Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

What happens when the initial novelty of riding your horse begins to wear off? Like it or not, this will happen at some point.  And when it does, one of the best ways to find a 'spark' again, is to become curious.  For many riders, the initially satisfying 'comfort zone' ends up becoming the very thing that sets them off down a path of 'same old, same old' in their riding. What was once the highli...

What if things could be more simple for you to upgrade your riding?  So, instead of practicing for hours and hours in the saddle, you could begin doing more simple things that would have an enormous ripple effect.  Quick and easy things, so that you are not left feeling overwhelmed... All of these easy-to-implement tips can be done while you are busy with your existing 'riding routine'... All it w...

I want to begin by reminding you that you can start this process at any time throughout the year.  The date is not important.  Planning out the upcoming year in your riding will help you to get really clear on what you and your horse are working towards together. I also suggest taking the time to complete a review of the previous 12 months if this applies to you.  This way, you can begin creating...

Isn't it strange how, sometimes, when we look back over something 'big' or 'long' - like a year - we only remember 1 or 2 key events or things? And yet, when you truly sit down and begin reviewing your year in the saddle, there is so much more there to be mined! Today, I want to give you a few simple ways you can look back over the past 12 months (or whatever time frame you choose), and see it for...

Right now, more than ever before, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to who we can learn from in our riding and horsemanship training. The internet allows us to follow other equestrians from all walks of life, disciplines, and methods. And, for the most part, it is fantastic! However, the internet can also create the possibility that the equestrians you see daily in your feed while you scroll...

On the face of it, pairing a young horse and a beginner rider can seem like a great idea.  Both get to learn and grow together.  However, this is not a partnership I would intentionally advise anyone to get into.  When you have both horse and rider in the same boat, lacking knowledge and experience, it can create some 'interesting' detours on the training journey! I received an email from a listen...

As riders, we know that training a horse involves a delicate balance of communication, trust-building, and physical conditioning. And, over the years, I have become more and more convinced of the power of simple ground pole exercises to help horses and riders. Whether they are 'fancy' poles or just straight-ish poles found in a forest or woods, these unassuming wooden bars can play a pivotal role...

The canter. It is often so wonderful - until it's not! And for this particular listener of the Daily Strides Podcast, the whole experience is being ruined by her knees.  Specifically gripping with her knees in the canter.  This can be a challenge for many riders, so today, I want to address it here in this episode of the podcast. Gripping with My Knees in the Canter This particular rider also shar...

It's all well and good being able to get into the canter; but what happens if you can't maintain the canter?!  This is the challenge that one of the listeners to the Daily Strides Podcast is having with her horse. And she's not alone!  I received this same question from a few riders. So in this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I want to dive into what riders can do to help them stay in the ca...

What a great way to describe a horse!  As I read this rider's email and plea for help, I could almost picture what was going on for them when working together. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I answer a listener's question:- My horse is too spicy; please help! I feel that many riders may be struggling with this particular issue, so let's dive into it. My Horse Is Too Spicy In this pa...

As riders, we all know that falls are part and parcel of the whole riding experience. However, getting back in the saddle after a fall can be a sticking point for many riders. This can be due to fear, a lack of understanding, or just the realization that falls can and will happen! In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I will lay out short actionable steps you can take to get you back in th...

This is a big question for many riders, especially at certain times of the year when the wind can play a bigger role in your riding and training.  In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I answer the question; "Should I Train My Horse in the Wind?". Should I Train My Horse in the Wind? This is a great question and one that many riders ask themselves.  In this episode of The Daily Strides Podc...

I think it's safe to say that all equestrians use artificial aids when working with and communicating with their horses at some point.  And yet, for some reason, many riders see many of these things as being 'bad'.  However, for the most part, this is simply not true; especially if they are used correctly. If you use a saddle, a bridle, a head collar, a leadrope, a stable, an arena, a round pen, e...

If you enjoy jumping with your horse, riding that clear round is all important. Luckily there are a few key areas you can work on in your training that will help you to begin seeing more of them.  Adjusting the length of your horse's strides is just one of those. And it's also a pretty useful exercise for all horses and riders, jumping or not. If you can begin to intentionally help your horse to h...

As riders, we have all heard of the half halt.  Many riders use it regularly to, let's be honest, varying levels of success! And while it can be easy to say that your horse is just not all that responsive, and just leave it at that.  I think a better plan would be to tweak your approach and see if you can maybe get a better result. And then commit to sprinkling half halts all over the arena when w...

Training your horse alone can feel like a big responsibility.  And, let's be honest, for the most part, it is! And if you're anything like what I was like when I first began playing with this (with my saint of a pony), there's a good chance there are a couple of things 'missing' from your 'program'. You see, training a horse is a little like following a recipe.  Change one or two things around and...

Whether your horse has been on a hiatus due to injury, winter hibernation, or life's seasons, bringing them back into work can feel so exciting.  And yet, it can also feel a little overwhelming for many riders.  In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, we'll explore how you can successfully build your horse's fitness and bring them back to work after a long break.  1. Slow & Steady Wins the R...

Is there a golden rule about how often a horse should be worked? I'm not so sure.  However, when I have riders ask me how many days they should ride, I usually have a pretty standard answer... "It depends". And that is what I want to dive into today.   Helping you to figure out how many days to ride your horse each week. Read the Full Article & Links to Everything Mentioned HERE Seeking Founding R...

I remember the excitement I felt when I began working with my pony 'alone' at home in the fields when I was younger.  The feeling that anything was possible if I was only willing to put in the consistent effort and work. And the feeling that there was just so much to do and so little time to do it!   My mind was racing with thoughts of ground pole exercises, schooling movements, jumping grids, fit...

Have you ever begun following a recipe and it's all going great, until... You realize that you are missing an ingredient.  And whether it is an absolutely key ingredient or a more 'supporting' ingredient, it matters. Because at the end of the process, what you've made is not exactly what you had in mind when you began... Training your horse at home can sometimes feel like this.  You get a few days...

It's one of those things that, initially, can sound both amazing and terrifying at the same time. Training your own horse. And maybe you have been thinking about undertaking this journey yourself, yet feel a little apprehensive about what's required.  Because let's face it, it can be a daunting goal to set.  Not only do you have to be 'able' to do it.  You also have to commit to following it throu...

Your time or your money; it's an age-old toss-up!  For the most part, most things can be improved, strengthened, corrected, or achieved when we invest either time or money towards it. And, for the most part, you can excel in the progression if you are able to invest both.  And training your horse is no different. And while many will argue that training a horse requires both time and money, for man...

When it comes to being ready for training your horse, you probably fall into one of two categories.  The first one is filled with riders who genuinely believe they can do anything. And that they'll probably be successful.  The second is the riders who really weigh up every pros and cons before making a decision.  And they often second guess themselves or lack confidence in their abilities. This is...

What goes up, must come down; apparently. And this certainly applies to the gaits when you're riding your horse. For many riders, successfully riding the transition into the canter and then staying with the movement in the canter itself is a great achievement. However, the next piece of the puzzle is returning to the trot. For many riders, no matter how good the canter is and how well they can rid...

The challenge is real... And, unfortunately, the momentum is as well! For so many riders, cantering is all well and good until the point where you have to turn! Cantering around corners can be so challenging for many riders for a lot of reasons.  Here are 3 points to focus on to help you maintain your alignment and balance. Read the Full Article HERE   https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1286-sto...