Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Have you ever felt like if you stopped managing every little detail in the saddle, the whole ride would fall apart? Maybe your horse gets a little quick in trot. Maybe they lose balance, rush, lean, or wobble. And before you know it, you are shortening the reins, squeezing more, holding more, and trying to fix every stride. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. In this episode, we're diving...

A lot of riders think they need a better outline, smoother transitions, or a horse who feels more "together"… But underneath all of that is a deeper question:- Can your horse maintain their own body without you micromanaging every stride? In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians, we're diving into why self-carriage matters so much more than most riders realise, and why it has v...

Letting go is hard. Especially when what you're letting go of feels like who you are. In this episode of Sunday Strides, Lorna explores the idea of mental suppleness as a rider; and why it's just as important as physical suppleness in the saddle. Because sometimes the very thing holding you back isn't your horse, your skill, or your circumstances… It's the identity you're clinging to! Connection M...

Have you ever started working toward something new in your riding where you intially felt excited, motivated, and ready to do the work...  Only to realise halfway through that you might have bitten off more than you can chew?!  If so, welcome to the messy middle! In this episode, we're diving into the phase of growth that most riders experience, but many allow to keep them stuck - and even turn ba...

One Pole = Endless Possibilities. Why do we overcomplicate our riding, when often the biggest breakthroughs come from doing less?! In this episode of Sunday Strides, Lorna challenges you to strip things right back. No fancy setups. No complicated grids. No elaborate plans. Just one pole, placed on the ground, and a willingness to get creative. Back to Basics to Move Forward Inside Connection this...

What happens when you expect the worst in your riding? More often than not, you brace! And when you brace, your horse feels it. In this episode, I'm diving into what bracing when working with your horse really looks like (physically, mentally, and emotionally), why it quietly blocks connection and suppleness, and how it can accidentally teach your horse to anticipate tension before anything has ev...

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 wi...

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 g...

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 foundatio...

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 yo...

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 qu...

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...

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 t...

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 ho...

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...

"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....

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...

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 clari...

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...

Do 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 ride...

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 lesson...

How excited are you to tack up and ride right now... Honestly? This week's episode of Sunday Strides dives into the often-overlooked truth that motivation is fuelled by joy. If you're feeling a little "meh" about your riding, it's probably not your schedule; it's your spark that's missing. After rediscovering excitement by building (very rustic!) jumps at the new farm, I'm reflecting on how tiny c...

Have you ever caught yourself thinking "I'm just not a natural rider" … or "I'll ruin my horse if I try that" ?  If so, you're not alone, and these thoughts might be quietly holding you back in your riding. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, we're tackling four of the most common mindset myths that keep riders stuck in place, and how to break free from them starting today. Whether it's...

Have you ever thought about how the same principles we use to train our horses can apply to us as riders?  Half halts help our horses rebalance before moving forward, but what if you could apply that same idea to your mindset and training process? In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, we'll explore how bringing A.I. into your horse riding can help you pause, reflect, and make more consiste...

You know those little supports that help keep things upright while you find your balance? In riding, we have them too, let's call them 'training wheels' ;). And while they're brilliant for getting started, there comes a time when they're no longer helping… They're holding you back . In this short and powerful episode, Lorna shines a light on the invisible aids and supports riders often lean on for...