Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Episodes page 4 of 6

1. Stop Leaning to the Outside Round Corners when Cantering

   29 May 2023 · 12 min · Episode 1286

   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…

2. Start Rolling & Stop Bouncing in the Canter

   22 May 2023 · 13 min · Episode 1285

   One of the fun things about canter is the 'moment of suspension'. Except when this 'moment' applies to the rider, not just the horse! Yes, there is a moment when the horse will be 'off' the ground; suspended in midair.…

3. Creating a More Responsive Transition into the Canter

   15 May 2023 · 13 min · Episode 1284

   Getting into the canter can be a challenge! For so many riders the transition into the canter can be a truly bumpy, hair-raising, rushed, and flat experience. There is none of the upward, poised, clean, and intentional…

4. What's Stopping You Getting Back in the Saddle After a Break?

   8 May 2023 · 13 min · Episode 1283

   What stops riders from getting back in the saddle after a break? Returning to riding. I mean, if it was as easy as simply mounting up, everyone would do it, right? And yet, everyone doesn't. In fact, so many riders sit…

5. Identifying Why You're Struggling as a Rider

   1 May 2023 · 12 min · Episode 1282

   Horse riding is essentially about how we can communicate with our horses – while riding our horses. However, as riders, in order to be effective we need to first master some basic coordination. And therein lies the…

6. Weaning Yourself from the Arena Markers

   10 Apr 2023 · 8:32 · Episode 1281

   Arena markers are a great tool when working on improving specific things in our riding. Whether it be rhythm and stride length. Or shapes of movements and shapes... Using strategically placed markers can really improve…

7. Smoother Downward Transitions

   3 Apr 2023 · 13 min · Episode 1280

   There is a tendency for riders to 'hold' a little too much during the downward transitions. And while the half halt is essential to the preparation and transition itself... Too much can lead to a very 'stuck' feeling…

8. I Don't Have Enough Time to Ride…

   27 Mar 2023 · 19 min · Episode 1279

   A few months ago, I really felt the burden of guilt on my soul… And during that time, my 'whine' was fairly constant; "I don't have time to ride!' Now, it is not lost on me the fact that I created all of this guilt…

9. Horse Riding as a Parent – How to Make It Work

   20 Mar 2023 · 17 min · Episode 1278

   Can I tell you something funny? Years ago, before I had children, I was one of 'those' people. You know the ones that say "when I have children, I will have them at the stables with me all the time because nothing will…

10. Tipping Forward while Transitioning into the Canter

    13 Mar 2023 · 18 min · Episode 1277

    Have you ever fallen into the trap of trying to actually get your horse to canter? It's a sneaky one that hides in plain sight. And it is an exhausting one as well. The good news is that you're not alone! Over the…

11. Declutter Your Riding and Watch What Happens…

    6 Mar 2023 · 15 min · Episode 1276

    I bet that you still remember the day you made your first 'big' equestrian-related purchase. Whether that was a helmet, a saddle, a horse, or a property, it's a special time for all riders. And of course, all of the…

12. Developing More Patience as a Rider

    27 Feb 2023 · 24 min · Episode 1275

    A lack of patience is something that many riders feel shame about. I was one of those riders for many years, so I know full well how it feels. The initial frustration, the following swift judgment or potential…

13. Building Confidence When Riding a Nervous Horse

    20 Feb 2023 · 17 min · Episode 1274

    Riding a nervous horse is one thing… Feeling less than confident about your own abilities while on your horse is quite another. Imagine it, up there, on your horse. He is beginning to get a little 'jumpy'. Let's be…

14. Using Transitions to Improve Your Posture

    13 Feb 2023 · 12 min · Episode 1273

    For many riders, posture is something that they rarely think a whole lot about. It's a basic that you 'set and forget'. Meaning, you figure out what it is and how it feels, and then you are diligent in putting it onto…

15. How to Secure a Swinging Lower Leg

    6 Feb 2023 · 12 min · Episode 1272

    What is it about a swinging lower leg that makes it so annoying for riders, horses, and trainers the world over?! I mean, everyone has their specific 'riding issues' and deals with them accordingly. And yet, a swinging…

16. Simple Tips to Improve Your Hands & 'Fixes' for Those Habits…

    30 Jan 2023 · 13 min · Episode 1271

    Your hands are an aid in your riding. So understanding why the way you hold your reins and how to judge the height of your hands when riding is important. And realizing how much your hand aids are impacting and…

17. Fear and Horse Riding

    23 Jan 2023 · 16 min · Episode 1270

    Has fear or lack of confidence ever held you back in your riding? If so, you will know how debilitating this can be. Sometimes it's caused by a past experience. Or it can be created when we think of all the things that…

18. Today's Riding Plan for You and Your Horse...

    16 Jan 2023 · 20 min · Episode 1269

    "So, what are you planning on doing today?". It's a question I ask at least 5 or 6 times a week to different riders. And, let's be honest here, so often the answer is not all that great! "I'm not sure. We'll see when…

19. What is 'Doing It' for You and Your Horse This Year?

    9 Jan 2023 · 12 min · Episode 1268

    It's always the same. The same sentences are being spoken and written about the same things. And I've been thinking about why it is this way. Why do most riders make the same 'resolutions' year in and year out? Rather…

20. Making the Most of Time with Your Horse

    5 Dec 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1267

    There are certain times of the year when circumstances mean you can find yourself with either more or less time with your horse. December, August, and April are just a few that pop into my mind. Some riders find they…

21. Safely Including Jumping in Your Horse's Training

    28 Nov 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1266

    Whether you enjoy jumping or not, the fact of the matter remains... When approached correctly and consistently, jumping can significantly benefit horses and riders in a long-term training program even if there is no…

22. 3 Mistakes when Purchasing an Online Horse Program...

    21 Nov 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1265

    There are times each year when special offers are just an inevitable part of life. Right now is one of those times; I can only imagine how, right now, your inbox is full, full, full, with all of the things! And some of…

23. 3 Lunging Exercises to Train Your Horse

    14 Nov 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1264

    As a rider, it is important to always look for ways to keep your schooling work interesting; for you and your horse. One of the ways you can do this is by working on different lunging exercises. And they don't have to…

24. Using Lunging to Help Your Horse Build Responsibility

    8 Nov 2022 · 20 min · Episode 1263

    As both a rider and trainer of your horse, one of your responsibilities is to help your horse build responsibility. In order for riders and their horses to take their training further, both sides of the team need to…

25. 3 Groundwork Exercises to Train Your Horse

    31 Oct 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1262

    Just last week, I noticed a rider literally dragging their horse from the stables towards the arena. The rider was about a meter in front of the horse's head. Her face was red with effort! And her horse was literally…

26. Stop Trying to Control Your Horse!

    24 Oct 2022 · 19 min · Episode 1261

    For years, I was all about control when it came to horses. I wanted to understand how to control them better, and how I could help riders do this… Until, one day, I realized I was working under a false pretense! You…

27. Training Your Horse without a Horse Arena or Flat Riding Space

    17 Oct 2022 · 15 min · Episode 1260

    Whether it comes down to circumstances, weather, or location, finding yourself without a flat, good-quality, horse arena to train in, can often derail everything. It can feel like every single exercise you see or hear…

28. Groundwork for Horses and Rhythm in Training

    10 Oct 2022 · 15 min · Episode 1259

    Rhythm is genuinely one of those things that can seem so simple on the surface. And, don't get me wrong, rhythm is a fairly simple concept. However, when we begin applying it to horses and riding, it is truly…

29. 3 Keys To More Consistent Contact

    4 Oct 2022 · 18 min · Episode 1258

    Contact can often look effortless for some horses and riders. And yet, for many other riders, consistent contact can seem like an enigma. Any efforts at consistency tend to lead to heaviness. Or a complete lack of any…

30. Introducing the Canter to Walk Transition

    26 Sep 2022 · 18 min · Episode 1257

    So you are a place in your canter where you want to begin to do a little 'more'. After a quick 'google' of all the different exercises, you see a canter to walk pop up a few times. Canter to walk?! Without a…

31. Step Up Your Riding with the Walk to Canter Transition

    20 Sep 2022 · 14 min · Episode 1256

    This transition is a personal favorite of mine. To ride and to help other riders as well. I really do believe that the walk to canter transition can help you and your horse to connect more to each other. It can help…

32. Could Poor Posture be Ruining Your Transitions to Canter?

    12 Sep 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1255

    The transition into canter is one that always gives us opportunities to develop and improve as riders. And it can do the same for our horses as well. And yet, for many riders, improvement is frustratingly slow! The…

33. Create More Success When Training Your Horse Alone

    5 Sep 2022 · 17 min · Episode 1254

    Are all the months starting to look and feel the same for you and your horse? Especially if you have been training your horse alone! Have you been experiencing a case of 'same ride again' on repeat, over and over…

34. Getting into Canter on Your Easygoing or Lazy Horse

    29 Aug 2022 · 19 min · Episode 1253

    Getting into canter on an easygoing or lazy horse can be exhausting! And while we do love our laidback equines… Can we all be honest in admitting how, sometimes, just a little more enthusiasm would change everything?…

35. When Your Horse 'Runs' From Trot into the Canter

    22 Aug 2022 · 16 min · Episode 1252

    Riding, just like life, is about enjoying the journey rather than just the destination. However, when you're transitioning from the trot into the canter - and your horse seems determined to show you just how fast he…

36. Setting Up Each Ride as a Stepping Stone in Your Training

    15 Aug 2022 · 14 min · Episode 1251

    Every time you interact with your horse, there is the possibility of improving your communication and understanding. However, planning and intention must be present for each ride to be an actual stepping stone. Having…

37. Becoming More Balanced without Stirrups

    8 Aug 2022 · 15 min · Episode 1250

    There is a point in every rider's journey where balance becomes less about staying on and more about increasing overall effectiveness. However, in order to positively influence the horse, the rider needs to begin…

38. How Your Horses Talents Can Help Develop His Weaker Points

    1 Aug 2022 · 12 min · Episode 1249

    We all have talents. Things that seem to come naturally to us and that we excel at. Your horse is the same. And, in my experience, when we approach training our horses with the idea that we are helping them develop…

39. How Flexion Can Transform Your Riding & Training with Your Horse

    25 Jul 2022 · 12 min · Episode 1248

    I find it a little mind-boggling how, the longer we spend developing ourselves as riders, the more we need to unlearn. Especially when it comes to those first one or two initial horse riding lessons! Using your hands…

40. The Best Question to Ask Yourself when You're in the Saddle…

    18 Jul 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1247

    Have you noticed how, for many people, the longer they spend in the saddle, the less curious they become about a lot of things 'riding related'? Now, other riders are the exact opposite, they want to go deeper and…

41. Improve Your Riding Skills Today With This Simple Exercise…

    11 Jul 2022 · 12 min · Episode 1246

    Can changing one thing really help you to improve your riding? I think so, and the great news is that regardless of how well you ride, you can begin to implement this the very next time you're in the saddle. This…

42. Train Your Horse in Twenty Minutes or Less

    4 Jul 2022 · 12 min · Episode 1245

    Time, or the lack thereof, is often the number one thing that keeps riders from training their own horses. And while time is an essential part of the puzzle in order to develop and grow your horse successfully, often…

43. Improving Working Contact While Out Hacking

    27 Jun 2022 · 16 min · Episode 1244

    I am all for intentional, relaxing hacks with your horse. And I also think that it's worth remembering that not all hacks have to be for 'doing nothing'. In fact, there are some things that may actually happen more…

44. Strategically Using Your Time when Training or Retraining Your Horse

    20 Jun 2022 · 14 min · Episode 1243

    Why is it that, as equestrians, we often want to immediately have what we see others with? And I'm not just talking about saddles, boots, and gloves… But the actual 'horse', exercises, movements, training, and level of…

45. 5 Reasons You're Stuck when Training or Retraining Your Horse

    13 Jun 2022 · 16 min · Episode 1242

    It can be frustrating when you know exactly what you want to achieve when training or retraining your horse, but it seems to be taking 'forever'! It seems that no matter how much you explain your horse, he's not…

46. Out on the Trail; Harnessing the Different Energy

    6 Jun 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1241

    Anyone who has ridden in an arena for a prolonged period knows how different the energy feels when they finally get out on the trail. What may have been feeling a little flat and, even, deflated, suddenly comes back to…

47. Establishing Flow in the Space Between Jumps

    30 May 2022 · 11 min · Episode 1240

    Jumping is one of those things most riders love or hate. In my experience, their personal preferences depend on how well they can use the space between jumps. If every jumping track feels like a tug of war from start…

48. Why Improving Your Accuracy Will Improve Your Engagement in Your Riding

    23 May 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1239

    Accuracy can seem like a dull and boring concept when riding horses. Sure, if you are going to compete in dressage or show jumping, accuracy can become really important. But what about if you are simply a rider,…

49. How to Become a Better Rider in 90 Days

    20 May 2022 · 18 min · Episode 1238

    It's probably safe to assume that you want to improve as a rider, right? That, if becoming a better rider in 90 days was guaranteed, you'd probably follow the plan and do the work? Well, the good news is that,…

50. Cantering on the Lunge? Here's How to Make it Work…

    19 May 2022 · 13 min · Episode 1237

    Here's a confession; for years I used to think of cantering while on the lunge as just something I did to 'finish the session'. It was like something that I could check off a list. There was no intention behind it…