Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Improving Your Horses Canter with Groundpoles

February 07, 2022 12:24 - 11 minutes - 12.5 MB

The canter and using groundpoles; as the song goes, these are a few of my favorite things! And I especially love how, with a few well-placed and simple groundpoles, the canter can begin to become more intentional, rhythmic, and balanced. The added bonus is that so does the rider… So, that being said, let’s improve the canter for you and your horse… Today, I want to give you a few simple, easy to follow tips so you can begin effectively using groundpoles in your training program with your ho...

Increasing Your Effectiveness as a Rider - For You And Your Horse...

January 31, 2022 12:18 - 12 minutes - 14.2 MB

Hours and hours… This is how long most riders devote each week to developing and training their horse. And yet, many riders fail to realize that they are the ‘cap’ on their horse’s further progress. Eventually, your effectiveness as a rider will determine what your horse can actually do with all the training you devote to him or her… So it makes good sense to spend time each week thinking about, planning and then taking action on your own development. Your own conditioning, training, fitn...

Are You Blocking a Better Trot with Your Seat?

January 24, 2022 18:51 - 16 minutes - 17 MB

Let’s be honest; many riders don’t really long for a ‘better trot’ in their riding. In fact, most are quite happy to simply work with what they already have right now and see the trot as a filler. A part of the ride that gets you from one thing to the next. And trotting, by its very nature, doesn’t really help change this! The rhythm can often have a slightly hypnotic effect on riders. Lulling them into a contented 1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2, regardless of how good the trot is – or isn’t. In this...

Setting Boundaries that Work with Your OTTB / Retired Racehorse

January 17, 2022 22:11 - 11 minutes - 13 MB

It can seem like a strange topic for many OTTB riders and owners. One that, initially, may not seem all that important. And yet, for many OTTBs, the lack of boundaries is the number one frustration. And, it is something that can eventually undermine the whole relationship between horse and rider. Setting boundaries requires that both you and your horse are part of a conversation about what is acceptable and what’s not. And, it is important to consider all aspects of your relationship wi...

4 Things You MUST Re-Train with Your Retired Racehorse OTTB

January 10, 2022 10:47 - 11 minutes - 13 MB

It is easy to forget that, before coming to you, your OTTB has had many different expectations placed on him or her. A lot of their current behavior is a result of this early and consistent conditioning they received while in training on the track. One of the greatest responsibilities we have when working with a retired racehorse is to help them understand that what’s now expected of them has changed. I believe that there are 4 basic principles that you must work with your retired raceho...

Establishing Fowardness in the Trot

January 03, 2022 10:47 - 9 minutes - 10.8 MB

The key to a good quality trot is to remember that your horse must be moving forwards at all times. I call this forwardness in the trot. This is not to be mistaken for running, rushing, or jig-jogging. True forwardness requires that you, the rider and decision-maker, must be thinking forwards throughout your ride… And, in this case, in the trot itself. And yet, forwardness in the trot is often one of those ‘easier said than done’ things – especially when we become stuck trying to improve ...

Planning Your Month to Make Progress in Your Riding

December 27, 2021 10:47 - 14 minutes - 15.6 MB

Planning. I love making plans. They are always so exciting to create, but often fail to deliver the necessary results when we try to act on them. This is usually because we are not planning correctly when it comes to our rides. This is a system you can use to help you plan your months in your riding that will help you move things along… This episode of the Daily Strides Podcast has been plucked from a week of lessons from Daily Strides Premium called “Planning for Progress in Your Riding...

Riding the Same Simple Exercise Through the Different Filters of Position & Influence

December 20, 2021 10:47 - 14 minutes - 15.1 MB

There are hundreds, even thousands, of different exercises we can ride when schooling our horses. Often riders think that they have to get more and more complicated with their exercises in order to make progress in their riding. However, I personally believe that, for the most part, simple works better. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I want to show you how to work on the same exercise, using two different filters This episode of the Daily Strides Podcast has been plucked ...

Warming Up Decisions for You and Your Horse

December 13, 2021 10:47 - 12 minutes - 13.6 MB

How could becoming more intentional and creative with your warming up transform your riding? After all, it is something that you do every time you ride, right?! If you were to do one thing this month that has the potential to ripple into all the months hereafter where your riding is concerned; becoming intentional about your warming up might just be the thing. This episode of the Daily Strides Podcast has been plucked from a week of lessons from Daily Strides Premium called “Increasing Su...

How to Ride a Circle with Your Horse

December 06, 2021 10:47 - 11 minutes - 12.7 MB

Circles; for something that we spend so much time 'doing' with our horses, many riders are more than a little confused when it comes to how to ride a circle. And while the basic 'riding a circle' is fairly simple and most all riders can manage, the issue of riding a well-balanced, good quality, well-maintained, circle is what leaves many riders feeling more than a little stumped. How to ride a circle may seem like one of the easier things to do while on a horse. However, riding a well-shap...

3 Exercises to Ride While on a Circle with Your Horse

November 29, 2021 22:47 - 11 minutes - 12.6 MB

It is probably the most ridden shape for most riders, the trusty circle. And yet, a lot of circles are uninteresting, uninspiring, and (if we're being completely honest here) a total waste of time for you and your horse. When ridden with a little intention and purpose, the trusty circle can become one of the greatest ways to develop your horse and improve your skills. Here are 3 exercises you can ride next time you're in the arena to help you make the most of your circles with you...

7 Circles, 5 Serpentines, 4 figures of eight; on repeat...? What's Your Riding Routine?

November 24, 2021 11:08 - 12 minutes - 13 MB

What does your average ride or training session with your horse look like? Do you have a riding routine that you follow? If yours is leaning towards, or if it already is, a little too predictable; maybe it's time for a change? While riding the same sequence often can sometimes be beneficial to your riding and training (more on that later), for the most part, it will only help habits to creep in. And usually not the greatest of habits. Doing anything the same way, on repeat, almost always...

Downward Transitions; How to Ride Consistently Smooth, Balanced Downward Transitions with Your Horse

November 15, 2021 10:47 - 16 minutes - 17.3 MB

What goes up, must come down. For every upward transition you ride with your horse, you will follow it, at some point, with a downward transition. For many riders, these can prove a little more complex to balance. Having to prepare and then guide both yourself and your horse 'downwards', while continuing to maintain forwardness, tension, and energy... It can feel more like falling into, rather than stepping into, the new gait! However, as with all things riding-related, there are things ...

Riding Smooth & Balanced Upward Transitions with Your Horse

November 08, 2021 10:47 - 12 minutes - 13.6 MB

How well do you ride upward transitions? For many riders, it can feel a little frustrating and ironic how many of them are anything but 'upward' as far as energy and lightness go! In fact, sometimes they can feel quite the opposite, flat. Upward transitions are part and parcel of every single ride you do with your horse. From the 'halt to walk' one immediately after mounting up, to all of the others throughout the ride. The quality of each upward transition you ride will directly impac...

Horse Riding Skills You Must Develop in Order to Successfully Train Your Horse

November 01, 2021 10:47 - 12 minutes - 14.4 MB

Many riders have a desire to school and develop their own horse. Yet, a lot of these riders don't actually know what horse riding skills they need in order to make this a reality. The fact of the matter is that you are always training your horse. Every single interaction. Through your actions, intentional or not, you are always communicating to your horse. Telling him about what is allowed and what is not. What is 'acceptable' and what needs to change. However, if your horse riding ski...

Creating A Warm Up Plan that Gets Results in Your Riding

October 25, 2021 12:27 - 11 minutes - 12.8 MB

What would happen to your riding if you began to put a little more effort and intention into each warm up? Many riders are literally setting a timer for each warm up. 5 minutes of walking, followed by some trotting and maybe a canter or three... Your warm up is a way to set the tone of the whole conversation with your horse. Whether that is a groundwork session, a lunging session, a ride in the arena, or a ride on the trail. By setting an intention and then tweaking your actions based...

3 Exercises to Ride While Out On the Trail to Develop Your Horse

October 18, 2021 14:43 - 14 minutes - 16.2 MB

There is an energy that we experience when we are out on the trail with our horses. It can feel like an added enthusiasm from both horse and rider. And, maybe, blended with the thought of unlimited possibilities. Whatever the reason for it, as riders we can begin to use this energy to develop our horse's training and our own riding skills. Things that were perhaps feeling flat, or sticky when working on them in the arena become more fluid. And points in the session when we were struggli...

No Arena? No Problem... Riding Your Horse in Open Spaces and Still Improving

October 11, 2021 10:55 - 14 minutes - 15.5 MB

Not having a designated space to ride in, like an arena, can often feel like a big disadvantage. If you have been riding in an open field or been confined to roads for any length of time, you'll probably know what I mean! However, while an arena does help with some aspects of riding, having no arena will also force you to think outside of the box. And this literal 'out of the box' thinking when applied to your schooling can often be a big plus when it comes to riding your horse as well... ...

"How Often Do I Need to Ride to Improve My Riding?"

October 04, 2021 09:24 - 15 minutes - 16.8 MB

Do you want to improve your riding skills, and yet finding more time to spend in the saddle feels an impossible task right now. More time in the saddle means an even more 'busy' schedule! Or, perhaps, you're experiencing the other side of this coin; you're riding all of the hours, but you're not actually seeing any improvement? It is important to remember that riding alone won't improve your skills as rider... There are a lot of other factors involved as well. Read More... Free Resour...

How Well Must I Ride to Train My Horse?

September 27, 2021 09:47 - 16 minutes - 17.3 MB

It's a big question, and it's a question that so many riders wonder about. "Can I train my horse, alone?". For many riders, they will answer this question with another one; "An I a 'good enough' rider?". There are millions of riders all over the world, all with different combinations of skills and talents; being a 'good' rider is relative! However, if you want to begin truly working with and training your horse, I feel that there are a few simple questions that you can ask yourself to ...

Collection; Is it For All Riders? And Can You Begin Working on It Today? - The Training Scale

September 20, 2021 11:19 - 13 minutes - 14.4 MB

For many riders, collection can feel like an exotic and luxury destination that they can only dream about visiting. It can feel very much outside the realms of possibility when they consider their riding abilities and their horse's abilities as well. Now, the flip side of this is that there are also a smaller group of riders who feel entitled to go there every day. No preparation, no visa requirements. Just click your heels three times and, voila! Collection. Hmmm... In this case, the col...

Straightness in Both Horse and Rider - The Training Scale

September 16, 2021 09:47 - 12 minutes - 13.1 MB

When I was first starting out as a rider, I thought that straightness was a simple and easy concept. I remember the first time someone told me that one of the hardest things to do on a horse was to ride a straight line. I didn't believe them! However, turns out they might just have been right... Keep in mind that whenever you are working on the lower steps of the scale, you are doing so with an eye on the top steps. And when working on the top steps, you are doing so through the filter...

Creating True Impulsion; Not Just Being Run Away With... The Training Scale

September 13, 2021 09:47 - 11 minutes - 12.8 MB

How do you know if you have actually achieved true impulsion? What makes this 'real' impulsion different from simply running around the arena like the energizer bunny with your horse? What is impulsion? Impulsion is the harnessing of the energy that your horse creates and that is inside of the 'container' that you and your horse create when working together. Working together is an important part of impulsion; it occurs when both horse and rider are working towards a shared outcome. Mak...

Contact; The Start of True Responsibility for Horse and Rider - Training Scale

September 06, 2021 12:11 - 11 minutes - 12.5 MB

Contact and connection; hot topics for many riders. This is often because they can feel quite elusive. There is confusion regarding what needs to happen in order for contact to occur. And, how can you tell if the contact is correct and 'good'? What is Contact? This is a big question because many riders feel a lot of confusion around contact. And this confusion impacts most of their riding and lessons. The numerous different comments, suggestions, ideas, and methods can muddy...

Suppleness; Focus Your Horses Training on More than Simply Bending - The Training Scale

September 03, 2021 09:47 - 11 minutes - 12.6 MB

What if I was to say that suppleness is less about being 'bendy' and more about how energy flows in you and your horse... Would that challenge you a little? Or is this something which, if you think of yoga, makes sense? If you sometimes struggle to maintain that lovely 'loosey gooseyness' in your horse, is it possible that you have been making it more about the bend, and less about the flow? Let's have this conversation... In The Beginning, There Was Relaxation... True relaxation is ...

Have You Developed 'Good' Rhythm with Your Horse? - The Training Scale

September 01, 2021 09:47 - 11 minutes - 12.7 MB

Rhythm is often a funny thing when riding. The reason for this is that rhythm, in the true sense of the word, is any beat that is on repeat... And, most horses tend to have a beat or two that they repeat. This leads many riders to struggle with rhythm. Their question is "if there already is a rhythm, why is it something to work and develop?". And that is a mighty fine question... All rhythm is not made equal when it comes to horses, riding, and a general way of going. As riders, we need...

Putting All the Training Pieces Together for Your Horse - The Training Scale

August 30, 2021 09:47 - 12 minutes - 13.2 MB

It can feel really overwhelming when we begin looking at all the different things you need to include when training your horse, right? All these 'steps' and 'principles' are big pieces of a puzzle in their own right; they also have to work together in order to get the full picture! The training scale is a proven way for you to take these pieces and make them work, regardless of horse, discipline, schooling, or past experience. And yet, if you just read 'training scale' and instantly deci...

1203. When Halt Becomes More than Just Stopping Your Horse

August 23, 2021 09:47 - 12 minutes - 13.8 MB

When does a halt become more than just stopping? When a rider begins to get intentional about it... I would love to help you begin to see the halt in a completely different light when working with your horse. You see, I believe that if you become a little more intentional and focused on this movement that you complete every single day you are with your horse, it truly can begin to change everything for you in your riding... So many riders have fallen into the trap of seeing the halt as bei...

1202 5 Ways to Have Fun with Your Horse This Month

July 05, 2021 09:47 - 11 minutes - 13.2 MB

Fun can mean lots of different things to lots of different riders. And your idea of what is really fun can change as you develop and grow as a rider. I always encourage my riders to be intentional about including fun stuff in their plan or schedule with their horses. So, as you plan out your weekly riding, see where you can include one or two activities that you are including with the simple intention of having fun and enjoying the time with your horse. Now, again, notice how what may h...

1201. Putting One Thing onto Autopilot in Your Riding This Month

June 28, 2021 09:47 - 12 minutes - 13.8 MB

Have you ever wondered how some riders seem to effortlessly connect with their horse when riding? It genuinely seems like they are doing nothing in particular, and there is clearly an ongoing conversation, or magic, happening. The secret to seemingly effortless riding is to begin, one by one putting a basic on autopilot - and then revisiting and upgrading them regularly The basics in riding are all the seemingly small, but vitally important, things that are essential to developing as a ri...

3 Shortcuts You NEED to Stop Taking in Your Riding!

June 21, 2021 10:40 - 15 minutes - 16.7 MB

Instant gratification. It is a very real thing in the world we live in. People see the thing they want and, without doing a whole of anything, expect to have the same thing. Equestrians often suffer from this same issue. Instead of being on a path to better riding, they are guilty of taking shortcuts... And then wonder why, after time goes by, they never really get anywhere. The shortcuts are more like little circles. They feel like they're taking you forward initially, but then you wi...

Timing Your Transition into Canter

June 14, 2021 09:47 - 14 minutes - 15.5 MB

Timing is something we all understand. When it is working for us, it feels good. If it's a little off, things tend to feel rushed or stressed. I think our horses feel the same mixed bag of emotions and tension when the timing is off. In fact, bad timing often is the very thing that causes a 'hop, skip, and jump' into the canter. So, if timing the ask of your canter transitions is so important, why can it often feel so hard?! And why, is it that what some people say is 'easy' to feel, s...

Creating Space for Better Canter Transitions

June 07, 2021 09:47 - 14 minutes - 15.4 MB

A couple of weeks ago, I gave you an audio horse riding lesson on the Daily Strides Podcast. It was all about self-carriage and awareness in your body. A lot of riders reached out and asked for more... So today's episode is focused specifically on creating the space for better canter transitions with your horse. Getting into canter can be a challenge for many riders. Okay, let's get a little more specific; transitioning into a good quality canter is a challenge! This is why I want to ...

Turning Your Horse versus Asking Your Horse to Turn

May 31, 2021 09:47 - 11 minutes - 12.8 MB

It seems pretty simple, navigating a corner or bend with your horse. And yet, for many riders, this becomes a complicated task really quickly. The issue is not the turn or the bend. No, the issue is that they are trying to turn their horse, rather than simply setting things up and allowing their horse to turn. As the rider, you do not bend or turn your horse. You simply set things up and ask your horse to bend or turn... In this episode, I want to dig a little deeper into how you can b...

Here's Exactly What to Do In Your Riding This Week

May 24, 2021 09:47 - 14 minutes - 15.2 MB

What are your plans for your riding this week? Specific plans... Not what you think you will do. Or what you 'might' do if you have time... One of the biggest things that hold riders back, particularly riders who are working alone, is the lack of a plan. And this does not have to be the case. Yes, I get that you're probably not a horse riding instructor or trainer. I also realize that you have no real experience in creating the plan. However, you know you best. And, you also know wha...

Audio Horse Riding Lesson - Noticing When You're Collapsing in the Saddle

May 17, 2021 09:47 - 15 minutes - 16.6 MB

You can feel it when your horse 'hollows', right? And I bet you can also feel it when your horse 'grows a hand' and begins to carry himself. There is either a feeling of contraction or expansion. Okay, so because we agree on that, it makes sense that your horse can probably feel the same thing... Right? And yet, so many riders fail to consider the knock on effects that collapsing in the saddle cause. How, just like when your horse hollows, your collapsing affects the whole ride. When N...

The 3 Undeniable Effects of Bad Posture when You Ride

May 10, 2021 09:47 - 12 minutes - 13.8 MB

Posture. It’s something that many people (equestrians or not) have memories of a parent or teacher correcting them on! And perhaps this is why many riders don’t want to hear about their posture when it comes to their riding. However, no matter what way you approach your riding, or what discipline you choose to work with your horse on, posture counts. I believe that bad posture in the saddle accounts for 3 big ‘sticking points’ for many riders in the saddle. Read More... Let's Work ...

Are you Working on Your Self-Carriage When You Ride?

May 03, 2021 09:47 - 14 minutes - 16.1 MB

Self-carriage is a pretty big topic when it comes to riding and riders in general. And it should be. It is an important aspect when it comes to training moving in the right direction. However - you knew there was a ‘however’ coming, right?! Often we put the cart before the horse when it comes to self-carriage in riding. We focus on the horse's self-carriage - or lack thereof. When, in reality, we should first focus on the rider's ability to correctly carry themselves first. Creating Spac...

How Your Stories are Influencing Your Horse Riding

April 26, 2021 09:47 - 15 minutes - 16.4 MB

Stories are a funny thing. They are usually part of an experience that was very real at some point. However, as a rider, it is important to always update and be aware of your stories. And this requires you to begin actively analyzing what you are saying to yourself on a moment-by-moment basis. Your Stories on Autopilot This sounds relatively easy... However, when we are doing something which we have done often and regularly before, we can become a little complacent. Our actions and our ...

Friend or Foe? Your Lunging Whip when Lunging Your Horse

April 19, 2021 09:47 - 12 minutes - 13.8 MB

Have you been using your lunging whip incorrectly? Have you decided not to use it at all? Your lunging whip is one of the best aids you have to help you clarify your communication when it comes to lunging your horse. However, in order for it to be of benefit, it must be used correctly. And, unfortunately, the lunging whip can often be misused, and often, therefore, misunderstood when it comes to aids in lunging and riding. Lunging Whip; What’s in a Name? For many riders, their resist...

Loose Lunging versus Lunging...

April 12, 2021 20:35 - 13 minutes - 14.8 MB

Do you know that, contrary to popular belief, lunging is not ‘running in circles’? That, when done right, lunging is one of the most beneficial, easy to use, and low barrier to entry tools you can work with your horse to improve your riding. True and good quality lunging improves both horse and rider; and can be used by all horses and riders, regardless of where they are in their riding journey. Yes, it is that good… This is why I feel a little passionate when people confuse loose lunging ...

Working Towards Self Carriage with Your Horse on the Lunge

April 05, 2021 09:47 - 13 minutes - 15.2 MB

Self carriage is something a lot of riders have on their ‘goals’ list for their horse. As though it is something that can be achieved once and ‘ticked off'. Done and dusted. If only… I believe that self carriage is a sign of development and growth in both horse and rider. A start in the sharing of responsibilities that lead to the desired outcome. Each team member realizing that it truly does take a team effort in order to make real and lasting progress. And yet, so often, the rider can ...

6 Questions for When You've Stopped Improving as a Rider

March 29, 2021 10:25 - 14 minutes - 15.4 MB

It is one of the most frustrating experiences as a rider when you notice that you’ve stopped improving. Progress has stalled! You’re doing ‘all the things’ but, seemingly, to no avail whatsoever. This is a commonplace that all riders can find themselves in at some point or another. And the good news is that there are things you can begin doing today that will help you get moving and improving as a rider soon. 6 Questions For When You've Stopped Improving Read More... Connect ...

Fixing Your Position for Less 'Bump' When Horse Riding Over Groundpoles

March 22, 2021 10:47 - 18 minutes - 19.9 MB

It can feel bumpy, right? A little more space than what you’re used to feeling. And, if there are two or more poles, well, it can all get a little unbalanced! For you and your horse. I preach all the time about the benefits of groundpoles when used correctly. And, one of those benefits comes from riders learning what to do when navigating them. Groundpoles are, well, Poles! One of the first issues riders come up against when working over groundpoles is that they treat them like they’re...

How to Use Your Arena Rail to Improve Your Riding

March 15, 2021 10:47 - 13 minutes - 14.8 MB

Have you ever ridden in an open space, a large open space? A space with no boundaries, or fences, or hedges, or any natural 'this is the end of this space' obstacles. It takes a lot more focus to ride accurate shapes and straight lines. We tend to 'wander'... So many of us forget how beneficial an artificial aid the boundary our arena rail creates. Not only does the arena rail or fence mark the 'end' of our riding space, but it also boosts our confidence; "He can't run away, there's nowher...

3 Things You Must Work on to Become a Better Rider

March 08, 2021 10:47 - 11 minutes - 13 MB

You know that feeling when you try something new and you get it right. Maybe your trainer or instructor is with you. Or maybe you just prepared. But, for whatever reason, you got it right. You feel like a better rider. Good feeling, hey? Until the next time you try… Maybe on your own. A couple of days later. Aaaannnnndddd nothing! Whatever it was that allowed you to create the perfect circumstances before is now missing and you’re back to square one. And a thirsty square one, because now ...

Improve the Timing of Your Seat Aids - 3 Ways to Do This Today When You Ride

March 01, 2021 12:40 - 14 minutes - 15.5 MB

Timing... It's an important element of great conversations. You can give all the correct responses, but if the timing is off - they are not as meaningful. And this affects the connection and flow. Horse riding is the same. After all, horse riding is just a word we use to describe the conversation between the rider and the horse. As a rider, it takes time to learn how to move one part of our body while having minimal influence on other parts. Part of improving your ability to do this is...

Feeling and Finding The Correct Diagonal in the Trot

February 15, 2021 16:47 - 16 minutes - 17.5 MB

Landing on the correct diagonal can be hit and miss for many riders. Let’s face it, there’s a chance you’ll get it right 50% of the time! And while most riders are pretty well versed on their diagonals in the trot… It’s ‘feeling’ the diagonal that causes confusion. Trotting has a two-time beat. The 1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2 that you experience and feel when you’re in the saddle. If you do sitting trot, it will result in a sit,sit,sit,sit,sit,sit,sit,sit rhythm. However, most riders can ‘tire’ a ...

Rhythm; Learning to Identify and Develop it in Canter

February 08, 2021 16:47 - 17 minutes - 18.9 MB

It can often sound like a jackhammer... Rrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Instead of the 1,2,3...1,2,3...1,2,3... that the canter should produce when you listen for the rhythm. And once either a horse or a rider has become 'used' to a different way, it can be a real challenge to get things back on track. Or on beat, as the case is when the rhythm is lost in the canter. Some things are taken for granted when we ride horses. Rhythm is very often one of those things. And many riders think that, if there i...

What Are You Willing to Do Differently As a Rider?

February 01, 2021 16:47 - 14 minutes - 34.4 MB application/octet-stream

What has changed for you in your riding? If you are not intentionally making a small (or the odd large) tweak here and there, I’m willing to guess that your answer is ‘Not a whole lot’… Albert Einstein said it and there’s a reason it is repeated by people who try to help others. “Insanity; doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”. But it seems that there are a lot of riders out there who think this doesn’t apply to them. They're riding the same exercises, the s...

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