an enclosed space builds confidence faster
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How to teach your horse to listen to you, not just follow the herd
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The best way to find your horse’s ‘happy place’ in the group
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Why slow and steady rides build the foundation for future adventures
Whether you’re preparing your OTTB for their first hack or getting your young horse ready for trail adventures, these steps will help you both enjoy the experience; without the drama!
Inside Connection: Train with Riders Who Get It
If you’re ready to build confidence and calm both in and out of the arena, you’ll love Connection, the membership that helps you create rhythm and progress in your riding.
Each month inside Connection, you’ll join live virtual group riding lessons where we work through focused themes together. Things like rhythm, balance, and yes, group riding confidence! You’ll get the replays, private podcast access, and real community support to keep your momentum going.
https://stridesforsuccess.com/join
Your Signature Ride Challenge
Want to test your focus and fun?
Join the Signature Ride Challenge; a free, interactive mini-event where riders “write” their name using seat and leg aids alone. It’s a playful way to improve coordination, clarity, and connection with your horse (and there’s a prize up for grabs each quarter!).
https://stridesforsuccess.com/ride
Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching
If your rides are feeling stuck, scattered, or stressful, you don’t need to start over; you just need a plan.
Through Restart & Reschool Private Coaching, we’ll work together 1-to-1 to rebuild your confidence and create a clear, tailored training path for you and your horse. This is ideal for riders bringing a horse back into work or retraining alone.
https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear your experiences with riding in a group; what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what you’re planning next!
Share your thoughts and stories inside The Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Online Community, our free, friendly Facebook group for riders all over the world.
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If this episode helped you, please subscribe, rate, review, and share The Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians. Your support helps me reach more riders who are working alone with their horses and want to make every ride great.